ESPN Is Shaking Up Its NBA Finals Broadcasting Team
According to a new report from The Athletic, ABC and ESPN are shaking up their NBA Finals broadcast booth, with Tim Legler set to replace Hall of Famer Doris Burke.
In 2024, Burke made history when she became the first woman to call a major sports championship game. Last year, she was paired with play-by-play man Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson.
Photo: AARP
Legler, meanwhile, has been a constant presence on ESPN for decades, primarily working as an NBA analyst.
The Change Has Been Rumoured For Months
The shakeup in the ESPN booth comes as ESPN is in the midst of negotiations with Burke, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
Photo: ABC
When reports first circulated that Burke could be demoted, Indian Pacers Rick Carlisle publicly supported her. Additionally, Jefferson was seen in Oklahoma City wearing a shirt that read “My Favorite Broadcaster is Doris Burke.”
According to The Athletic, the decision to change the NBA Finals booth came from executive vice president Mike McQuade, who has long been a champion of Legler.
Photo: Awful Announcing
Both ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro and network president Burke Magnus refused ot veto the move.
Changes
Since ESPN fired Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson in 2023, their NBA broadcasting booth has been in a state of flux. Over the past two years, Doc Rivers, JJ Redick, and now Burke have all cycled through the booth.
Oakland, CA – December 25, 2015 – Oracle Arena: Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen prior to the 2015 NBA Christmas Day game
(Photo by Peter DaSilva / ESPN Images)
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