Amanda Knapp
ESPN's broadcasting team for the NBA games for the 2024-25 season includes Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth, and Richard Jefferson. The team of announcers for ESPN is set to rotate between games, with the starting team mentioned above.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 23rd consecutive year in 2024-25 season |
| Announcers | Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth, and Richard Jefferson |
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Mike Breen
Breen joined NBC in 1998 as a backup play-by-play announcer and remained in that role until the end of the network's NBA coverage in 2002. During his time at NBC, he also called WNBA games, including the 1999 WNBA Finals when New York Liberty guard Teresa Weatherspoon made a half-court shot to win the game at the buzzer. In 2003, Breen joined ESPN's NBA team, bringing with him 12 seasons of NBA play-by-play experience. He became the lead broadcaster for the NBA on ABC in 2006, replacing Al Michaels.
Breen is known for his iconic "BANG!" call, which originated from his time as a fan at Fordham University. He would shout "BANG!" when a player made a big shot, and he later incorporated it into his commentary, receiving an immediate positive reaction from viewers. His "BANG!" call has become a trademark, and he has used it to highlight some of the most memorable moments in NBA history.
Breen's accomplishments in sports broadcasting have been recognized with several prestigious awards. He received the "Vin Scully Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting" from his alma mater, Fordham University, in 2022. In 2020, he was awarded the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Curt Gowdy Media Award, and in 2021, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. In 1998, the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association named him "Broadcaster of the Year" in his native state of New York.
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Doris Burke
Burke's career in basketball began as a player. She played as a point guard at Manasquan High School and was recruited by several eastern colleges. She played college basketball for the Providence Friars, finishing her career as the school's leader in assists. During her freshman year, she led the Big East Conference in assists, and she averaged 17.2 points and 7.2 assists per game over her college career. She was twice named to the All-Big East and Big East all-tournament teams, in 1986 and 1987, and in the latter year, she was also named Co-Female Athlete of the Year and an All-American.
After graduating with a bachelor's degree in health service administration and social work, and later a master's in education, Burke began her broadcasting career in 1990 as an analyst for women's games on radio for her alma mater. She quickly progressed to television, working on Big East women's games and then men's games from 1996. In 2013, Burke signed a multi-year contract extension to serve as an NBA commentator for ESPN, and she made her debut on the network's NBA pre-game show, NBA Countdown. In 2017, she became a regular NBA game analyst for ESPN, breaking new ground as the first woman at the national level to be assigned a full regular-season role. Burke's achievements were recognized when she was selected to enter the Basketball Hall of Fame as the 2018 Curt Gowdy Media Award winner. In 2023, ESPN named her to their No.1 NBA commentary team, and the following year, she became the first woman to serve as a game analyst on television for a championship final (the 2024 NBA Finals) in one of the four major North American professional men's sports leagues.
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Cassidy Hubbarth
Hubbarth is a die-hard Chicago Bulls fan and the youngest of three children. She has been a prominent figure in sports broadcasting for over a decade, providing in-depth analysis and insights for various ESPN programs. Her versatility as a host and anchor has made her a valuable asset to the network, as she seamlessly transitions between different sports and show formats.
One of Hubbarth's notable contributions to ESPN is her involvement with NBA coverage. She has hosted NBA-focused shows like "NBA Tonight" and the "NBA Today" podcast, offering fans in-depth analysis, interviews, and the latest news from the world of basketball. Her passion for the game and her ability to engage with audiences have made her a well-respected figure in the world of NBA media.
In addition to her work in basketball, Hubbarth has also made her mark in college football. As a studio anchor and host for ESPN's college football coverage, she has been at the forefront of bringing the excitement and intensity of the sport to viewers across the country. Her role extends beyond the studio, as she is often on the ground, providing live coverage and interviews from the biggest college football games and events.
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Richard Jefferson
During his time with the Nets, Jefferson established himself as a versatile and talented player, showcasing his defensive skills and all-around ability. In 2004, he signed a six-year, $78 million contract extension with the team. However, in the 2004-05 season, Jefferson suffered a ruptured ligament in his left wrist, causing him to miss a significant number of games. Despite this setback, he returned to action for the playoffs and continued to perform at a high level in the following seasons.
In 2008, Jefferson was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, and later played for the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Denver Nuggets. He won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016 and a bronze medal with the United States national team in the 2004 Summer Olympics. Jefferson retired from the NBA in 2018 and became a basketball analyst for ESPN in 2019.
Throughout his career, Jefferson was known for his defensive prowess and versatility on the court. He was a key contributor to the success of multiple teams and established himself as one of the NBA's most well-rounded players. His post-playing career as a basketball analyst allows him to provide insights and commentary on the game, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with audiences.
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Rotating announcers
For the 2024-25 season, ESPN is broadcasting NBA games for the 23rd consecutive year. The announcers will rotate between games and include Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth, and Richard Jefferson, at least to start the season. The team of announcers is subject to change, with some mixing and matching throughout the season.
Mike Breen is a well-known American sportscaster who has been the lead play-by-play announcer for the NBA on ABC since 2006. He has also worked as a play-by-play announcer for New York Knicks games on the MSG Network and has called New York Yankees games on the radio. Breen has won several awards for his broadcasting, including the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Play-by-Play Announcer.
Doris Burke is a prominent American sports announcer and analyst who has worked for ESPN since 1991. She has covered a range of sports, including college basketball, NBA, and WNBA games. Burke was the first female analyst to call a New York Knicks game on radio and television. She has also been recognized for her work, receiving the Silver Anniversary Award from the NCAA in 2017.
Cassidy Hubbarth is another experienced broadcaster, having joined ESPN in 2013. She currently hosts "NBA Today" on ESPN and has previously anchored "SportsCenter," "NBA Tonight," and "The Jump." Hubbarth has also served as a sideline reporter for ESPN's coverage of the NBA Summer League and WNBA games.
Richard Jefferson is a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for 17 seasons. He joined the ESPN team as an analyst in 2019 and has since worked on various shows, including "The Jump" and "NBA Countdown." Jefferson provides insightful analysis and commentary, drawing from his extensive playing career.
The rotating announcer format allows for flexibility and variety in ESPN's broadcasts, ensuring that viewers enjoy a diverse range of commentary styles and expertise throughout the season.
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Frequently asked questions
As of the 2024-25 season, ESPN's announcers for the NBA are Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth, and Richard Jefferson.
ESPN's announcers for the 2024-25 season are Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth, and Richard Jefferson. This is ESPN's 23rd consecutive year broadcasting NBA games.
Yes, the announcers are subject to change throughout the season. ESPN's entire lineup of broadcasters includes play-by-play announcers, analysts, and sideline reporters.
