The Big Lead

ESPN announces major shakeup to NBA Finals broadcast team, Doris Burke out

ESPN has announced a major shakeup to its NBA Finals broadcast team, which has demoted Doris Burke for next season.

By Tyler Reed

ESPN analysts Doc Rivers, Doris Burke, and play-by-play announcer Mike Breen during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers.
ESPN analysts Doc Rivers, Doris Burke, and play-by-play announcer Mike Breen during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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The NBA on ABC/ESPN has decided to make a seismic move to its NBA Finals broadcast team for this upcoming season.

Andrew Marchand of The Athletic is reporting the network will be demoting Doris Burke and promoting Tim Legler for NBA Finals coverage.

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"Legler will pair with longtime lead play-by-player Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson on The Finals. Jefferson recently agreed to a new contract with ESPN after working his first Finals in June. Burke was on the Finals’ team for two years, becoming the first woman in history to be an analyst on one of the traditional four major American sports," writes Marchand.

Television broadcaster Doris Burke before the game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center.
Television broadcaster Doris Burke before the game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center. / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

It doesn't feel that long ago that Burke was beloved by the NBA audience for her coverage of the game. Now, everyone hates everything, and the NBA Finals broadcast crew got a lot of hate this season.

Burke's demotion is unfortunate; however, Legler has been one of the best NBA insiders on the network and has been grossly underused for years.

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For now, the rest of the NBA Finals broadcast team will stay the same. Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson will join Legler on the call. According to Marchand, Burke's contract will be up at the end of next season. Don't be surprised to see a move after this demotion.

TV personalities Doris Burke and Mike Breen on the court before game three of the 2025 NBA Finals.
TV personalities Doris Burke and Mike Breen on the court before game three of the 2025 NBA Finals. / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

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