ESPN Elevates Tim Legler to NBA Finals Booth, Reassigns Doris Burke
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ESPN has reshuffled its top NBA broadcast team, promoting analyst Tim Legler and removing Doris Burke from the network’s No. 1 crew after two seasons, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand.
Legler will join play-by-play announcer Mike Breen and analyst Richard Jefferson for the 2024-25 season, placing him on the call for the NBA Finals. Jefferson, who signed a contract extension in June, retains his spot after speculation he might also be moved.
Burke remains in contract negotiations and could land on ESPN’s secondary broadcast team for the 2025-26 campaign, the report said.
Longtime ESPN Voice Earns Promotion
A former 10-year NBA guard renowned for his outside shooting, Legler has worked at ESPN for 25 years and began calling games regularly only two seasons ago. The new assignment puts him on the network’s highest-profile stage.
Continuing Search for On-Air Chemistry
The change is the latest in ESPN’s effort to recapture the chemistry once held by the former Jeff Van Gundy–Mark Jackson–Mike Breen trio. Burke’s tenure generated mixed reviews, including criticism from Oklahoma City Thunder fans during this year’s playoffs. Jefferson publicly supported her in May by wearing a T-shirt that featured her image during a broadcast.
The network’s lead booth now consists of Breen, Jefferson and Legler, while ESPN continues to refine its coverage strategy heading into next season.
Source: Hoops Wire
