Doris Burke demoted at ESPN: What’s next for the broadcaster

ESPN commentator Doris Burke looks on before game two of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

ESPN has confirmed a major shake-up in its NBA Finals broadcast lineup, moving Hall of Fame broadcaster Doris Burke off the network’s top team and replacing her with longtime commentator Tim Legler. The decision ends Burke’s historic run as the first woman to serve as an analyst for a major U.S. sports championship broadcast.

Tim Legler Elevated to Top Broadcast Team

Legler, who has been with ESPN for 25 years, will now work alongside Mike Breen, the veteran play-by-play voice of the NBA Finals, and former NBA champion Richard Jefferson. Jefferson recently re-signed with ESPN after his first Finals assignment in June, drawing interest from rival networks like Amazon Prime Video.

Legler has been a favorite of ESPN executive vice president Mike McQuade, who oversees all event production. His career resurgence began with regular appearances on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt, where McQuade also played a key role.

Burke Signs Extension but Moves to No. 2 Team

While demoted from the NBA Finals booth, Burke has signed a multi-year contract extension with ESPN. She will remain an integral part of the network’s coverage on its No. 2 broadcast team, paired with play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch.

Despite strong public support, including Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle publicly praising her before the NBA Finals and Jefferson wearing a T-shirt reading “My Favorite Broadcaster is Doris Burke”, network executives ultimately stood by the decision.

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Inside ESPN’s Decision-Making

The choice to promote Legler over Burke was ultimately made by McQuade, not by ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro or president Burke Magnus, who could have intervened. Legler’s extensive basketball background, a decade-long NBA playing career with six teams, averaging 7.0 points per game while shooting 43.1% from three, added credibility to his elevation.

Burke, meanwhile, remains a trailblazer in sports media, having called games for ESPN since 1991 and earning the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

Broadcast Turbulence Since 2023

This latest move reflects the ongoing instability in ESPN’s NBA Finals coverage. In 2023, the network parted ways with longtime analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, partly due to cost-cutting and concerns about their interest in returning to coaching.

Burke was then promoted to the top team alongside Doc Rivers, but Rivers left midseason to coach the Milwaukee Bucks. ESPN tapped JJ Redick as his replacement, only for Redick to depart after the 2024 Finals to coach the Los Angeles Lakers.

With Legler now in the lead analyst chair, ESPN aims to stabilize its NBA Finals booth heading into the 2025–26 season.

What This Means for ESPN’s NBA Coverage

Burke’s reassignment represents a reshuffling rather than a removal. Her continued presence on high-profile broadcasts ensures her influence remains strong, even if she won’t be heard during the NBA’s biggest stage.

For ESPN, the promotion of Legler, alongside Breen and Jefferson, signals a new era for its Finals coverage, with the hope of delivering consistency after years of changes.