Burke discusses being first woman analyst for men's pro title game

Doris Burke. Kris Craig / USA TODAY NETWORK

Doris Burke discusses being the first woman analyst for a men's pro title game

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Jun 6, 2024 7:18 PM ET

On Thursday, Doris Burke of ESPN/ABC will call Game 1 of the NBA Finals, becoming the first woman to be the head television analyst for a men's professional championship game.

Before the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics hit the hardwood, Burke discussed the weight of her historic achievement. Unsurprisingly, she responded thoughtfully, turning the focus back to the game.

"Well, I'm trying to ignore the weight for now, if there is in fact any," Burke told the NBA. "One of the things I've done my entire career is just sort of think, 'What's my next game, and how do I best prepare for it?' And if I keep it in that context, it helps me to relax and just enjoy what's in front of me — Good lord willing, I'm able to do that tonight."

Doris Burke will make history when the NBA Finals tip off pic.twitter.com/4Q2iDLNIBE
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 6, 2024

Burke's broadcasting career spans over 30 years, but she's served as a sideline reporter and analyst for ESPN since 1991, covering the WNBA, men's college basketball and the NBA Finals.

Ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season, ESPN made her a permanent member of their No. 1 NBA commentary team.

Throughout the decades, Burke has revolutionized a role dominated by men for, well, ever and inspired countless women to follow in her footsteps. And she's done so by delivering reliable information and sharp insights, all with a confident, humble demeanor.

Burke has admitted that she'll probably be "incredibly nervous" ahead of Thursday's Game 1 tip-off. But only because she views the opportunity as more of a responsibility to deliver for fans at home and do the players on the court justice.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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