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ESPN Announcer Responds To Doris Burke Rumors

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Before the 2025 NBA Finals even started, ESPN announcer Doris Burke found herself at the center of some unpleasant rumors.

Burke has been covering the NBA for several years. During the 2024 NBA Finals, she became the first woman to serve as a TV analyst for any major American men’s sports championship event. Although plenty of fans have enjoyed her analysis in the booth, there's a chance she could be replaced for the 2025-26 season.

According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, ESPN is "evaluating" its broadcast trio of Doris Burke, Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson. They're currently covering their first NBA Finals together.

Breen will definitely return to ESPN for next season. As of now, Marchand can't say the same thing for Burke.

"Burke’s spot is not guaranteed for next season, according to sources familiar with ESPN’s preliminary plans," Marchand wrote. "While Breen, the Basketball Hall of Famer under a long-term deal, is not going anywhere, ESPN will evaluate its entire roster."

Prior to the Women's College World Series on Friday night, ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson made an appearance on the SEC Network pregame show. The former NBA star made a statement with his outfit.

Jefferson wore a shirt that said, "My Favorite Broadcaster is Doris Burke."

The timing of that decision wasn't a coincidence. Jefferson was definitely responding to the report from The Athletic.

If ESPN chooses to get rid of Burke, it's possible the network will replace her with Tim Legler.

"Some top decision-makers like Legler a lot, and he could become a Finals option, according to sources briefed on the network decision-makers’ thinking," Marchand said.

Do you think ESPN should keep Burke in the booth?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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