Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Richard Jefferson Staying Put At ESPN, But Doris Burke’s Status Unclear

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 1:34 PM ET

Richard Jefferson will be back on ESPN and ABC next season after reaching an agreement to do so. That’s per Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, who says Jefferson is expected to remain on the network’s top NBA broadcast team alongside play-by-play staple Mike Breen.

As for Doris Burke, her seat on that A-team is anything but guaranteed. Marchand notes that Burke’s future on the top crew remains “up in the air.”

Jefferson reportedly drew interest from Amazon before deciding to stick with ESPN. Had he bolted, the network might’ve had even more shuffling to do. As it stands now, if Burke is replaced, Marchand reports Tim Legler is the current favorite to slide into her seat.

There’s also a chance ESPN just goes with a two-person booth. That wouldn’t be new territory, and might be the direction they prefer with Breen’s voice still carrying most of the weight.

“Next season, ESPN will have 20 fewer games during the regular season, making it easier for the network to lean on its two top teams,” Marchand wrote. “Breen, Dave Pasch, Ryan Ruocco and Mark Jones will be the lead play-by-play announcers, while Jefferson, Burke, Legler and Jay Bilas have been the top analysts.”