Richard Jefferson, Doris Burke and Mike Breen comprised ESPN’s top NBA crew in 2024-25. (Image: David Sherman, NBAE via Getty Images)
Richard Jefferson has reportedly inked a new deal with ESPN, while fellow commentator Doris Burke’s future with the network hangs in the balance.
In recent times, ESPN has shifted its broadcast strategy, favoring content from former athletes. Notable figures such as Pat McAfee, Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins are regular features on various sports shows, with Jefferson and Perkins often appearing on NBA broadcasts.
Jefferson, a former NBA champion, is set to remain a fixture on TV screens after reportedly signing a deal to continue his broadcasting partnership with Mike Breen. The duo is expected to continue their coverage of NBA Finals, despite ongoing changes in the broadcast team.
While Jefferson will be joining Breen throughout the season, Burke’s future at the network remains uncertain, according to The Athletic. The publication reported that Burke’s position on the top team is not guaranteed, leading to increased speculation.
Should ESPN decide to demote Burke, they may consider doing away with a three-person broadcast team and instead focus on a two-person setup. This comes as the network continues to rotate its cast since discontinuing the trio of Breen, Mark Jackson, and Jeff Van Gundy.
Both Richard Jefferson (L) and Mike Breen (R) are expected to remain with ESPN while Doris Burke’s (C) status remains unclear (Image: Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
The network dismissed Jackson and Van Gundy in 2023, with Doc Rivers and JJ Redick stepping in alongside Burke and Breen at various times over the past two years. Following their departures to coach the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, respectively, the network ultimately chose Jefferson, Burke, and Breen as their broadcasting team.
Currently, questions remain about how ESPN will handle the 60 year old broadcaster and her uncertain future with the company. While she finds herself in a challenging position, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle explained why he believes the iconic sports commentator deserves her role.
Prior to Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Carlisle addressed reporters about the significance of having someone like Burke calling the games, particularly for young fans discovering basketball.
“It was so sad to see these reports leaked really unnecessarily before such a celebrated event,” he stated, referring to Burke’s situation. “Doris is a great example of putting herself out there.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with all that stuff, but I just want to say thank you to Doris for the example that she has put forth for young women like my daughter and all these people who are changing the game.
“She has changed the game, and that’s the reason that she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame a couple years ago. So I just wanna say that in support of her.”
Despite Carlisle’s support, Burke’s future is still uncertain as ESPN decides its strategy for the upcoming seasons and who will be the network’s main commentator.
It’s worth noting that fans on social media have been vocal about their opinions on the 60 year old, with some offering valid criticisms, while others make derogatory comments, belittling Burke simply because she is a woman in a predominantly male field.
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