ESPN Demotes Doris Burke, Promotes Tim Legler to NBA Finals Team

ESPN has demoted Hall of Fame analyst Doris Burke from its top NBA Finals broadcasting team and promoted longtime commentator Tim Legler to join Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson for the upcoming Finals. Burke, who made history as the first woman to serve as an analyst for the NBA Finals and other major North American sports championships, will remain with ESPN but is expected to move to the No. 2 NBA broadcasting booth. The decision follows years of experimentation with ESPN's NBA Finals broadcast teams after the departure of Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson in 2023, and reflects a desire for a permanent and cohesive commentary lineup. Legler, a former NBA player and network analyst since 2000, will be working on ESPN's No. 1 team for the first time, bringing his extensive basketball knowledge to the lead booth. Despite public support for Burke, including from figures like Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, ESPN executives decided to proceed with the change as the new 11-year NBA media rights deal begins. This marks the fourth different NBA Finals broadcast team for ESPN in as many years, highlighting ongoing shifts in the network's NBA coverage strategy.