ESPN Demotes Doris Burke From NBA Finals, Signs Multi-Year Extension

ESPN has demoted Doris Burke from its No. 1 NBA Finals broadcast team and promoted longtime commentator Tim Legler to her position, ending Burke's historic two-year run as the first woman to call the NBA Finals on television. Burke will continue with ESPN on the No. 2 team alongside Dave Pasch and is expected to remain a prominent analyst during the regular season and playoffs, having recently signed a multi-year contract extension. The decision, reportedly made by ESPN executive vice president Mike McQuade without veto from chairman Jimmy Pitaro or president Burke Magnus, follows mixed fan reactions and internal discussions about Burke's fit on a three-person versus two-person broadcast team. Several colleagues, including Richard Jefferson and Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, publicly supported Burke amid the changes. Legler will join Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson on the lead broadcast team, both of whom have recently extended their contracts. Despite the demotion, Burke’s legacy as a trailblazer in sports broadcasting remains significant, with over 35 years at ESPN and numerous NBA Finals assignments.