ESPN Announces All-Black Staff for Feb. 5 NBA Broadcast

ESPN is set to feature an all-Black production team for its NBA broadcast on February 5 as part of its 'Black History Always' initiative, which aims to highlight Black stories and talent. The broadcast will include play-by-play announcer Mark Jones, analyst Richard Jefferson, and reporter Lisa Salters, alongside NBA studio programming hosted by Malika Andrews with contributions from notable analysts. The initiative is designed not only to showcase Black talent but also to inspire young people pursuing careers in sports broadcasting, with students from Clark Atlanta University invited to tour the production mobile unit. Over 40 Black employees will participate in the coverage, emphasizing ESPN's commitment to diversity in its operations. ESPN producer Rodney Vaughn expressed hope that this landmark event will encourage greater representation in sports media. The special broadcast was conceived during casual discussions among colleagues looking to collaborate on a game together.