Doris Burke Reportedly Removed from ESPN NBA Finals Broadcast Team
ESPN’s decision to shift its NBA Finals broadcast team raises questions about portrayal and the challenges faced by women in sports media.
ESPN is reportedly demoting veteran basketball analyst doris Burke and replacing her with Tim Legler for its NBA Finals coverage, according to multiple reports surfacing on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Burke, a trailblazer in sports broadcasting, made history as the first female analyst to call an NBA Finals game.
Burke’s ascent to the top broadcast team alongside Mike Breen followed the departures of Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson in 2023. now 60,her removal from the premier broadcast slot has sparked immediate discussion about the network’s decision-making process. The new broadcast team will reportedly consist of Breen, Legler, and Richard Jefferson. The Athletic first reported the news.
Did you know? – Doris Burke’s career began in 1990, announcing Providence College women’s games on the campus radio station WDOM. She transitioned to national broadcasts, becoming a respected voice in the NBA.
The move comes after a period of acknowledged turbulence at ESPN for Burke, as noted in a 2024 analysis by GoLocal’s Robert McMahon, who argued for Burke’s recognition as a Providence College “great.” McMahon’s piece highlighted both her accomplishments and the challenges she has navigated throughout her career.
Burke’s journey began as a point guard for the Providence College women’s basketball team in the mid-1980s. While the women’s program operated somewhat in the shadow of the highly successful men’s team led by Rick Pitino during that era, Burke excelled, earning all-Big East honors in 1986 and 1987 and being named an All-American in her senior year in 1987. She remains the Friars’ all-time leader in assists and was inducted into the PC hall of Fame in 1999. Her broadcasting career began in 1990, announcing PC women’s games on the campus radio station WDOM.
Reader question: – Do you think Burke’s removal is solely based on performance, or are other factors at play? Share your thoughts on the impact of this decision on women in sports broadcasting.
Despite a proven track record that led to her selection as an NBA Finals analyst, Burke’s presence on the broadcast team has faced criticism. One observer noted that a segment of the NBA’s fanbase struggles to accept a woman’s expertise in analyzing the intricacies of the game, questioning her ability to dissect plays like pick and rolls or accurately assess offensive foul calls. This sentiment, while not representative of all fans, underscores the ongoing challenges women face in gaining full acceptance within the traditionally male-dominated world of sports broadcasting.
