Doris Burke is not guaranteed to be back in ESPN/ABC lead broadcast booth next season, sources tell The Athletic. Mike Breen is under long-term contract and will certainly return, while ESPN intends on re-signing Richard Jefferson.
ESPN has struggled with its No. 1 team since they decided to fire Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson after the 2023 Finals. ESPN initially hired Doc Rivers to join Breen and Burke, but he left the broadcasting role a few months later to become head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.
JJ Redick replaced Rivers, but he also left after the 2024 Finals to become head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
ESPN will debate what comes next for their lead booth this offseason with the discussion centering around whether they feel Burke is better on a two-person team as opposed to a three-person one.
Tim Legler could receive support amongst some top decision-makers as his stature has increased in recent years. Jay Bilas also was an analyst for several NBA games this season in addition to his college basketball work.
