ESPN Re-Signs Mike Breen

Mike Breen

ESPN announced Wednesday it has re-signed its lead NBA play-by-play commentator Mike Breen, the voice of the NBA Finals, to a long-term deal. Breen joined ESPN in 2003 and began calling the NBA Finals in 2006.

He is entering his 11th season as the voice of the NBA Finals – the most ever for a play-by-play commentator.

John Wildhack, ESPN executive vice president, production and programming:

“Mike is a second-to-none talent whose passion for storytelling, depth of basketball knowledge and distinctive style is a difference-maker for ESPN. His class and professionalism has earned him the universal respect of his peers and has made him synonymous with the NBA Finals. Mike’s excellence makes his team better and enhances the overall quality of our NBA coverage. We couldn’t be happier that Mike will continue his incredible run with ESPN for many years to come.”

In his new deal, Breen will continue to serve as the play-caller for the NBA Finals on ABC, the Conference Finals on ESPN, plus a premier package of NBA regular-season games, including NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC, and marquee playoff games.

Mike Breen on new deal:

“With all due respect to Mr. Gehrig, I think I’m the luckiest man on the face of the earth. To be able to work for ESPN with so many talented people, and broadcast the game I have loved since I was a boy, it really is a dream come true. I feel truly blessed that ESPN has put their trust in me to broadcast the NBA, including the NBA Finals. I am fortunate to be a part of an amazing broadcast and production team with Jeff, Mark, Doris and many more, and I can’t wait for the 2016 NBA Finals to start.”

Breen, alongside analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson and reporter Doris Burke, are the longest-tenured NBA Finals television broadcast team, currently in their 7th year as a quartet.

The 2016 NBA Finals – exclusively on ABC – will begin with Game 1 on Thursday, June 2, at 9 p.m. ET.