ESPN announces inaugural Dick Vitale Invitational matchup for 2025

On Monday, ESPN announced the creation of the Dick Vitale Invitational, which will honor one of the most beloved voices in college basketball. Duke and Texas will square off in the inaugural Dick Vitale Invitational.

ESPN made the announcement today in honor of Vitale’s 86th birthday. The game will be at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C, on Nov. 4. The invitational will air live on ESPN.

“Dick is the heart of college basketball, and his kindness, generosity and courage are a constant inspiration to us all,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN. “Through the creation of the Dick Vitale Invitational, we will celebrate him and his profound impact on the sport. We are also thrilled that Dick will remain a signature voice on ESPN through the 2027-28 season.”

Vitale made his return to the broadcasting booth this past February after suffering numerous setbacks. In June 2024, Vitale revealed he had been diagnosed with lymph node cancer and would undergo treatment. It was Vitale’s fourth battle with cancer since 2021, previously surviving lymphoma, melanoma and vocal cord cancer.

On Jan. 8, Vitale announced that he’d defeated cancer once again and would return later that month. However, he suffered a fall that ultimately pushed his return back to February.

Vitale has been bringing basketball fans excitement for over 40 years. Vitale began his broadcasting career in 1979 after he parted ways with the Detroit Pistons, who he coached for two seasons.

Over time, Dick Vitale has become an icon in the community, calling legendary games and popularizing catchphrases like “diaper dandy.” In 2019, Vitale received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Emmy Awards for his contributions to broadcasting. He couldn’t be more thankful for his extension at ESPN.

“ESPN has been such a vital part of my life since December 5, 1979, and I was so thrilled to learn that ESPN Events will have an annual Dick Vitale Invitational,” Vitale said. “Jimmy Pitaro and all my colleagues and friends at ESPN have been so good to me and I am so thankful for all of the prayers and love I have received from them during my cancer battles.

“ESPN has been family to me and has given me a life that has been even better than my dreams. To the Vitale family, ESPN is ‘Awesome, baby’ with a capital A!”

Tickets for the Dick Vitale Invitational will go on sale this fall. First priority and access to the best seats will be offered to fans who sign up for the pre-sale through dickvitaleinvitational.com.