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Report: ESPN parts ways with Mark Jackson, will overhaul NBA coverage

DSprofileby:Dustin Schutte•07/31/23•

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mark jackson
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN continues to shake up its NBA coverage amidst major layoffs. The latest to fall victim of the network’s changes is broadcaster and former NBA star Mark Jackson.

Andrew Marchand of The New York Post reported on Monday that Jackson is out at ESPN. Initially, there were thoughts that he might be relegated to the “B Team” of the network’s NBA coverage. However, Marchand confirmed later that Jackson was let go.

The network also plans to promote commentator Doris Burke and add former NBA head coach Doc Rivers to the broadcast coverage. Burke is expected to join ESPN’s NBA Finals coverage for the 2023-24 season.

The decision to part ways with Jackson comes after the network also included Jeff Van Gundy among those laid off by the company. That tandem, along with play-by-play man Mike Breen, were part of ESPN’s NBA Finals coverage.

Per Marchand’s report, ESPN seems to like that Rivers is well respected within the league’s office. The NBA was also not the biggest fan of Van Gundy’s frequent criticism of officiating.

ESPN declined comment at the time of Marchand’s story.

ESPN laid off Jeff Van Gundy in June

Van Gundy was part of ESPN’s round of layoffs in late June. The network made significant cuts to on-air personalities in an attempt to save money.

The former NBA head coach worked with the network for nearly two decades. He was the first member of ESPN’s NBA Finals crew to be let go.

“ESPN has let go its top NBA game analyst Jeff Van Gundy, The Post has learned,” The Post reported. “Van Gundy, 61, has been with ESPN for 16 years, calling the Finals with play-by-player Mike Breen and co-game analyst, Mark Jackson.

“The Post reported Friday morning ESPN is letting go of around 20 on-air personalities in an effort to save tens of millions of dollars.” Van Gundy’s salary was unknown at the time of the report.

ESPN brings in Rivers after the Philadelphia 76ers parted ways with the head coach following a disappointing postseason. It marks his second time working in broadcasting, previously working for the NBA on ABC in 2003-04.

The network does run the risk of Rivers being a temporary hire. He’s still considered a quality coach in the NBA and, at 61, still has plenty of years to return to the sideline.

We’ll see how it all shakes out, but it sounds like Breen, Burke and Rivers are the future of ESPN’s NBA Finals coverage.