ESPN is celebrating its 25th consecutive season covering the NBA with a star-studded broadcast lineup for the 2026-27 campaign. Featuring an experienced roster of play-by-play commentators, analysts, and reporters, the network aims to deliver expert insights, in-depth analysis, and engaging coverage throughout the season, further cementing its place as a leading destination for NBA fans.
Key Highlights of ESPN's 2026-27 NBA Coverage:
- Lead Team Intact: The powerhouse quartet of Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, and Lisa Salters returns for marquee matchups.
- Court Legends Join Analysts: NBA Champions Jason Kidd (Hall of Famer) and Jeremy Lin are exciting new additions to the analyst roster.
- Expanded Studio Presence: A refreshed NBA Countdown and the iconic Inside the NBA promise in-depth pre and post-game insights.
- Comprehensive Coverage: From digital deep-dives to ESPN Radio, fans will have access to NBA content across all platforms.
The Reigning Voices Return to the Booth
Returning for their second season together, ESPN and ABC's lead NBA broadcast team—featuring Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, and Lisa Salters—is back to deliver insights on the biggest games. This quartet will once again steer the ship for the NBA Playoffs and the NBA Finals, bringing their undeniable chemistry and expertise to millions of viewers.
Breen, entering his 24th season as the network's lead play-by-play voice, is a fan favorite. He's joined by NBA Champion Jefferson, seasoned analyst Legler (with ESPN since 2000), and veteran reporter Salters, forming a truly elite combination.
Alongside this core, the play-by-play roster boasts familiar names like Dave Pasch and Ryan Ruocco, with Mike Monaco and Drew Carter joining the regular-season rotation to cover select matchups.
Court Legends Join the Analyst Ranks
The 2026-27 NBA season welcomes two significant new faces to ESPN's analyst team: NBA Champion and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Jason Kidd, and fellow NBA Champion Jeremy Lin. Their addition is a game-changer, bringing recent high-level playing experience and championship pedigree directly to the broadcast.
Kidd, widely recognized as one of the greatest point guards ever, was a 10-time NBA All-Star and a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. His strategic mind will undoubtedly elevate the commentary. Lin, fresh off contributions to the 2026 NBA Finals and Summer League, offers a dynamic and fresh perspective.
They join an already stacked analyst lineup that includes Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Doris Burke, and veteran coach P.J. Carlesimo. This diverse group ensures every angle of the game is dissected with authority.
On the sidelines, a formidable roster of reporters, including Lisa Salters, Katie George, Malika Andrews, and Jorge Sedano, will provide real-time updates and compelling stories throughout the season, Playoffs, and Finals.
Beyond the Hardwood: Studio & Digital Powerhouses
ESPN's commitment to comprehensive NBA coverage extends far beyond live game broadcasts. The studio offerings for 2026-27 are loaded with talent, ensuring fans are engaged from tip-off to post-game.
The iconic Inside the NBA, produced by TNT Sports, will make 25 regular-season appearances on ESPN and ABC. Hosted by Ernie Johnson and featuring the legendary banter of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith, this award-winning show will provide essential pregame, halftime, and postgame analysis for marquee events like NBA Christmas Day and NBA Saturday Primetime.
Fans will also see a new-look NBA Countdown team debut. Hosted by Malika Andrews, this powerhouse panel includes NBA Champions Jason Kidd and Kendrick Perkins, alongside veteran reporter Brian Windhorst and Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania. Kenny Smith will also make select appearances, adding another layer of insight.
NBA Today, ESPN's weekday studio show, celebrates its fifth anniversary. Malika Andrews continues to host, supported by a deep bench of contributors such as Iman Shumpert, Danny Green, Chiney Ogwumike, and Jeremy Lin, delivering daily news and analysis.
For those on the go, ESPN Radio will feature Marc Kestecher, Mike Couzens, Sean Kelley, and Jorge Sedano on play-by-play, with analysts like P.J. Carlesimo and Doris Burke. Digitally, ESPN.com and the ESPN App remain go-to sources, with an army of insiders and reporters, including Shams Charania, Brian Windhorst, and Ramona Shelburne, breaking news and delivering in-depth features throughout the entire NBA calendar.
