ESPN icon abruptly leaves network after 36 years on eve of NBA Playoffs

Apr 11, 2026 - 10:00

ESPN stalwart Mark Jones is putting down the microphone.

The announcer is one of the network’s longest-serving broadcasters having first signed up in 1990.

Jones has been around the game for decades[/caption]

But Sunday’s Celtics-Magic game on the final day of the NBA regular season will be his last call.

Jones has confirmed on social media that leaving was his decision and Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson expanded on the move.

“Mark Jones, who has long South Florida ties, is leaving ESPN by choice, he tells me. He simply felt it was time,” Jackson wrote on X. “ESPN says he could have stayed if he wanted. Magic-Celtics at 6 p.m. Sunday will be his final ESPN appearance; there will be an ESPN tribute to him during the game.”

ESPN will pay tribute to the iconic broadcaster Sunday.

“Mark has made an enduring impact at ESPN since 1990, serving as a signature voice primarily within our NBA and college football coverage and across nearly all of our platforms,” the network said in a statement. “We’re grateful for Mark’s countless contributions, and we wish him continued success.”

Jones enjoyed a spell as ESPN’s No. 2 play-by-play announcer and called two Finals games in 2022.

The 64-year-old has fallen behind Mike Breen, Dave Pasch and Ryan Ruocco.

His next steps have not been announced and Jones is not expected to retire.

“One of Jones’ friends and longtime colleagues, the classy Doris Burke, will do Jones’ final game with him,” Jackson added. “Mark said he’ll talk about his thinking and plans in the days ahead.”

ESPN has been aggressively pursuing top talent and recently snapped up six star journalists from the Washington Post including Kareem Copeland and Chuck Culpepper.

Jones may look for a new opportunity[/caption]

ESPN is set to give him his flowers during a final broadcast[/caption]

ESPN targets off-camera layoffs

A deal to buy NFL Network has also cornered the market on insiders.

But the moves have been funded by cutting operational staff with around 30 off-camera layoffs expected.

“You don’t win the Super Bowl by having the most players,” one industry insider told The HR Digest. “You win by having the best players in the right positions, and that’s exactly what ESPN is doing.”

Last year’s YouTube TV blackout also played a part.

John Ourand of Puck reported that the row caused a “a somewhat unexpected revenue dip” of about $100 million.

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