NBA Announcer Mark Jackson Confirms ESPN Exit: “I Was Told My Services Were No Longer Needed”
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
“Mama, there goes that man!”
That signature tagline will no longer be heard on ESPN’s NBA broadcasts as longtime announcer Mark Jackson joins the ranks of on air talent laid off of late by the network. Almost exactly a month ago, Jackson’s broadcast partner (and former coach) Jeff Van Gundy was among the 20-odd boldfaced names let go by the network. Since then, speculation has abounded about Jackson’s fate. The move came as a surprise to Jackson, however.
More from Deadline
ESPN Layoffs: Here’s Updated The List Of On-Air Talent Who Were Let Go
Snoop Dogg All-Nighter Led To NBA Star Kevin Garnett's 3-Rebound Effort, He Confesses
“This morning, unexpectedly, I was informed that my services were no longer needed at ESPN,” Jackson wrote on social media this evening. “Although shocked and dismayed with the suddenness of it all, I would like to thank ESPN and all the staff of the NBA ESPN crew for allowing me to be a part of the organization for the past 15+ years.”
Jackson confirmed his departure with Peter Vecsey earlier today. Vescey reported that Jackson has two years left on his contract, which the network will have to pay out in order to bring former 76ers coach Doc Rivers and NBA broadcast veteran Doris Burke on as play-by-play announcer Mike Breen’s on-air cohorts.
RELATED: Stephen A. Smith On ESPN Layoffs: “This Ain’t The End. More Is Coming. I Could Be Next”
This just in: Mark Jackson told me he was let go by ESPN. He had two years left on his contract. Jeff Van Gundy was let go weeks ago. Doc Rivers and Doris Burke are now Mike Breen’s partners…
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) July 31, 2023
Jackson, who played for seven teams (two of them twice) over his NBA career as well as coached the Golden State Warriors from 2011-2104, had worked NBA games for ESPN from 2006-11 and returned to the network the same season his coaching stint at Golden State ended.
Jackson was generally classy in his remarks about the departure, praising Van Gundy, Breen and sideline reporter Lisa Salters.
“It’s been an honor to sit beside two LEGENDS in the business who are like brothers to me, Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy… Lisa Salters is a GOAT and like a sister to me and I’m proud of the work she continues to do,” he wrote.
He also, without naming them, wished good things for his replacements.
“I wish greater measures of success to the new ESPN team. May they continue to elevate this game that has given me a home and a life.”
— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) August 1, 2023
Best of Deadline
2023 FIFA Women's World Cup: U.S. National Soccer Team Photo Gallery
Alan Arkin: Photos From His Award-Winning Work On Stage, On TV And In Film
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.