After reports of ESPN promoting Doris Burke and hiring Doc Rivers to join Mike Breen in its lead broadcast booth, the question immediately turned to the future of Mark Jackson. Unlike Jeff Van Gundy, Jackson had not been laid off by the network during its round of talent cuts in early July; however, he shared that he was indeed informed yesterday that his “services were no longer needed at ESPN.” In a statement posted to Twitter (“X”), Jackson reflected back on his time with the network and expressed the feelings he had surrounding his unforeseen exit.
“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 said. “I would also like to thank NBA fans watching at home and in the arenas throughout the league for all of your support. To the NBA, a heartfelt thank you for allowing a kid to continue to accomplish his dreams.”
Following a 17-year playing career, Jackson joined ESPN in 2006 and was a fixture on NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC. Jackson was on the call for 15 NBA Finals, but absent for a three-year stretch while serving as head coach of the Golden State Warriors. He helped build the organization into a championship-caliber dynasty, which has since been led by Steve Kerr and features superstars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. While he did not get to coach the team to an NBA Finals victory, he was afforded the chance to call a countless number of its games with Breen, Van Gundy and reporter Lisa Salters.
“It has been an honor to sit beside two LEGENDS in the business, who are like brothers to me, Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, and learn so much from them,” Jackson said. “Lisa Salters is a G.O.A.T. and like a sister to me, and I’m so proud of the work she continues to do.”
Jackson also made sure to thank the production team, starting with Tim Corrigan, who he calls “the best producer in the world.” He also made mention of the staffers and crew that were not seen on camera or noticed by the average viewer, and conveyed that they were always seen by him.
While Jackson did not mention whether or not he will pursue an opportunity to work in sports media again, the fact that he and Van Gundy are on the open market is surely appealing to networks as the Association’s national media rights deal is set to expire in two seasons. The message concluded with a heartfelt show of gratitude towards his former employer and the sport at large.
“I wish greater measures of success to the new ESPN team,” Jackson said. “May they continue to elevate this game that has given me a home and a life. I leave ESPN with nothing but gratitude, all the while knowing that my highest praise goes to God!”
