One of basketball’s most iconic voices is considering slightly altering his workload and slowing down. Mike Breen told John Ourand of Puck Media he plans to reduce his demanding dual workload — but isn’t ready to walk away.
What We Know: Breen, 65, has served as ESPN/ABC’s lead NBA play-by-play voice since 2006, calling 21 consecutive NBA Finals. He has simultaneously called New York Knicks games locally on MSG Network since 1997. That dual role created an extraordinary seasonal workload. At his peak, he’s handled upwards of 110 games annually between both assignments. Recently, he has already begun trimming that number.
What They Said: Mike Breen on his workload moving forward (via Puck Media): “For a long time, between ESPN and the Knicks, I was doing, some years, as many as 110 games during the course of the season—playoffs and regular season—and I’ve cut it back a little bit. But I’m going to have to cut it back a little bit more. Clearly, I still love it so much, and there’s nothing better than doing the big national games… So, yes, I might cut back soon, but I still love it too much. As long as the people at ESPN and MSG still want to hear me yapping away, I’m good with that.”
What Remains Unclear: Breen has not specified which role he might reduce first — his local Knicks duties on MSG or his national ESPN/ABC assignments. Additionally, no timeline was offered.
What It Means: Breen is the rare broadcaster who has sustained elite performance at both the local and national levels simultaneously for decades. Furthermore, his comments signal a natural transition is approaching for one of sports media’s most distinguished careers. ESPN and MSG will eventually need succession plans. For now, though, Breen’s passion clearly still drives the bus as he celebrates his hometown Knicks first championship in 53 years.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
