ESPN is adding five new analysts to its college basketball coverage this season. Meanwhile, its lead broadcast teams return intact for 2026-27.
What We Know: LaPhonso Ellis, Steve Lavin, Malcolm Brogdon and Jason Capel join the men’s roster. In addition, Stacey Dales joins the women’s side as a game analyst. Ellis and Lavin both return after earlier ESPN stints, while Brogdon will work in the studio. ESPN’s college basketball roster now includes five Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers. Coverage tips off Monday, November 2, with more than 7,000 games scheduled across ESPN networks.
What’s At Stake: ESPN is adding more depth to their roster of analysts while keeping in tact their top broadcast teams for the biggest games. The network continues to add each season as the college basketball landscape continues to grow with regular season games becoming more destination programming earlier in the season.
What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not detailed specific game assignments for any of its newcomers. Similarly, it remains unknown how Dales will balance her current NFL Network role. Capel, meanwhile, moves into the booth just months after leaving Pitt’s bench. Whether he eventually returns to coaching remains an open question.
What It Means: Ultimately, ESPN is leaning on familiar faces and proven résumés. Ellis spent 14 years with the network, while Lavin worked there from 2003-10. Brogdon, by contrast, brings recent NBA credibility, including Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man honors. Together, the hires deepen an already crowded bench without disrupting Shulman, Bilas, Ruocco and Lobo.
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