Burke, ESPN agree on contract extension

Basketball has been part of Doris Burke’s life for as long as she can remember. And it’s not going away anytime soon. Burke and ESPN announced Monday they have agreed on a multi-year contract extension, one that will see her retaining her role as a full-time NBA game analyst as well as a reporter for the conference finals and NBA Finals. She has been with ESPN since 1991, not long after her playing career at Providence ended.

“It is hard to put into words how grateful I am to continue my career with ESPN,” Burke said. “I’ve loved basketball my entire life and to be able to cover this sport is a privilege that I don’t take for granted. My love for the game, and for my colleagues, both in front of the camera and behind-the-scenes, make this job such a rewarding experience every day.”

Burke grew up in Manasquan, New Jersey, and can recall how she used to run through some hedges — as if she was running out of the locker room — as a seven-year-old on her way onto the basketball court at a park near her home. Now, 45 years later, she has the same zest for the game.

“Doris is exceptional at what she does. Her ability, knowledge, passion and versatility are virtually unmatched and it’s evident every time she calls a game,” said Connor Schell, ESPN’s executive vice-president of content.

At the start of this season, she became the first woman to have a regular, full-time national NBA game analyst role. Later this year, she’ll be honoured by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, receiving the Curt Gowdy Media Award.