Veteran NBA play-by-play announcer Mark Jones will officially call his final game on ESPN this Sunday, ending a remarkable 36-year run with the network.
The news was first reported by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, confirming that the longtime broadcaster’s farewell broadcast will mark the close of one of the most enduring careers in sports television.
Jones, 64, has been a familiar voice for NBA fans since joining ESPN in 1990. His final assignment is expected to be the regular-season matchup between the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics. The network is also planning a tribute during the game to honor his decades of contributions.
Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images
ESPN acknowledged his departure in a statement, saying, “Mark has made an enduring impact at ESPN since 1990, serving as a signature voice primarily within our NBA and college football coverage and across nearly all of our platforms. We’re grateful for Mark’s countless contributions and we wish him continued success.”
Jones’ exit comes after years of steady presence across the network’s biggest broadcasts. Over time, he became one of ESPN’s most recognizable voices, covering not just the NBA but also college football and major studio events.
During his peak years, Jones served as one of ESPN’s top NBA play-by-play announcers. In 2022, he stepped into a bigger spotlight when lead announcer Mike Breen was sidelined due to COVID-19. Jones called multiple NBA Finals games during that stretch, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure moments on the sport’s biggest stage.
Beyond game calls, Jones played a major role in studio coverage. He contributed to events like the NBA Finals, Draft Lottery and All-Star Weekend, and even hosted programs such as NBA Today.
However, in recent years, Jones’ role shifted slightly as ESPN’s broadcast lineup evolved. He moved down the NBA depth chart behind other announcers, but remained a steady and respected presence on both basketball and football coverage.
Reports indicate that Jones’ decision to leave was his own. According to multiple sources, ESPN was open to keeping him, but the veteran broadcaster felt it was simply time to move on.
Mark Jones, who has long South Florida ties, is leaving ESPN by choice, he tells me. He simply felt it was time. ESPN says he could have stayed if he wanted. Magic-Celtics at 6 p.m. Sunday will be his final ESPN appearance; there will be an ESPN tribute to him during the game.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 10, 2026
His final game will reportedly feature longtime colleague Doris Burke alongside him on commentary, adding a meaningful touch to his farewell broadcast.
Despite stepping away from ESPN, Jones is not expected to retire. His future plans remain unclear, but he is still actively working as the lead play-by-play announcer for the Sacramento Kings, suggesting he may continue calling games outside the network.
Jones’ journey began in Canada, where he worked for The Sports Network before joining ESPN. Over the years, he built a reputation for his energetic delivery, sharp insights, and memorable phrasing. His style made him stand out in a crowded field of broadcasters.
While the exact reason for his departure remains personal, one thing is clear: Jones leaves behind a lasting legacy. From regular-season games to the NBA Finals, his voice has been part of countless memorable basketball moments.
Related: NBA Legend Chris Paul Announces Retirement After 21 Seasons
