Mark Jones, NBA and College Football Announcer, Bids Farewell to ESPN After 36 Years
Mark Jones Announces Departure from ESPN After Decades of Coverage
Mark Jones, a familiar face at ESPN since the early 1990s, has announced his decision to leave the network. His final broadcast will take place on Sunday when he serves as the play-by-play announcer for the Orlando Magic’s game against the Boston Celtics, marking the end of an era for a voice that has become synonymous with NBA coverage.
“It’s been a memorable journey these decades with the ABC/ESPN family, but I have decided that it’s time to move on,” Jones stated in an Instagram post on Friday. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities and relationships he has built during his tenure, which began in 1990 under the guidance of producer Dennis Swanson.
At 64, Jones has made a significant impact on ESPN’s sports coverage. He is best known for his play-by-play commentary on NBA games, but his extensive experience also includes calling college football and basketball, the WNBA, and coverage of the UFL. Notably, on June 2, 2022, he was part of the first all-Black crew to announce an NBA Finals game on television.
In addition to his play-by-play duties, Jones has hosted the "NBA Today" studio show and contributed as an anchor and reporter on "SportsCenter." An ESPN spokesperson highlighted his longstanding influence, stating, “Mark has made an enduring impact at ESPN since 1990, serving as a signature voice primarily within our NBA and college football coverage. We’re grateful for Mark’s countless contributions and wish him continued success.”
Jones has also served as the primary play-by-play announcer for the Sacramento Kings since 2020. Although he has not disclosed his future plans, his announcement concluded with a confident outlook: “As I move on to my next chapter, I believe my best work is yet to come. I’ll be out there cookin’ hotter than fish grease!”
As Jones leaves ESPN, he does so after shaping sports broadcasting for over three decades, leaving a formidable legacy behind.
