Mark Jones to leave ESPN after 36-year broadcasting run: Sources

Mark Jones' (left) tenure with ESPN began in 1990. Rocky Widner / NBAE via Getty Images Share full article4ESPN NBA and college football play-by-play announcer Mark Jones is leaving the network after more than three decades, sources briefed on the move told The Athletic on Friday. Jones, 64, was once the network’s No. 2 NBA play-by-player and called two Finals games when Mike Breen tested positive for COVID in 2022. Jones has moved down the NBA depth chart over the past few years behind Breen, Dave Pasch and Ryan Ruocco. ESPN released a statement Friday thanking Jones for his work, but did not confirm publicly that he was leaving the network. “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,” ESPN said. “We’re grateful for Mark’s countless contributions and we wish him continued success.” Jones is not expected to retire, though his next steps are unclear. Besides his NBA work, Jones was a consistent presence on ESPN’s college football presentation, including on the Pac-12 late-night action when the network carried those games. The Toronto native has also worked games for the Sacramento Kings as a local play-by-player, but the bulk of his career has been at ESPN/ABC, where he has been a regular presence. Besides play-by-play, Jones has been a featured member on the network’s studio coverage for the Finals, Draft Lottery, All-Star game and other big events. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Andrew Marchand is a Sr. Sports Media Columnist for The Athletic. He previously worked for the New York Post and ESPN, where he predominantly covered sports media and baseball. In 2024, he won the Associated Press Sports Editors' top national award for beat writing for his coverage of sports media. Marchand also has his own twice-weekly sports media podcast available at AndrewMarchand.com.