Dick Vitale and Charles Barkley to Announce Two Games, Including First Four Matchup
Legendary basketball commentators Dick Vitale and Charles Barkley are set to take the court together this season. They will announce two games, including a highly anticipated First Four matchup during the NCAA Tournament. The news was confirmed by TruTV, TNT Sports, and ESPN on Monday.
Exciting Collaboration for NCAA Tournament
The partnership marks a significant milestone for the 86-year-old Vitale, who has long dreamed of calling an NCAA Tournament game. He will team up with Barkley and a play-by-play announcer, who is yet to be named, for the TruTV game.
Upcoming Games
- Date: Saturday, December 13
- Teams: Indiana vs. Kentucky
- Platform: ESPN
- Play-by-play Announcer: Dave O’Brien
This game will kick off their collaboration before the NCAA Tournament begins in March. The decision to partner Vitale and Barkley stems from their longstanding friendship and new alliances between ESPN and TNT Sports. ESPN is currently licensing TNT Sports’ successful program “Inside The NBA,” featuring Barkley.
Background and Context
For years, discussions surrounding Vitale’s involvement in NCAA Tournament broadcasts have lingered. Throughout his illustrious career, he served as the lead analyst during the regular season and conference tournaments on ESPN. However, the rights to March Madness were controlled by CBS for many years.
In 2021, former CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus had approached Vitale with opportunities to call tournament games, which he declined. A similar proposition from McManus in 2006 also did not materialize.
Long-Awaited Partnership
Both Vitale and Barkley have expressed a strong desire to work together in the past. Barkley, in a 2013 interview, stated: “One of my goals is to do a game with Dick Vitale.” He emphasized Vitale’s significant contributions to college basketball. The wait is coming to an end, as they will finally collaborate this season.
Vitale’s Resilience
Over the last four years, Dick Vitale has faced significant health challenges, battling three forms of cancer. These struggles have affected his vocal cords and speech abilities. Now, he returns to the mic, thrilled to share this NCAA Tournament journey with his friend, Charles Barkley.
As they prepare for the season ahead, fans eagerly await the dynamic commentary that this team promises to deliver.
