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Mark Jones Leaves ESPN After 36 Years With Final NBA Call

The move narrows ESPN’s NBA play-by-play bench during a rights package with fewer games.

Overview

  • Jones closed his ESPN tenure Sunday with the Celtics–Magic broadcast, where the network aired an on‑air tribute during the telecast.
  • ESPN confirmed his exit and praised his work since 1990, calling him a signature voice across NBA and college football coverage.
  • Jones said he chose to leave and is not retiring, writing that it was time to move on and that his best work is yet to come.
  • He plans to keep calling Sacramento Kings games for the long term, according to reporting from the Sacramento Bee.
  • Industry watchers note his departure thins ESPN’s NBA depth at a time when the new media-rights deal means fewer national games, including only three telecasts on the opening weekend of the playoffs.