Sports Fans Calling For Legendary ESPN Announcer To Retire originally appeared on The Spun.

Mike Breen has been the lead play-by-play commentator for ESPN’s coverage of the NBA, making simply terms like “bang” his catchphrase. Though he’s been great for decades, fans are starting to question if he’s still the No. 1 option for the job.

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Breen, 64, is calling the NBA Finals for the 20th time in his career. It’s the first time he’s calling the championship series with Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson. He spent so many years sharing the broadcast booth with Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy.

Even though Breen hasn’t been that sharp this season, he’s expected to return for the 2025-26 season. His broadcast partners, however, aren’t guaranteed their spots.

“While ESPN intends on re-signing Jefferson, it has not yet locked him up with his contract expiring, according to sources briefed on the talks,” Andrew Marchand of The Athletic wrote. “Amazon Prime Video has expressed some interest in Jefferson, according to the same sources. Meanwhile, Burke’s spot is not guaranteed for next season, according to sources familiar with ESPN’s preliminary plans. While Breen, the Basketball Hall of Famer under a long-term deal, is not going anywhere, ESPN will evaluate its entire roster.”

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 9: ESPN reporters JJ Redick, Doris Burke, and Mike Breen look on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns on March 9, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)Barry Gossage/Getty Images

PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 9: ESPN reporters JJ Redick, Doris Burke, and Mike Breen look on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns on March 9, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)Barry Gossage/Getty Images

Unfortunately for Breen, he received plenty of heat during Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

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Fans really had an issue with Breen’s call for Pascal Siakam’s thunderous dunk over Jalen Williams. They thought it lacked the necessary enthusiasm for Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

With that said, NBA fans are wondering if Breen should retire.

“Mike Breen, it’s time to retire or at least ask ESPN to upgrade your coworker,” one fan said.

Another fan wrote, “Mike breen literally doesn’t care he needs to go retire.”

“Mike Breen it’s time to leave the football before the football leaves you… someone get Kevin Harlan in there and let my man retire,” a third fan said.

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“One of the greatest plays in finals history ruined by Mike Breen’s lack of enthusiasm,” a social media user commented.

Breen, a recipient of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Curt Gowdy Media Award, has not addressed all the noise regarding his future.

Luckily for Breen, there’s still time for him to silence his critics.

Game 7 of the NBA Finals will take place on Sunday night. We’ll see if Breen can end the season with an iconic performance.

Related: ESPN Replacement For Doris Burke Has Emerged

Sports Fans Calling For Legendary ESPN Announcer To Retire first appeared on The Spun on Jun 20, 2025

This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.