Mark Jones Leaves ESPN After 36 Years, Joins Sacramento Kings

Veteran broadcaster transitions to local play-by-play role, signaling shift in sports media landscape

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:41pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game or broadcast booth, with overlapping shapes and planes in the official colors of the Sacramento Kings.The vibrant, community-focused broadcast of the Sacramento Kings signals a new era in sports media, where local connections and personalized coverage take center stage.Today in Sacramento

After an impressive 36-year tenure at ESPN, renowned sports broadcaster Mark Jones is leaving the network to join the Sacramento Kings as their primary play-by-play announcer. This strategic move reflects the evolving nature of the sports media industry, where local connections and community engagement are becoming increasingly important.

Why it matters

Jones' transition from national to local coverage highlights the growing trend of sports broadcasters prioritizing personalized, community-driven content. As the industry shifts away from a solely national focus, veteran talents like Jones are finding opportunities to deeply engage with specific fan bases and foster a stronger sense of team loyalty.

The details

Mark Jones, 64, has been a fixture in sports broadcasting, starting his career with The Sports Network in Canada before becoming a household name at ESPN. Known for his distinctive style and extensive vocabulary, Jones has covered a wide range of sports, including the NBA, WNBA, and college football. His decision to leave ESPN and join the Sacramento Kings as their primary play-by-play announcer is a strategic move that reflects the changing landscape of the industry.

  • Mark Jones began his career with The Sports Network in Canada in the 1980s.
  • Jones joined ESPN in 1990 and has been with the network for 36 years.
  • In 2020, Jones was hired by the Sacramento Kings as their primary play-by-play announcer.

The players

Mark Jones

A veteran sports broadcaster who has spent 36 years at ESPN, known for his distinctive style and extensive vocabulary. He is now transitioning to a local play-by-play role with the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento Kings

The professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, who have hired Mark Jones as their primary play-by-play announcer, signaling a shift in their broadcasting strategy.

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What they’re saying

“This move is a testament to the evolving nature of sports broadcasting. The industry is no longer just about national coverage; it's about creating a local connection.”

— Aracelis Kilback, Sports Journalist

“Jones' presence has already elevated the team's coverage, and his commitment to the city is a refreshing change in an industry often criticized for its transient nature.”

— Aracelis Kilback, Sports Journalist

What’s next

It will be interesting to see if other veteran broadcasters follow in Jones' footsteps and transition to more localized roles, as the sports media landscape continues to evolve.

The takeaway

Mark Jones' move from ESPN to the Sacramento Kings represents a strategic shift in the sports broadcasting industry, where local connections and community engagement are becoming increasingly important. This transition could lead to a more diverse and engaging sports media landscape, where veteran talents like Jones can thrive by deeply connecting with their local fan bases.