Mark Jones Joins Sacramento Kings as Play-by-Play Announcer

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After a long and acclaimed career at ESPN, veteran NBA play-by-play announcer Mark Jones is leaving the national stage to join the Sacramento Kings full-time as their primary television voice on NBC Sports California. Jones, known for his distinctive style and extensive vocabulary, has been splitting duties between ESPN and the Kings since 2020 but is now committing to Sacramento long-term, citing a deep connection to the organization and community.

Why it matters

This move represents a strategic shift for the Kings, who are investing in a seasoned, recognizable voice to enhance fan engagement and loyalty. It also speaks to the evolving media landscape, where strong local connections are becoming increasingly valuable for sports franchises. Jones's presence as a dedicated local announcer can have a profound impact on the team's identity and the fanbase's connection to the Kings.

The details

Jones has been juggling both ESPN assignments and Kings broadcasts since 2020, but is now choosing to dedicate his talents exclusively to Sacramento. 'My plan is to be here for a long, long time,' he stated, signaling a deep commitment to the organization and community. The Kings have also assembled a robust broadcast team, with Kyle Draper as a studio host and substitute announcer, and analysts like Doug Christie and Kayte Christensen.

• Jones joined the Kings' broadcast team in November 2020, succeeding Grant Napear.
• Jones has been with ESPN for 36 years, hosting 'NBA Today' and calling games across the NBA and WNBA.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Kings will continue to build out their broadcast team and work with Jones to enhance the fan experience through their television coverage.