Mark Jones Leaves ESPN for Sacramento Kings

Veteran Sportscaster Chooses to Stay in Sacramento, Embracing New Role with NBA Team

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:13pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or broadcast scene, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conveying the excitement and change surrounding a veteran sportscaster's career move.A cubist interpretation of a veteran sportscaster's transition to a new role, capturing the energy and dynamism of the moment.Today in Sacramento

Mark Jones, a 36-year veteran sportscaster at ESPN, is making a surprising move by leaving the network to join the Sacramento Kings as their primary play-by-play announcer. Instead of retiring, Jones has decided to stay in Sacramento, where he has found a new home and family within the Kings organization and the local community.

Why it matters

Jones' decision to leave ESPN and join the Kings is a testament to the power of community and the warmth of a new home. Sacramento has become a second home for Jones, and his choice to stay and continue his work with the team highlights the importance of finding fulfillment and purpose beyond just the job itself.

The details

Jones, 64, has been a staple in the sports broadcasting world, known for his extensive vocabulary and distinctive style. He started his career in Canada before joining ESPN to host 'NBA Today'. Over the years, he has become a household name, calling play-by-play for NBA, WNBA, and college football games across the country. However, Jones' decision to stay in Sacramento is not just about the job - it's about the community and the people he has come to know and love. He has found a new family in the Kings organization and the city of Sacramento, and he is eager to continue his work with the team.

  • Jones' final game for ESPN will be on Sunday, April 13, 2026, when the Orlando Magic visits the Boston Celtics.
  • The Kings hired Jones to replace Grant Napear as their primary play-by-play announcer in November 2020.

The players

Mark Jones

A veteran sportscaster with a 36-year career at ESPN, known for his extensive vocabulary and distinctive style.

Sacramento Kings

An NBA team that has welcomed Jones with open arms, making him their primary play-by-play announcer.

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What they’re saying

“Sacramento has become a second home, and I am eager to continue my work with the Kings.”

— Mark Jones

The takeaway

Jones' decision to stay in Sacramento and join the Kings organization is a heartwarming story that highlights the importance of finding fulfillment and purpose beyond just the job itself. His choice to embrace the local community and build a new family within the Kings organization is a testament to the power of community and the warmth of a new home.