Veteran Sportscaster Mark Jones Departs ESPN After 36 Years

The iconic broadcaster is leaving the Worldwide Leader to pursue new challenges.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:41am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the fractured nature of a sports broadcast without any specific identifiable elements.The departure of veteran sportscaster Mark Jones from ESPN after 36 years leaves a void in the network's coverage, as his iconic voice and expansive vocabulary have become synonymous with the network's sports broadcasts.Today in Sacramento

After 36 years with ESPN, veteran broadcaster Mark Jones is departing the network. Jones, who has served as a play-by-play commentator for the NBA, college football, and other sports, announced his decision to leave on April 10. While ESPN offered him the opportunity to stay, the 64-year-old Jones felt it was time to start a new chapter. Jones plans to continue his role as the lead play-by-play announcer for the Sacramento Kings, a position he has held since 2020.

Why it matters

Mark Jones has been a fixture on ESPN for over three decades, becoming one of the network's most recognizable and respected voices. His departure marks the end of an era and will leave a significant void in ESPN's sports coverage, particularly for NBA and college football fans who have grown accustomed to his signature style and encyclopedic knowledge of the games.

The details

Jones, a Toronto native, first joined ESPN in 1990 and has since become known for his wit, smooth delivery, and expansive vocabulary. He has worn many hats during his tenure, including play-by-play duties for the NBA, college football, and the now-defunct United Football League. While ESPN offered Jones the opportunity to stay, he felt it was time to pursue new challenges. Jones' final day with the network was April 12, when he called the Celtics-Magic game.

  • Jones announced his departure from ESPN on April 10, 2026.
  • Jones' final broadcast with ESPN was on April 12, 2026, when he called the Celtics-Magic game.
  • Jones has served as the lead play-by-play announcer for the Sacramento Kings since 2020 and plans to continue in that role.

The players

Mark Jones

A 64-year-old veteran broadcaster who has worked for ESPN for 36 years, primarily as a play-by-play commentator for the NBA, college football, and other sports.

ESPN

The Worldwide Leader in Sports, a major American sports media company that has employed Jones since 1990.

Sacramento Kings

The NBA team for which Jones has served as the lead play-by-play announcer since 2020.

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What they’re saying

“My plan is to be here for a long, long time. I love it here and I've been warmly received by the Kings.”

— Mark Jones

What’s next

Jones has not announced any specific future plans beyond continuing his role with the Sacramento Kings. As a highly respected and experienced broadcaster, he is likely to command significant interest from other media outlets and sports organizations.

The takeaway

Mark Jones' departure from ESPN marks the end of an era for the network and the sports broadcasting industry as a whole. His iconic voice, expansive vocabulary, and deep knowledge of the games he covered have made him a beloved figure among fans. While his next steps remain uncertain, Jones' legacy as one of the greatest sportscasters of his generation is secure.