ESPN's Dick Vitale, 86, Faces Fifth Cancer Battle

The iconic college basketball broadcaster is determined to beat melanoma in his lung and liver.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:04pm

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the internal structures of Dick Vitale's chest, including his lungs and liver, with a faint glow highlighting the areas affected by his latest cancer diagnosis.ESPN icon Dick Vitale's latest cancer battle casts a somber shadow over his celebrated broadcasting career, but his unwavering spirit continues to inspire.Sarasota Today

Dick Vitale, the beloved 86-year-old ESPN college basketball broadcaster, announced he is facing his fifth cancer battle after being diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver. Despite this latest challenge, Vitale remains optimistic, stating 'I've beaten melanoma, I've beaten lymphoma, I've beaten vocal-cord cancer, I've beaten lymph-node cancer. I'm 4 for 4 and I'm fully confident I'm going to make it 5 for 5.' Vitale plans to continue his tireless efforts to raise money for pediatric cancer research through his annual gala event.

Why it matters

Vitale has become an iconic figure in college basketball over his nearly five decades with ESPN, providing the soundtrack to many of the sport's biggest moments with his exuberant style and passionate commentary. His openness about his ongoing cancer battles has inspired many, and his fundraising efforts have raised over $105 million for pediatric cancer research.

The details

Vitale said biopsy results confirmed the melanoma diagnosis in his lung and liver cavity, which will require him to undergo immunotherapy treatments. This marks his fifth cancer battle, following previous fights with melanoma, lymphoma, vocal-cord cancer, and lymph-node cancer. Despite the challenges, the 86-year-old broadcaster remains determined to beat this latest diagnosis and continue his work raising money for pediatric cancer research.

  • Vitale was first diagnosed with cancer in 2021, when he was treated for melanoma.
  • In 2022, Vitale underwent treatments for lymphoma.
  • Vitale also battled vocal-cord cancer and lymph-node cancer in the following years, sidelining him from ESPN's airwaves for two years before his return shortly before March Madness in 2025.
  • Vitale's latest diagnosis of melanoma in his lung and liver cavity was confirmed by biopsy results on April 13, 2026.

The players

Dick Vitale

An 86-year-old iconic college basketball broadcaster who has worked for ESPN since the network's launch in 1979. Vitale has faced multiple cancer battles over the past several years but remains determined to continue his work and fundraising efforts.

ESPN

The sports media network that has employed Vitale as a college basketball broadcaster for nearly five decades, and has supported his cancer treatment and fundraising efforts.

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What they’re saying

“I've beaten melanoma. I've beaten lymphoma. I've beaten vocal-cord cancer. I've beaten lymph-node cancer. I'm 4 for 4 and I'm fully confident I'm going to make it 5 for 5.”

— Dick Vitale, ESPN Broadcaster

“At 86 years young, I've lived a hell of a life, and I'm more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer.”

— Dick Vitale, ESPN Broadcaster

What’s next

Vitale plans to continue his annual gala event on May 1, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida, with the goal of raising $12 million for pediatric cancer research.

The takeaway

Despite facing his fifth cancer battle, the indomitable spirit of Dick Vitale remains unbroken. His unwavering determination to beat this latest diagnosis and his tireless efforts to support pediatric cancer research through his annual gala have made him an inspiration to many.