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Iconic ESPN Broadcaster Dick Vitale Faces 5th Cancer Battle
The 86-year-old college basketball commentator is determined to beat melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:41pm
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An X-ray view into the body of beloved ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale as he faces his fifth cancer battle, revealing the melanoma that has spread to his lungs and liver.Sarasota TodayFamed ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale has announced that he has been diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver cavity, marking his fifth battle with cancer. Despite the diagnosis, the 86-year-old Vitale remains determined to beat the disease, stating that he has beaten melanoma, lymphoma, vocal-cord cancer, and lymph-node cancer in the past and is confident he will make it "5 for 5" in his fight against cancer.
Why it matters
Vitale has become an iconic figure in college basketball, providing the soundtrack to some of the sport's biggest moments over the past five decades. His openness about his health struggles and continued commitment to raising money for pediatric cancer research have made him a beloved and inspirational figure in the sports world.
The details
Vitale said the diagnosis came after 10 days of testing that included scans, MRIs, bloodwork, and a biopsy. He will now begin immunotherapy treatments to combat the melanoma. Despite the setback, Vitale remains focused on his annual gala that has raised over $105 million for pediatric cancer research over the past two decades, with a goal of raising $12 million at this year's event.
- Vitale was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2021.
- He returned to the airwaves shortly before March Madness in 2025 after a two-year absence due to his cancer treatments.
- Vitale's 21st annual gala is scheduled for May 1, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida.
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 been battling various forms of cancer since 2021 but remains determined to continue his work and fundraising efforts.
ESPN
The sports media network that has employed Vitale as a college basketball commentator for nearly five decades.
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 will begin immunotherapy treatments to combat the melanoma in his lung and liver cavity. He remains focused on hosting his annual gala on May 1, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida, with a goal of raising $12 million for pediatric cancer research.
The takeaway
Despite facing his fifth cancer diagnosis, the beloved and resilient Dick Vitale remains committed to his work as an ESPN college basketball commentator and his long-running efforts to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Vitale's openness about his health struggles and determination to beat the disease have made him an inspirational figure in the sports world.
