- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Famed ESPN Broadcaster Dick Vitale Faces New Cancer Battle
The 86-year-old college basketball commentator has been diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:49am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Dick Vitale's indomitable spirit shines through as he battles cancer once again, his legendary courtside energy captured in a vibrant expressionist painting.Sarasota TodayLegendary ESPN college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale has announced that he is facing another battle with cancer, this time melanoma in his lung and liver cavity. This marks Vitale's fifth cancer diagnosis, but he remains confident he will beat it, saying he is '4 for 4' in his previous battles. Vitale plans to continue his efforts to raise money for pediatric cancer research, including his annual gala that has raised over $105 million.
Why it matters
Dick Vitale has become an iconic figure in college basketball broadcasting, providing the soundtrack to many of the sport's biggest moments over the past five decades. His openness about his cancer battles and continued passion for raising funds for pediatric cancer research have made him a beloved and inspirational figure in the sports world.
The details
Vitale said that recent biopsy results confirmed the melanoma diagnosis, and he will now begin immunotherapy treatments. This marks his fifth cancer battle, having previously beaten melanoma, lymphoma, vocal-cord cancer, and lymph-node cancer. Despite the diagnosis, the 86-year-old Vitale remains positive, saying he feels 'fantastic' and is '4 for 4' in his previous cancer fights.
- Vitale was sidelined from the airwaves for two years before returning shortly before March Madness in 2025.
- Vitale underwent 10 days of testing, including scans, MRIs, bloodwork and a biopsy, before receiving the melanoma diagnosis.
- Vitale's annual gala to raise money for pediatric cancer research is scheduled for May 1, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida.
The players
Dick Vitale
An 86-year-old legendary college basketball broadcaster for ESPN, known for his exuberant style and iconic 'Dickie V' nickname. He has been with ESPN since the network's launch in 1979 and is under contract through the 2027-28 season.
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 in Sarasota, Florida on May 1, 2026 to raise money for pediatric cancer research. He has set a goal of raising $12 million at this year's event.
The takeaway
Dick Vitale's openness about his cancer battles and tireless efforts to support pediatric cancer research have made him an inspirational figure in the sports world. Despite facing another cancer diagnosis, Vitale remains positive and determined to keep making a difference in the lives of children fighting this disease.
