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NBA Broadcaster Mike Breen Criticizes Playoff Coverage Changes
Legendary announcer speaks out against NBA's decision to eliminate local broadcasts in first round.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:06am
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The NBA's decision to eliminate local broadcast coverage for the playoffs' first round disrupts the familiar viewing experience for many fans.NYC TodayLongtime NBA broadcaster Mike Breen used his platform during a Knicks regular season game to criticize the league's decision to eliminate local team broadcasts for the first round of the playoffs. Breen, who calls games nationally for ESPN and ABC in addition to his local work for the Knicks' MSG Network, argued that fans want to hear their home team announcers, especially in the early playoff rounds.
Why it matters
The NBA's new media rights deal with national partners like ESPN, NBC, and Amazon has led to the elimination of local team broadcasts for the first round of the playoffs. This has drawn criticism from fans and broadcasters who feel it takes away a key part of the playoff experience.
The details
As part of the NBA's new media rights agreement, first-round playoff games will now be exclusively aired on national broadcasts, rather than having a mix of national and local team coverage as in previous years. During the Knicks' regular season finale, veteran play-by-play announcer Mike Breen spoke out against this change, arguing that fans want to hear their home team announcers, who 'become part of the family' for many supporters.
- The NBA's new media rights deal went into effect starting with the 2026 playoffs.
- The Knicks' regular season finale, where Breen criticized the playoff coverage changes, took place on April 13, 2026.
The players
Mike Breen
A legendary NBA broadcaster who calls games nationally for ESPN and ABC, in addition to his local work for the New York Knicks' MSG Network.
NBA
The National Basketball Association, which recently signed a new media rights deal that led to the elimination of local team broadcasts for the first round of the playoffs.
What they’re saying
“'Of course, this is the first time ever that no longer can the home team announcers and broadcasters televise the first round. The entire playoffs exclusive to the national TV partners.'”
— Mike Breen, NBA Broadcaster
“'I personally think it's a poor decision. Fans want to hear their teams' announcers, at least in the first round. Because, for so many of us, and all of my favorite teams growing up, the home team announcers, they become part of the family, such a big part of why you root for the team.'”
— Mike Breen, NBA Broadcaster
What’s next
The NBA playoffs will begin in the coming weeks, with the first round featuring national-only broadcasts for the first time.
The takeaway
Breen's criticism highlights the strong connection many fans feel with their local team's broadcast crew, and the concern that eliminating those voices could detract from the playoff experience. The NBA's decision to prioritize national media partnerships over local coverage is a controversial one that will be closely watched by basketball fans.
