Dick Vitale to Call First Four March Madness Game

Legendary ESPN analyst will join Charles Barkley for NCAA Tournament opener

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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After decades of calling games for ESPN, legendary college basketball analyst Dick Vitale will finally get the chance to broadcast an NCAA Tournament game. The 86-year-old Vitale will join NBA legend Charles Barkley to call one of the First Four matchups in Dayton, Ohio, marking the first time Vitale has been part of the network's March Madness coverage.

Why it matters

Vitale has been a fixture of college basketball for over 45 years, but has never been part of the NCAA Tournament broadcast team due to his exclusive contract with ESPN. Fans have long clamored for Vitale to be involved in March Madness, and the announcement that he will call a First Four game alongside Charles Barkley has generated significant excitement among college basketball enthusiasts.

The details

Vitale will team up with play-by-play announcer Brian Anderson and NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley to call one of the First Four games on Tuesday, March 18th. The matchup will mark the first time Vitale has been part of the NCAA Tournament broadcast team, despite previous offers from CBS over the years. Vitale has declined those offers in the past due to his loyalty to ESPN, the network he has worked with since 1979.

  • Vitale's March Madness debut will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • Vitale has been a college basketball analyst for ESPN for over 45 years, since 1979.

The players

Dick Vitale

An 86-year-old college basketball analyst who has worked for ESPN for over 45 years, known for his energetic and passionate commentary.

Charles Barkley

A Hall of Fame NBA player who has transitioned into a successful television analyst, known for his outspoken and entertaining commentary.

Brian Anderson

A play-by-play announcer who will be calling the First Four game alongside Vitale and Barkley.

Harold Bryant

The CBS Sports executive who expressed excitement about having Vitale call an NCAA Tournament game, noting that he "deserved" the opportunity.

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What’s next

The First Four game featuring Dick Vitale and Charles Barkley will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2026, kicking off the start of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

The takeaway

The inclusion of Dick Vitale in the March Madness broadcast team is a long-awaited dream come true for college basketball fans. Vitale's infectious energy and passion for the game, combined with the star power of Charles Barkley, will make for must-see TV as the NCAA Tournament tips off.