ESPN's Dick Vitale Announces Melanoma Diagnosis

The legendary college basketball broadcaster vows to 'win another battle' against cancer.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:42pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image revealing the internal structure of Dick Vitale's upper body, with his lungs and liver cavity glowing faintly, symbolizing his ongoing fight against melanoma cancer.ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale's battle with melanoma cancer continues, as he vows to fight and win yet another health challenge.Today in Dayton

Dick Vitale, the longtime ESPN college basketball broadcaster, announced that he has been diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver cavity. Vitale, who is 86 years old, has previously beaten cancer four times and said he is 'fully confident' he will beat this latest diagnosis as well.

Why it matters

Vitale is one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in college basketball, having spent over 40 years as a broadcaster for ESPN. His positive attitude and determination to continue working through his health challenges have inspired many fans and colleagues over the years.

The details

Vitale shared the news in a statement released by ESPN, saying that his oncologist, Dr. Brown, confirmed the melanoma diagnosis after a routine doctor's visit. Vitale plans to start immunotherapy treatment soon and is confident he will 'win this battle' against cancer, just as he has done in the past with other forms of the disease.

  • Vitale announced the diagnosis on April 13, 2026.
  • Vitale plans to continue his annual Gala fundraiser for pediatric cancer research on May 1, 2026.

The players

Dick Vitale

An 86-year-old college basketball broadcaster who has worked for ESPN for over 40 years and is known for his enthusiastic on-air personality.

Dr. Brown

Vitale's oncologist who confirmed the melanoma diagnosis after a biopsy.

Jimmy Pitaro

The chairman of ESPN, who has provided support to Vitale during his health challenges.

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What they’re saying

“Today, my oncologist, Dr. Brown, informed me that my biopsy results have confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma in my lung and liver cavity. I will be starting immunotherapy shortly, and I plan on winning this battle.”

— Dick Vitale, ESPN Broadcaster

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

— Dick Vitale, ESPN Broadcaster

“I am truly overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers and messages I've received from so many people. I'm incredibly blessed to have my family beside me, and my ESPN family — led by Chairman Jimmy Pitaro — has been absolutely terrific. Their support has inspired me to keep fighting, and I will do everything in my power to win another battle.”

— Dick Vitale, ESPN Broadcaster

What’s next

Vitale plans to start immunotherapy treatment soon to battle the melanoma diagnosis.

The takeaway

Despite his age and previous cancer battles, Dick Vitale remains determined to continue his legendary broadcasting career and support for pediatric cancer research. His positive attitude and resilience in the face of adversity have made him an inspiration to many in the college basketball community.