Doris Burke has made history as the first woman to serve as a game analyst for a major men’s professional sports championship in the USA. Selected by ABC/ESPN, Burke joins the renowned broadcasting team of Mike Breen and JJ Redick.
Burke‘s journey with ESPN began in 1990 and she has been a fixture in NBA Finals coverage since 2009. Her extensive 14-year experience covering the Finals makes her a perfect fit for this historic role. Recognizing this milestone, LeBron James praised Burke on social media.
Lebron James throws hints about the NBA Finals
“Important moment for our sport tonight,” LeBron noted.
“Love and respect to DB and everything she does to elevate all of us! You’re a [GOAT].”
Who is Doris Burke?
Burke‘s love for basketball started at a young age. When her family moved from New York to New Jersey, she discovered a basketball left behind by the previous homeowners. Her mother encouraged her to play at the nearby park, sparking a lifelong passion.
“It feels like I picked up the ball at seven years of age, and I haven’t put it down since,” she said.
Hailed by NBA legends
In 2018, she received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, where she acknowledged the support she received throughout her journey, including from James.
“To the players and coaches of the NBA – Rick Carlisle, LeBron James, Steve Kerr, Chris Paul, and many many others,” she said.
“Your private words of support to me and your public statements of support of my work went far beyond what you could imagine in the confidence I had to do the job that ESPN had given me.”
