Dick Vitale, Charles Barkley Team Up for Two Games, Including First Four Matchup

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Dick Vitale, Charles Barkley Team Up for Two Games, Including First Four Matchup

Basketball legends Dick Vitale and Charles Barkley are set to collaborate for two games this season. This partnership will include an exciting First Four matchup kicking off the NCAA Tournament in March. The announcement was made by ESPN and TNT Sports on Monday.

Historic Collaboration in College Basketball

At 86 years old, Dick Vitale has always aspired to call an NCAA Tournament game. Now, he will join forces with Barkley for the TruTV matchup, along with a yet-to-be-announced play-by-play announcer. Their first game together will be on December 13, featuring a highly anticipated clash between Indiana and Kentucky on ESPN, with Dave O’Brien as the play-by-play voice.

The Genesis of the Partnership

The decision to team up Vitale and Barkley stems from their longstanding friendship and recent collaborative efforts between ESPN and TNT Sports. Notably, ESPN is currently licensing TNT Sports’ iconic “Inside The NBA,” which stars Barkley. Key figures like Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content, and Craig Barry, TNT’s executive vice president, approved this noteworthy collaboration.

A Long-Awaited Opportunity

For years, discussions about Vitale’s involvement in NCAA Tournament games have circulated. Historically, CBS held the broadcasting rights for March Madness, limiting Vitale’s opportunities. Although Vitale had offers in the past, including one from then-CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus in 2021, he turned them down. In 2006, a similar proposal from McManus was also rejected by ESPN.

First game together: December 13, Indiana vs. Kentucky on ESPN.
First Four matchup: March, to kick off NCAA Tournament.
Play-by-play announcer for TruTV game: To be announced.

Health Challenges and Resilience

Over the last four years, Vitale has faced significant health battles, dealing with three types of cancer. These challenges have occasionally hindered his speech. However, he is returning to the broadcasting scene with renewed vigor, ready to close the season by calling an NCAA Tournament game with Barkley.

The excitement surrounding this collaboration highlights the duo’s mutual admiration and their contribution to the sport of college basketball. Fans eagerly anticipate their dynamic commentary during these landmark events.