Dick Vitale and Charles Barkley are set to collaborate for two exciting college basketball broadcasts during the upcoming season. The first matchup will feature the No. 25 Indiana Hoosiers facing off against the No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats on December 13, which will be aired on ESPN with play-by-play announcer Dave O’Brien.
In a thrilling reunion, Vitale and Barkley will also come together in March to cover their inaugural NCAA Tournament game as part of the First Four broadcasts by TNT Sports and CBS Sports. Burke Magnus, ESPN’s President of Content, expressed the excitement of having these two iconic figures on the same broadcast, especially for a high-profile college basketball rivalry like Indiana-Kentucky.
Vitale, who has been with ESPN since 1979, boasts an impressive record of calling over 1,000 games across his 46-year career. Conversely, Barkley has become one of the most recognizable figures in sports broadcasting, thanks to his award-winning tenure on TNT Sports’ Inside the NBA over the past 25 years. His cultural impact extends well beyond the basketball arena.
Craig Barry, executive vice president and chief content officer of TNT Sports, commented on the significance of this partnership, emphasizing the unique opportunity for both personalities to work side-by-side. He noted that this collaboration is not only beneficial for the game but also for the fans who will get to experience the entertaining dynamic that Vitale and Barkley bring to their commentary. As anticipation builds for these broadcasts, fans can look forward to an engaging and memorable experience.