ESPN today announced expanded roles for three of its most prominent commentators: Sage Steele, Michelle Beadle and Doris Burke.
Michelle Beadle will join ESPN’s NBA Countdown – the company’s NBA pre-game show – as the host on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the season, beginning with NBA preseason coverage this October. Beadle has guest-hosted NBA Countdown previously. The avid NBA fan and popular ESPN commentator will continue her position as co-host for SportsNation – the daily, fan-driven commentary program. Weeknight editions of NBA Countdown will expand to one-hour shows and air Wednesdays and Fridays on ESPN, preceding NBA doubleheaders.
Sage Steele will continue to serve as the host of the weekend editions of NBA Countdown, preceding NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC – the national NBA game of the week – and the popular ABC NBA Sunday Showcase series.
Steele will expand her current role to serve as the lead host for SportsCenter on the Road – SportsCenter’s on-site programming initiative. Steele, one of ESPN’s most recognizable and talented personalities, will begin this role in October, providing live, on-site coverage at the most significant sports events throughout the year, including the MLB World Series, the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff and College Football National Championship, the Men’s Final Four, the Masters, and more.Steele’s new SportsCenter role is an integral part of an expanded SportsCenter on the Road initiative.
Doris Burke will expand her role as an NBA and men’s and women’s college basketball game analyst this season. Burke, who is recognized as one of the industry’s most respected and knowledgeable basketball commentators, will be a regular ESPN NBA game analyst, while increasing her men’s and women’s college basketball analyst assignments as well. Burke will also continue to serve as an NBA sideline reporter and analyst for the NCAA Women’s Final Four. More details on Burke’s new role will be available in the coming weeks.
Last season, Wednesday and Friday editions of NBA Countdown were hosted byBurke or Steele.
Connor Schell, ESPN senior vice president, original content had this to say: “Michelle and Sage are two of ESPN’s most authentic and charismatic voices. They are gifted broadcasters who enlighten and entertain sports fans. We are confident that with Michelle and Sage in these expanded roles, two of our most important shows, NBA Countdown and SportsCenter, have gotten stronger.”
Stephanie Druley, ESPN senior vice president, events and studio production said, “Doris brings instant credibility to any event she’s working on. Her depth of basketball knowledge, whether it be pro or college, men’s or women’s, is truly second-to-none. Her expanded game analyst role will make our coverage smarter and better.”