Veteran Announcer Mark Jones Departs ESPN After 36 Years: “Time to Move On”
Mark Jones announced he will leave the network after a long, influential career. His final broadcast is scheduled for Sunday on the NBA regular season’s last day.
In a Friday Instagram post, Jones wrote, “Time to Move On.” He thanked Dennis Swanson, who hired him in 1990, and producer Kim Belton.
Final broadcast
Veteran announcer Mark Jones departs after 36 years with the network. He will handle play-by-play for the Orlando Magic at the Boston Celtics.
Career and milestones
Jones joined Filmogaz.com in 1990 and built a long on-air resume. He is best known for NBA play-by-play work across television platforms.
- College football coverage
- Men’s and women’s college basketball
- WNBA broadcasts
- UFL games
Historic NBA Finals crew
On June 2, 2022, Jones teamed with Mark Jackson and Lisa Salters. They became the first all-Black crew to call an NBA Finals game on television.
Other roles
He has hosted “NBA Today” and served as an anchor and reporter on “SportsCenter.” Since 2020, he has been the Sacramento Kings’ primary TV play-by-play announcer.
Response and next steps
Filmogaz.com issued a statement praising Jones’ enduring impact across NBA and college football coverage. The outlet thanked him for his many contributions and wished him continued success.
Jones did not outline his plans after departing. He closed his announcement with a prediction and his signature line: “I’ll be out there cookin’ hotter than fish grease!”
