Doris Burke Biography: From College Star to NBA Analyst | ESPN

The Rise of Doris Burke: A Basketball Icon

Doris Burke is a renowned American sports commentator and analyst, widely recognized for her insightful and engaging commentary on basketball games.

Early Life and Basketball Career:

Born in West Islip, New York, Burke’s passion for basketball blossomed during her high school years.

She then went on to play college basketball at Providence College, where she excelled as a point guard. Her impressive performance earned her numerous accolades, including being named an All-American in 1987.

Transition to Broadcasting:

After her college career, Burke transitioned into broadcasting, starting as a sideline reporter for the New York Knicks in 1990.

Her sharp analysis and insightful commentary quickly caught the attention of ESPN, leading to her becoming a prominent figure in the network’s basketball coverage.

ESPN and Beyond:

Burke’s association with ESPN has spanned over three decades, where she has served as a lead analyst for NBA games, including the NBA Finals.

She has also provided commentary for college basketball games, both men’s and women’s, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and knowledgeable sports broadcaster.

Trailblazing Achievements

Doris Burke has achieved several groundbreaking milestones in her career:

• First woman to call a New York Knicks game on radio and television.

• First woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA Finals on any platform (2020).

• First woman to serve as a television analyst for a major American men’s sports championship event (2024 NBA Finals).

• Recipient of the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

Doris Burke’s career serves as an inspiration to aspiring female sports broadcasters, demonstrating the power of passion, hard work, and expertise in breaking barriers and achieving success in a male-dominated field.

Age:

Doris Burke, born on November 4, 1965, is 59 years old. Her zodiac sign is Capricorn. She is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Doris Burke was born as Doris Sable in West Islip, New York, and moved to Manasquan, New Jersey, at the age of seven.

She grew up as the youngest of eight children in a close-knit, Irish-Catholic family. Her parents, though not widely known, provided a supportive environment that helped her develop a love for basketball.

Burke’s early years were spent playing basketball on the Jersey Shore, where she gained local fame and honed her skills.

Her basketball idols growing up included Kyle Macy, Kelly Tripucka, and Tom Heinsohn.

This upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of confidence and self-worth, which propelled her career forward.

Doris Burke’s Husband and Kids:

Doris Burke was married to Gregg Burke. They got married in 1989 and later divorced.

Despite their separation, they have maintained a cordial and supportive relationship, especially regarding their children.

Gregg Burke is a former college basketball player and coach. Currently, he is the head men’s golf coach at the University of Rhode Island.

Together, Doris and Gregg have two children:

Sarah Burke

• Education: Sarah attended Villanova University School of Law and graduated in 2018.

• Career: While specific details about her career path post-graduation are not widely publicized, she has pursued a career in law.

• Personal Life: Sarah is known to be a supportive daughter, and Doris often expresses pride in her accomplishments.

Matthew Burke

• Personal Life: Matthew, like his sister, has grown up and is now an adult. Details about his specific career or personal endeavors are less publicized. However, he remains an essential part of Doris’s life.

Doris Burke’s Family Dynamic

Despite her busy career, Doris Burke has always made time for her children, balancing her professional and personal life admirably.

She often speaks about the support she receives from her family and the importance of maintaining strong family bonds.

Doris has expressed a desire to retire around the age of 60 to spend more time with her grandchildren, highlighting her commitment to family.

Relationship with Gregg Burke

Although Doris and Gregg divorced, they have maintained a positive relationship for the sake of their children.

This amicable relationship underscores their mutual respect and dedication to family values. Gregg’s background in sports has also provided a shared understanding and support for Doris’s career in sports broadcasting.

Height, Weight:

Doris Burke stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (167 cm). Her weight is reported to be around 110 lbs (50 kg).

She maintains a slender and athletic build, which is fitting for her background as a former basketball player.

Career and Background:

Burke’s basketball career began as a point guard at Manasquan High School, leading to her recruitment by several eastern colleges.

She played college basketball for the Providence Friars, finishing her career as the school’s leader in assists.

Transitioning to broadcasting, she became the first female commentator to call a New York Knicks game on radio and television.

In 2023, ESPN named her to their No. 1 NBA commentary team, making her the first woman to serve as a game analyst on television for a championship final during the 2024 NBA Finals.

Early Broadcasting Career

Doris Burke began her broadcasting career in 1990 as an analyst for women’s basketball games at Providence College, her alma mater.

She quickly expanded her role, covering Big East women’s games on television. Her insightful analysis and engaging style quickly garnered attention, leading to opportunities to cover men’s games as well.

Burke’s ability to break down complex plays and her deep understanding of the game made her a standout in a field dominated by men.

ESPN Career

In 1991, Doris Burke joined ESPN, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career with the network.

At ESPN, she covered a wide range of basketball events, including the NBA, WNBA, and college basketball. Burke’s presence on ESPN has been significant for several reasons:

• Breaking Barriers: Burke became the first woman to call a New York Knicks game on both radio and television, setting a precedent for future female sportscasters.

• NBA Finals Analyst: In 2020, she made history as the first woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA Finals on any platform. Her detailed and insightful commentary during these high-stakes games earned her widespread acclaim.

• Major American Men’s Sports: In 2024, she became the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a major American men’s sports championship event when she called the NBA Finals on ABC. This achievement highlighted her as a trailblazer in the field.

Recognition and Awards: In 2018, Burke received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, honoring her outstanding contributions to basketball media. This award is given to those who have made significant contributions to the sport through the media.

• No. 1 NBA Commentary Team: In 2023, ESPN named her to their No. 1 NBA commentary team, further cementing her status as a top-tier analyst. Her ability to provide clear, concise, and engaging analysis during games has made her a favorite among viewers.

Contributions to Women’s Sports

Doris Burke has also made significant contributions to women’s sports broadcasting:

• WNBA Analyst: She worked as an analyst for WNBA games on MSG Network, bringing visibility and recognition to women’s professional basketball. Her role in WNBA broadcasts has helped elevate the league’s profile and brought more attention to women’s basketball.

• Women’s College Basketball: Burke covered women’s college basketball for CBS Sports and Westwood One Radio, providing in-depth analysis and commentary. Her work in this area has been instrumental in increasing the visibility and credibility of women’s college basketball.

• Advocacy and Influence: Through her work, Burke has been a vocal advocate for women in sports journalism, encouraging more women to pursue careers in this field. She has participated in numerous panels and speaking engagements aimed at empowering and inspiring young women to break into sports broadcasting.

Notable Sports Reports

Doris Burke has been involved in several notable sports reports throughout her career, showcasing her expertise and breaking barriers in sports journalism. Here are some highlights:

• New York Knicks Games: Burke made history by becoming the first woman to call a New York Knicks game on both radio and television. Her insightful analysis and engaging commentary have made her a respected voice in Knicks broadcasts.

• NBA Finals Coverage: Burke has been a prominent figure in NBA Finals coverage. In 2020, she became the first woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA Finals on any platform. Her detailed and insightful commentary during these high-stakes games earned her widespread acclaim.

• 2024 NBA Finals: In 2024, Burke made history again by becoming the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a major American men’s sports championship event when she called the NBA Finals on ABC. This achievement highlighted her as a trailblazer in the field.

• WNBA Games: Burke worked as an analyst for WNBA games on MSG Network, bringing visibility and recognition to women’s professional basketball. Her role in WNBA broadcasts has helped elevate the league’s profile and brought more attention to women’s basketball.

• College Basketball: Burke has covered women’s college basketball for CBS Sports and Westwood One Radio, providing in-depth analysis and commentary. Her work in this area has been instrumental in increasing the visibility and credibility of women’s college basketball.

• NBA Sideline Reporting: From 2009 to 2019, Burke was ESPN’s No. 1 sideline reporter during the NBA Finals. Her presence on the sidelines provided viewers with real-time insights and reactions during the games.

• NBA 2K Video Games: Burke renewed her role in the NBA 2K video games, adding another dimension to her career and reaching a broader audience.

Awards and Recognitions

Doris Burke has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, highlighting her contributions to sports broadcasting and her trailblazing achievements. Here are some of the most notable ones:

• Curt Gowdy Media Award: In 2018, Burke was honored with the prestigious Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to basketball through the media.

• Silver Anniversary Award: In 2012, Burke received the Silver Anniversary Award from the NCAA, recognizing her athletic and professional accomplishments.

• Emmy Nomination: In 2020, Burke was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Research for her work on “The Weekly”. This nomination further solidified her reputation as a top-tier sports analyst.

• Providence College Hall of Fame: Burke was inducted into the Providence College Hall of Fame in 1999, honoring her achievements as a standout basketball player and her contributions to the college.

• No. 1 NBA Commentary Team: In 2023, ESPN named Burke to their No. 1 NBA commentary team, recognizing her as one of the top analysts in the industry.

• First Woman to Call NBA Finals: Burke made history by becoming the first woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA Finals on any platform in 2020.

• First Woman to Call Major American Men’s Sports Championship: In 2024, Burke became the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a major American men’s sports championship event when she called the NBA Finals on ABC.

• NBA 2K Video Games: Burke has been featured in the NBA 2K video games, adding another dimension to her career and reaching a broader audience.

Doris Burke’s ESPN Colleagues

Doris Burke has worked with many talented and well-known colleagues throughout her career at ESPN and ABC. Some of her close colleagues include:

• Mike Breen: Mike Breen is a well-known NBA play-by-play commentator who has worked alongside Burke on numerous broadcasts, including the NBA Finals. They share a strong professional bond and have often expressed mutual respect and admiration for each other.

• Doc Rivers: Doc Rivers, a former NBA player and head coach, joined ESPN as an analyst and worked closely with Burke. They formed a great on-air partnership, and Burke was visibly emotional when Rivers left ESPN to become the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

• Mark Jackson: Mark Jackson, a former NBA player and coach, has also been a colleague of Burke’s at ESPN. They have collaborated on various NBA broadcasts, bringing their wealth of basketball knowledge and experience to the viewers.

• Jalen Rose: Jalen Rose, a former NBA player and current analyst, has also been a colleague of Burke’s at ESPN. They have worked together on various NBA and college basketball broadcasts, providing insightful analysis and engaging commentary.

• Jeff Van Gundy: Jeff Van Gundy, a former NBA coach and current analyst, has worked with Burke on NBA broadcasts. Their professional relationship has been marked by mutual respect and a shared passion for the game.

• Kendrick Perkins: Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA player and current analyst, has also been a colleague of Burke’s at ESPN. They have collaborated on various NBA broadcasts, bringing their unique perspectives and insights to the viewers.

These colleagues have contributed to Burke’s success and have helped shape her career in sports broadcasting.

Their collaborations have brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the viewers, making the broadcasts more enjoyable and informative.

Doris Burke’s Net Worth and Salary:

Net Worth

Doris Burke’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million. This substantial amount is a result of her successful career in sports broadcasting, spanning over three decades.

Her net worth reflects her contributions to the industry and the recognition she has received for her work.

Salary

Doris Burke’s annual salary ranges from $300,000 to $1 million. The exact figure depends on various factors, including the specific assignments and contracts she has with networks like ESPN and ABC.

Her salary is a testament to her status as one of the most respected and well-known sports analysts in the industry.

Breakdown of Earnings

• ESPN: As a prominent figure at ESPN, Burke earns a significant portion of her income from her work as an NBA analyst. Her role in high-profile events like the NBA Finals and regular-season games contributes to her earnings.

• ABC: Burke’s work with ABC, especially during major events like the NBA Finals, adds to her annual income.

• WNBA and College Basketball: Her contributions to WNBA broadcasts and women’s college basketball also contribute to her overall earnings.

• Public Speaking and Appearances: Burke earns additional income through public speaking engagements, panel discussions, and other appearances related to her expertise in basketball.

Is Doris Burke Married?

No, Doris Burke is not currently married. She was previously married to Gregg Burke, with whom she has two children. They divorced in 2012.

How Old Is Doris Burke?

Doris Burke was born on November 4, 1965, which makes her 59 years old as of now.

Where Is Doris Burke Working At?

Doris Burke is currently working at ESPN and ABC, where she holds several key roles:

• Lead NBA Analyst: Burke is the lead NBA analyst on both ESPN and ABC. She provides in-depth analysis and commentary during NBA games, including the NBA Finals.

• NBA Finals Analyst: She has made history by becoming the first woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA Finals on any platform. In 2024, she became the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a major American men’s sports championship event when she called the NBA Finals on ABC.

• College Basketball Analyst: Burke also covers college basketball games for ESPN and ABC, offering her expertise and insights on both men’s and women’s games.

• Sideline Reporter: Burke served as the sideline reporter for the NBA Finals on ABC for nine years, providing real-time insights and reactions during the games.

Her roles at ESPN and ABC have solidified her as one of the most respected and influential sports analysts in the industry.

Doris Burke is active on social media. She uses platforms like Twitter and Instagram to engage with fans, share updates about her career, and provide insights into the world of basketball.

Burke’s presence on social media allows her to connect with a broader audience and share her passion for the game.