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8mo ago

Dick Vitale to Call First March Madness Game With Charles Barkley

A new ESPN–Turner arrangement cleared the way for the 86-year-old to make his NCAA tournament debut.

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - DECEMBER 13: Charles Barkley (L) and Dick Vitale commentate during the game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on December 13, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Officials confirmed on March 4 that Vitale will be on the broadcast team for the NCAA men's First Four.
  • He is assigned to the second Tuesday First Four game in Dayton on March 17.
  • Brian Anderson will handle play-by-play with Vitale and Charles Barkley alongside him on the call.
  • CBS Sports executive Harold Bryant said Vitale deserved the opportunity after previously declining offers out of loyalty to ESPN.
  • Fans cheered the announcement on social media, with Vitale’s recent recoveries from melanoma, lymphoma, and vocal cord cancer underscoring the moment.