Overview
- ESPN confirmed Thursday, October 15, 2026, that Jason Kidd will serve primarily on NBA Countdown and as an analyst on select game telecasts.
- Kidd confirmed the hire on his X account and said he is excited to join ESPN for the 2026–27 season.
- The network also added Jeremy Lin to its full-time NBA analyst rotation as part of a broader reshuffle of studio and game broadcast teams.
- Kidd was dismissed by the Dallas Mavericks in May 2026 after the team finished the 2025–26 season 26-56 under new president Masai Ujiri.
- Kidd is a Basketball Hall of Famer with 10 seasons of head-coaching experience and a 2020 championship as a Lakers assistant, and observers view the ESPN role as a likely interim stop while he pursues future coaching opportunities.