Overview

• Rick Carlisle began his pregame press conference on June 5 by criticizing ESPN’s leak of reports questioning Burke’s contract status.
• The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported that Burke’s role as the network’s lead NBA analyst is not guaranteed for next season.
• Network insiders have cited a perceived lack of on-air chemistry between Burke and play-by-play announcer Mike Breen as a factor.
• Carlisle praised Burke’s pioneering achievements, noting her Hall of Fame induction and her status as the first woman to call a major men’s championship series.
• Burke has been with ESPN since 1991 and is widely credited for paving the way for women in sports broadcasting.