ESPN announces Dick Vitale extension, creation of annual game named for broadcaster
By Andrew Olson
Published:
ESPN is celebrating Dick Vitale’s 86th birthday in a big way.
Vitale has received a 2-year extension with the network, taking him through the 2027-28 season. Additionally, ESPN is launching the Dick Vitale Invitational, beginning with the 2025-26 season.
Dick is the heart of college basketball, and his kindness, generosity and courage are a constant inspiration to us all,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a released statement. “Through the creation of the Dick Vitale Invitational, we will celebrate him and his profound impact on the sport. We are also thrilled that Dick will remain a signature voice on ESPN through the 2027-28 season.
The inaugural Dick Vitale Invitational game is set for Nov. 4 in Charlotte. The matchup will feature Duke taking on Texas.
I couldn’t believe it when I got the call from ESPN,” Vitale said Monday. “They said, ‘we want to have a big game called the Dick Vitale Invitational.’ I said, ‘are you serious?!’ All of the people at ESPN, starting with Jimmy Pitaro, and all of my friends and colleagues have been so great to me especially with my recent battles with cancer. They’ve been by my side from day one and to do this is unbelievable. Long after I’m gone, to still have a game out there with my name attached to it? Wow, that is truly unbelievable!
Vitale announced in May that he is cancer-free. At the ACC Tournament in March, Vitale got emotional reflecting on his 3 cancer battles over the past 4 years.
Happy 86th birthday, @DickieV!
— ESPN Front Row (@ESPNFrontRow) June 9, 2025
The legendary ESPN broadcaster reacts to Monday’s announcement of the creation of the Dick Vitale Invitational & his new multi-year contract extension
https://t.co/2t29vsf0lA pic.twitter.com/j0Brw9y9ol
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
