Mike Breen reflects on quitting broadcasting early in his career
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 5:00 AM
Last updated Jun 3, 2026
Mike Breen, the lead NBA play-by-play announcer for ESPN/ABC, discussed his early struggles in broadcasting, revealing that he almost quit due to overwhelming challenges. Now 65 years old, Breen is set to call the NBA Finals for the New York Knicks, who will face the winner of the Spurs-Thunder series. His career has been celebrated, but he acknowledged moments of doubt that nearly led to his departure from the profession. Breen's resilience has contributed to his long-standing role in sports commentary.
- •Breen is set to call the NBA Finals next week.
- •He leads broadcasts for ESPN/ABC and the Knicks.
- •Breen revealed he almost quit broadcasting early in his career.
- •He is 65 years old and has a storied career.
- 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — Mike Breen Knicks fandom, explained: Inside NBA broadcaster's New York roots and connection with NBA club
- 7:56 PMYahoo Sports — Knicks in the NBA Finals won't change Mike Breen's approach to his call on ABC
- 3:25 AMYahoo Sports — Mike Breen, longtime voice of Knicks and NBA Finals, now set to call both at once
- 11:00 PMYahoo Sports — Mike Breen almost quit broadcasting early in his career: ‘I can’t do this anymore’
"If there were any doubts that Mike Breen can be a neutral announcer during the NBA Finals with the New York Knicks facing the San Antonio Spurs, Joe Davis can put those at ease. The Fox Sports baseball announcer — who also calls Los Angeles Dodgers games locally — received a thoughtful critique from Breen when the Dodgers faced the New York Mets in the 2004 National League Championship Series.
"NEW YORK — Mike Breen’s recent interactions with Knicks fans have gone a little differently than they did during the decades prior. Breen — a voice of the Knicks since 1991, including for MSG Networks since 1998 — has had a front-row seat for so many of the franchise’s highs and lows, including the 27-year NBA Finals drought that will officially end when Game 1 in San Antonio tips off on ...
"Mike Breen is the lead NBA play-by-play announcer for ESPN/ABC and the New York Knicks. His worlds will collide next week when the Knicks take on the winner of the Spurs-Thunder series in the NBA Finals, and he’ll be on the call. Breen’s broadcasting career has been storied and celebrated, but the 65-year-old admits there…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 3, 2026, 5:00 AMMike Breen Knicks fandom, explained: Inside NBA broadcaster's New York roots and connection with NBA club
Here's a look at the broadcaster's ties to the Knicks and why he supports them.
- Yahoo SportsJun 2, 2026, 7:56 PMKnicks in the NBA Finals won't change Mike Breen's approach to his call on ABC
If there were any doubts that Mike Breen can be a neutral announcer during the NBA Finals with the New York Knicks facing the San Antonio Spurs, Joe Davis can put those at ease. The Fox Sports baseball announcer — who also calls Los Angeles Dodgers games locally — received a thoughtful critique from Breen when the Dodgers faced the New York Mets in the 2004 National League Championship Series.
- Yahoo SportsJun 2, 2026, 3:25 AMMike Breen, longtime voice of Knicks and NBA Finals, now set to call both at once
NEW YORK — Mike Breen’s recent interactions with Knicks fans have gone a little differently than they did during the decades prior. Breen — a voice of the Knicks since 1991, including for MSG Networks since 1998 — has had a front-row seat for so many of the franchise’s highs and lows, including the 27-year NBA Finals drought that will officially end when Game 1 in San Antonio tips off on ...
- Yahoo SportsMay 30, 2026, 11:00 PMMike Breen almost quit broadcasting early in his career: ‘I can’t do this anymore’
Mike Breen is the lead NBA play-by-play announcer for ESPN/ABC and the New York Knicks. His worlds will collide next week when the Knicks take on the winner of the Spurs-Thunder series in the NBA Finals, and he’ll be on the call. Breen’s broadcasting career has been storied and celebrated, but the 65-year-old admits there…
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