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Vanessa Richardson departs Rockets for full-time ESPN position

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 15, 2026, 9:18 PM

Last updated Oct 15, 2026

Vanessa Richardson departs Rockets for full-time ESPN position

Summary

Vanessa Richardson is leaving her role as courtside reporter for the Houston Rockets to join ESPN in a full-time capacity. She previously worked part-time with ESPN and announced her departure from Space City Home Network on social media, expressing gratitude for her time in Houston. The Rockets will need to find a replacement for her role ahead of the 2026-27 season, which begins next Wednesday, October 21. Craig Ackerman and Ryan Hollins will continue as play-by-play broadcaster and lead analyst, respectively. Richardson's tenure included multiple Lone Star Emmy awards for her coverage.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Vanessa Richardson joins ESPN from the Rockets' broadcast team.
•She spent four years as the Rockets' courtside reporter.
•Richardson won Lone Star Emmy awards during her tenure in Houston.
•The Rockets have not announced her replacement yet.
•The regular season opens for the Rockets on October 21.

Latest Updates

9:18 PMYahoo Sports — Vanessa Richardson leaves Rockets’ broadcast role for full-time ESPN position

What they're saying

"
Space City Home Network (SCHN) will have a new courtside reporter for its Rockets broadcasts after losing Vanessa Richardson to a full-time gig at ESPN.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Houston Rockets NBA Basketball