Doris Burke Makes History as First Female Game Analyst for Major Sports Championship

Doris Burke Makes History as First Woman to Serve as Game Analyst for NBA Finals

Doris Burke made history on Thursday night as she became the first woman to serve as a game analyst on TV for a championship final in one of the four major professional U.S. sports leagues. Before calling Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics, Burke credited Robin Roberts as one of her biggest influences when she was starting out as an analyst calling women’s college basketball games.

Roberts, the co-host of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” praised Burke for her acknowledgment of those who paved the way for her. Burke, who joined ESPN in 1990, has covered the NBA finals since 2009 and has been a trailblazer for female analysts and announcers in the sports industry.

Ann Meyers Drysdale, the first woman to work an NBA game for one of the broadcast networks in 1997, expressed her support for Burke, saying she deserved the opportunity. Burke’s influence goes beyond basketball, as she has inspired other female analysts like Jessica Mendoza to pursue their dreams in sports broadcasting.

During a conference call, Burke praised her teammates, announcer Mike Breen and analyst JJ Reddick, for their support and teamwork throughout the NBA Finals. Despite the milestone, Burke remains focused on the games ahead and hopes that her achievement will make a difference for women in sports.

As Burke continues to break barriers and inspire the next generation of female analysts and announcers, her legacy in the sports industry is sure to leave a lasting impact.