Legendary basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale is having a year to remember. On his 86th birthday, ESPN announced the creation of the Dick Vitale Invitational, a new annual men’s college basketball event honoring Vitale’s immense contributions to the sport. Adding to the celebration, Vitale’s contract with ESPN has been extended through the 2027-28 season, cementing his role as a defining voice of college basketball for years to come.
Honoring a Legend
The Dick Vitale Invitational will debut on November 4 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, featuring a marquee matchup between Texas and Duke. The event is a testament to Vitale’s legacy, both as a broadcaster and as a champion of college basketball. For Vitale, the news was overwhelming.
“When I got the call from ESPN about the invitational, I couldn’t believe it,” Vitale shared. “To have my name attached to a game long after I’m gone is truly unbelievable.”
A Lifetime of Achievements
This latest recognition is part of a remarkable year for Vitale. In April, he received the Dean Smith Award from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, honoring his contributions to the game and his philanthropic efforts. In May, the 20th annual Dick Vitale Gala raised over $12.5 million for pediatric cancer research, bringing the total raised by the event to more than $105 million. Vitale was also inducted into the Sports Club of Tampa Bay Hall of Fame, one of over a dozen halls of fame that have celebrated his impact on sports and broadcasting.
Perhaps the most uplifting news came in May when Vitale announced that he is cancer-free, a triumphant milestone after battling the disease.
Looking Ahead
With his contract extension, Vitale will continue his legendary tenure with ESPN, which began in 1979. The deal brings him closer to achieving his dream of 50 years with the network. In true Vitale fashion, he expressed his characteristic enthusiasm about the future.
“I want to work 50 years at ESPN, and then I want to be the first guy to do a game when I’m 100 years old,” Vitale joked. “That’s not that far off—just 14 years away!”
An Inspirational Legacy
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised Vitale’s unparalleled contributions to the sport and the network.
“Dick is the heart of college basketball,” Pitaro said. “His kindness, generosity, and courage inspire us all. The Dick Vitale Invitational and his contract extension are fitting tributes to his profound impact.”
As the countdown to the inaugural Dick Vitale Invitational begins, college basketball fans can look forward to celebrating a true legend whose voice has become synonymous with the sport. Vitale’s passion and dedication ensure that his impact will resonate for generations to come.
“It’s awesome, baby!”
