Dick Vitale, ESPN Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The voice of ESPN's college basketball coverage will stick around for at least three more seasons, as Dick Vitale has agreed to a new contract with the network.  

Anna Negron of ESPN Media Zone reported Vitale's deal adds one more year to his previous contract and will give the legendary announcer 40 years at the network. 

ESPN executive vice president of production and programming John Wildhack issued a statement included in Negron's release: “Dick’s energy and love for basketball and life continue to be at the heart of his incredibly well-earned success. Fans truly appreciate Dick’s engaging and entertaining style, and his continued work to fight cancer on behalf of The V Foundation is remarkable.”

Vitale also expressed his happiness and gratitude about being able to continue his long-standing relationship with ESPN in Negron's report:

"

ESPN has been a vital part of my life. Completing the next three years of my contract will mean 40 years of hoops heaven. I have loved every moment, and it has been a thrill to be courtside and call some of the greatest games in the country, sitting next to some of the most outstanding play-by-play announcers you could ever want to work with. I can’t thank them, the producers and all of the people behind the scenes enough for giving me a life that’s exceeded any dream I’ve ever had. My goal is to be the first announcer ever to call a game and say “you’re awesome baby” at 100.

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At 77 years old, Vitale has a long way to go if he wants to reach his goal of calling a game one century into his life. If anyone in any sport is capable of pulling off that feat, though, it would be the Basketball Hall of Famer. 

He's been one of ESPN's longest-tenured personalities, calling his first game on the network in December 1979, just three months after it launched. In the nearly four decades since, he's become as synonymous with college basketball as anyone in the country because of his excitement and enthusiasm for every game. 

Whenever Vitale is in the announcer's chair, it feels like a bigger game. He brings an air of gravitas to the proceedings. ESPN understands his value to the brand and will continue to give him the stage to do what he does as well as anyone in the broadcast community.