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The legendary Dick Vitale is 86 years old and, after several health battles, was still his same energetic self throughout the season calling games for ESPN — a network he’s worked with for more than 45 years.
That long-standing partnership, however, has often prevented him from branching into the NCAA Tournament, something he’s never broadcast despite previous offers from CBS that he declined out of loyalty to ESPN.
Things have now changed. With March Madness less than two weeks away, Vitale was officially confirmed Wednesday as one of the broadcasters for the second of Tuesday’s First Four games. He’ll call the matchup alongside Brian Anderson and NBA legend Charles Barkley — someone he’s already worked with once earlier this college basketball season.
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Game Announcers for the First Four pic.twitter.com/wlqx7jrzhi
— March Madness Men’s Basketball TV (@MM_MBB_TV) March 4, 2026While the news had been reported earlier this season, its official confirmation sent college basketball fans into a frenzy,
“Barkley and Dickie V together sounds really fun,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “Finally the great Dick Vitale for March Madness.”
A third person posted, “Dick Vitale for a First Four game. That’s cinema.”
“DICKIE V DURING MARCH MADNESS,” another fan shared.
One more commenter summed up the excitement: “Chuck and Dickie V is must-see TV.”
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CBS Sports executive Harold Bryant released a statement earlier this season about what it would mean to have Vitale call a game, noting that he “deserved” the opportunity to be on the mic in Dayton.
“Dick has meant so much to the game of basketball, and we have long felt he deserved an opportunity to call an NCAA Men’s Tournament game, and we are delighted he has finally agreed following several offers,” Bryant said. “Having him call the game with Charles will be must-see TV and a great way to tip off the First Four.”
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