Quick Info
| Profession | Sportscaster, college basketball analyst and former coach |
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| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 09/06/1939 |
| Age | 87 years |
| Birthplace | Passaic, New Jersey, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
Latest News about Dick Vitale
Vitale said he remains full speed ahead with his ESPN schedule despite ongoing regular immunotherapy treatments. He is entering his 47th year at ESPN and is under contract through the 2027-28 season, and his next announcing assignment is the North Carolina versus West Virginia game at the Dick Vitale Invitational on 27/11/2026.
Vitale said on social media that his recent blood tests came back very good and that his immunotherapy treatments were very effective in wiping out the cancer. The update followed his April disclosure of his fifth cancer diagnosis.
Vitale announced that biopsy results confirmed melanoma in his lung and liver cavity, and he said he would begin immunotherapy shortly. He stated that he felt fantastic and planned to keep fighting, having previously beaten melanoma, lymphoma, vocal cord cancer and lymph node cancer. The diagnosis came after a series of scans and tests showed abnormalities.
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Bio/Wiki
| Summary | Richard John Vitale, known as Dickie V, is an American basketball coach turned broadcaster best known for his college basketball commentary on ESPN since 1979. He is an enshrined member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and is widely recognised for his enthusiastic on-air style and catchphrases. |
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| Broadcasting Milestones | He called ESPN's first major NCAA men's basketball game, Wisconsin at DePaul, on 05/12/1979, and has since called well over a thousand games. |
| Recent Activity | He returned to ESPN's college basketball coverage for the 2025-26 season, working select regular-season games and an NCAA Tournament First Four game. In 2026 he announced a fifth cancer diagnosis and has been receiving immunotherapy while remaining under contract with ESPN. |
Educational Qualification(s)
| Seton Hall University | Bachelor's degree in business administration, 1962 |
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Personal Life
| Health | He has publicly battled several cancers, including melanoma, lymphoma, laryngeal cancer and a later melanoma diagnosis, and has continued working through treatment. In April 2026 he disclosed melanoma in his lung and liver cavity, and by August 2026 he reported that recent blood tests were positive and that immunotherapy was effective. |
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| Philanthropy | He is active in pediatric cancer research and serves on the board of The V Foundation, which was founded by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano. He continues to host the Dick Vitale Gala in Sarasota, Florida, to raise money for children with cancer. |
Relationships & More
| Professional Associations | Frequent broadcast partners include Dave O'Brien and Charles Barkley. |
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Career
| High School Coaching | Coached at the high school level in New Jersey, where his teams won state titles. |
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| Rutgers University | Served as an assistant coach under head coach Dick Lloyd from 1971. |
| University of Detroit | Became head coach at the University of Detroit after his Rutgers stint. |
| Detroit Pistons | Served as head coach of the Detroit Pistons from 1978 to 1979. |
| ESPN | Joined ESPN in 1979 as a college basketball analyst, shortly after the network launched, and has remained with the network since. He is entering his 47th year at ESPN and is under contract through the 2027-28 college basketball season. |
| ABC Sports | Worked as a college basketball analyst for ABC Sports from 1988. |
| Honours | Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2008 and received the Curt Gowdy Award in 1998. |
| Writing | Has authored multiple books, including a children's title, and writes for ESPN The Magazine. |
Style Quotient
| Signature Expressions | Known for catchphrases such as "Awesome, baby!" and "Get a TWO, baby." |
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| On-Air Style | Known for an enthusiastic, passionate and energetic commentary style. |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. He was hired by ESPN after the executive Scotty Connal recognised a quality in him that he believed could not be taught. | |
| 2. The Vitale family endowed the Dick Vitale Family Scholarship at Notre Dame, awarded annually to an undergraduate athlete or activity participant who does not receive financial aid. | |
| 3. He awards scholarships annually to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County in Florida. |
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