Home / Sports / Dick Vitale's March Madness Debut After Cancer Battle
Dick Vitale's March Madness Debut After Cancer Battle
18 Mar
Summary
- Vitale will call his first NCAA Tournament game after 45 years.
- He is cancer-free as of July 2025, returning after treatment.
- He joins Charles Barkley for the highly anticipated broadcast.
Dick Vitale, a celebrated figure in college basketball for over four decades, will make his debut calling an NCAA Tournament game on March 17. This highly anticipated event follows Vitale's personal battle with cancer, from which he was declared cancer-free in July 2025. His first tournament broadcast will be the Texas vs. NC State matchup in Dayton, Ohio, alongside Brian Anderson and NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.
The pairing of Vitale and Barkley has generated significant excitement, with fans clamoring for their collaboration since they last worked together on an ESPN broadcast in December 2025. CBS Sports Executive Producer Harold Bryant acknowledged Vitale's long-standing contributions, expressing delight that he has finally agreed to call a tournament game after multiple offers. Vitale's career has spanned over 1,000 games, and he is also a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Beyond his broadcasting career, Vitale is a dedicated advocate for cancer research through the V Foundation, established by his friend Jimmy Valvano. His enduring connection with Valvano and his legacy continues to inspire, making his upcoming tournament debut a must-watch event for college basketball enthusiasts.
