
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Breen during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Breen during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Breen’s voice has been the soundtrack to some of basketball’s most unforgettable moments. From punctuating moments with Bang! etched into NBA history to calling the biggest tournaments in global sports, Mike is the voice an entire generation looks forward to hearing.
So, someone as iconic as Breen probably gets compensated handsomely, right? Well, let’s comprehensively answer that question today as we delve into the details of his ESPN contract and the bank he’s made over the years.
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What Is Mike Breen’s Contract with ESPN? A Look into His Salary
In the summer of 2023, ESPN moved to lock down its veteran play-by-play man by tacking a two-year extension onto the final two seasons of his existing deal. Neither Breen nor the network has revealed the exact figures. But everyone agrees it’s a multi-million-dollar pact—that, of course, hinges on Disney/ESPN retaining those coveted NBA rights.

USA Today via Reuters
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Playoffs-Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns, Jun 28, 2021 Phoenix, Arizona, USA ESPN announcer Jeff Van Gundy left and Mike Breen against the Los Angeles Clippers against the Phoenix Suns in game five of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports, 28.06.2021 17:59:23, 16349999, Phoenix Suns, ESPN, Western Conference Finals, Jeff Van Gundy, NBA, Mike Breen, Los Angeles Clippers PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 16349999
When ESPN showed Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson the door during offseason layoffs, Breen stayed. All thanks to his massive contract extension. And owing to this deal, Breen called his 19th NBA final in 2024. His 20th comes in June 2025. With those numbers, Mike Breen can easily dub himself the LeBron James of ESPN, if you ask us!
What Is Mike Breen’s Net Worth as of 2025?
In 2022, multiple outlets, including Idol Net Worth, put Breen’s net worth at around $1.5 million. That figure reflects three decades behind various microphones. These include college games on WEOK/WPDH radio. Knicks home contests on MSG, WNBA broadcasts. And Olympic coverage in both the summer and winter games. That said, there’s no update on the iconic broadcaster’s net worth as of 2025.
However, we can assume one thing based on what we do know. His two-year extension alone was described as “multi-million.” And continuing to call a full ESPN slate while maintaining his MSG duties surely keeps the money flowing. So, even though he’s in the latter stages of his career, that bank account is far from stagnant.
What’s your perspective on:
Is Mike Breen the LeBron James of broadcasting, or is there someone better out there?
Have an interesting take?
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Mike Breen’s Broadcasting Career
Breen’s path to the NBA booth began humbly on upstate New York radio. At WEOK/WPDH, he cut his teeth as a Marist College Red Foxes commentator and all-around newscaster. Those formative years taught him to think on his feet and craft vivid play-by-play descriptions. In 1992, he landed at WFAN, where he worked his way from general broadcaster to the “voice of the New York Knicks” by 1997, stepping in when Marv Albert was first let go. Breen held that role until 1999, when Albert returned. This meant Breen briefly shifted into an understudy position—only to reclaim the top spot again in 2004 after Albert’s second departure.

via Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 19: ESPN Analysts, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mike Breen look on prior to Game Two of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics at FTX Arena on May 19, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
From there, Breen began calling basketball on the world stage. And he hasn’t looked back since. Breen kicked things off by covering men’s and women’s hoops at the 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008 Summer Olympics as well as ski jumping at the 1996 Winter Games. Yet his NBA commentary is what truly defined him. His signature “Bang!”—and the extended “Bang! Bang!”—has punctuated history-making shots: Ray Allen’s game-saving three in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, Stephen Curry’s 35-footer dagger against the Thunder in 2016, Jeremy Lin’s miraculous Linsanity winner in 2012, and Luka Dončić’s step-back buzzer-beater in the 2020 playoffs.
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Of course, Breen isn’t a one-phrase wonder. When Carmelo Anthony drilled a clutch three in overtime against the Bulls, Breen capped it off with a “Puts it in.” And when Kyrie Irving hit two of his most iconic shots—once in the 2016 Finals and again on Christmas Day that same year—Breen’s simple “It’s good” became part of Kai’s lore. Through every twist and turn, his consistency has been his calling card. And nothing’s changing anytime soon!
ESPN has locked in a fresh extension through at least 2027, so Mike Breen will keep guiding viewers through every high and low of NBA drama. Now, the $1.5 million net-worth estimate? That’s probably outdated. But his recent multi-million-dollar deal proves he isn’t exactly strapped for cash!
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Is Mike Breen the LeBron James of broadcasting, or is there someone better out there?