Mike Breen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mike Breen
Breen in 2023
Born	Michael Breen (1961-05-22) May 22, 1961 (age 64) New York City, U.S.
Education	Fordham University
Years active	1991–present
Notable credit(s)	Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on May 14, 2021 Broadcaster of the Year, 1998 National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Three-time Sports Emmy Award winner (Outstanding Play-by-Play)
Title	Sportscaster
Spouse(s)	Rosanne Breen
Children	3
Sports commentary career
Sports	Basketball American football

Michael Breen, born on May 22, 1961, is a famous American sports commentator. He is best known for calling play-by-play for NBA games. Since 2006, he has been the main announcer for NBA games on ABC and ESPN, including the exciting NBA Finals. He also announces games for the New York Knicks on the MSG Network. Before focusing on basketball, Breen also called NFL games for NFL on Fox and NFL on NBC.

Mike Breen's Life Story

Early Years and Education

Mike Breen grew up in Yonkers, New York. He went to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic grammar school. Later, he graduated from Salesian High School in 1979. In 1983, he finished his studies at Fordham University.

Calling Basketball Games

Breen in 2008

Breen started his career calling basketball games for the Marist College Red Foxes in 1985. From 1991 to 1997, he was a radio announcer for the New York Knicks on WFAN. In 1997, he moved to television to call Knicks games for MSG Network. He became the main Knicks play-by-play announcer in 2004.

Breen also worked for NBC during the 1998 NBA playoffs and until 2002. He even called WNBA games for NBC. A memorable moment was calling Game 2 of the 1999 WNBA Finals. In that game, New York Liberty player Teresa Weatherspoon made an amazing half-court shot at the buzzer.

In 2003, Breen joined ESPN. By February 2006, he became the main basketball announcer for ABC, covering the NBA Finals. For many years, he worked with analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. In 2023, after some changes at ESPN, Doris Burke and former NBA coach Doc Rivers joined him in the main broadcast team.

Mike Breen's Famous Calls

Mike Breen is well-known for yelling "BANG!" after a big shot, especially late in a game. Here are some of his most famous calls:

• June 18, 2013 - During Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, Ray Allen of the Miami Heat hit a crucial three-pointer. This shot tied the game with only seconds left. The Heat won in overtime and then won the championship.

  "James catches, puts up a 3. Won't go, rebound Bosh, back out to Allen, his three-pointer, BANG! TIE GAME WITH 5 SECONDS REMAINING!"

• February 27, 2016 - Breen called a regular season game between the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder. In overtime, Stephen Curry hit a 38-foot, game-winning three-point shot.

  "They do have a timeout, decide not to use it, Curry, way downtown, BANG! BANG! OH, WHAT A SHOT FROM CURRY! WITH 6 TENTHS OF A SECOND REMAINING!"

• June 19, 2016 - In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, LeBron James made a huge block on Andre Iguodala's layup. This play helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win the game and the championship. It ended Cleveland's long wait for a major sports title.

  "Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! OH, BLOCKED BY JAMES! LEBRON JAMES WITH THE REJECTION!"

Breen has worked with many former Knicks players and coaches, like Hubie Brown, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Walt Frazier. He was also present during some famous on-court fights, like the one between the Pacers and Pistons in 2004.

Voice in Video Games

Mike Breen was also the voice for the NBA Live video game series. He started with NBA Elite 11 and continued with NBA Live 14 through NBA Live 18. He worked alongside his ESPN partners, Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy, in these games.

Hall of Fame Recognition

On May 14, 2021, Mike Breen was honored for his amazing career. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He also received the Curt Gowdy Media Award. These are very important awards for sports broadcasters. In his speech, Breen said that calling great moments in NBA history was a huge privilege. But the best part, he said, was the friendships the game gave him.

In 2022, Breen missed some playoff games due to a positive COVID-19 test. Mark Jones filled in for him. Breen returned for Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Olympic Games Announcing

Mike Breen has announced at five Olympic Games. He covered basketball at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, and the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. At the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, he called ski jumping. He also announced men's and women's basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics for NBC Sports.

Radio Career

Breen also had a long career in radio. He started as a sportscaster on WNBC radio in the early 1980s. From 1988 to 2000, he did the sports segment on the nationally popular Imus in the Morning radio show.

Personal Life

Mike Breen lives on Long Island, New York. He lives with his wife, Rosanne, and their three children. He is a Catholic.

Career Timeline