MARCH Madness fans can expect to hear a different voice as a longtime CBS and Turner Sports host is expected to miss the tournament.
Greg Gumbel, 77, would miss the famous NCAA coverage of the men’s college basketball tournament due to “family health issues.”
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The NCAA tournament is the biggest event in college basketball, and with Gumbel out, the network has had to adjust to the major organizational change.
Richard Deitsch of The Athletic reports that TNT will extend the airtime of the host of Inside the NBA Ernie Johnson.
“Expect Ernie Johnson to spend more time in the studio,” Deitsch wrote.
Johnson has shared hosting duties with Gumbel since Turner Sports began broadcasting the men’s March Madness tournament in 2011.
Gumbel hosted CBS’ college show basketball studio coverage since 1998.
He worked alongside several former athletes as they discussed the biggest matches of the tournament.
In 2023, CBS celebrated Gumbel’s 25th anniversary with the network.
However, Gumbel’s absence will not be the only difference from previous tournaments.
Jim Natz retired last season after 37 years and 354 NCAA Tournament broadcasts.
Ian Eagle will take Natz’s lead role as commentator alongside Bill Raftery, Grant Hill and on-board reporter Tracy Wolfson.
Another new addition to the tournament broadcast team is former Purdue star Robbie Hummel.
He will be alongside Lauren Shehadi for the opening matches of the weekend.
The remaining broadcast team will consist of former NBA star Jim Jackson, Brian Anderson and reporter Allie LaForce. Lisa Byington with Steve Smith.
Kevin Harlan will lead a three-man booth with Dan Bonner and Stan Van Gundy, while Andy Katz will be on the sidelines reporting. Spero Dedes will work with Jim Spanarkel and reporter Jon Rothstein.
The 2024 NCAA men’s basketball tournament begins with the first four games set to begin March 19-20.
The first round matches of the tournament will begin on March 21.
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