MARCH Madness fans can expect to hear a different voice as a longtime CBS and Turner Sports host are set to miss the tournament.
Greg Gumbel, 77, would miss the famous NCAA coverage of the men’s college basketball tournament due to “family health concerns.”
The NCAA Tournament is the biggest event in college basketball, and with Gumbel’s absence, the network had to pivot for a major organizational change.
Richard Deitsch of The Athletic reports TNT will extend Inside the NBA anchor’s airtime Ernie Johnson.
“Look for Ernie Johnson to get more studio time,” Deitsch wrote.
Johnson has shared hosting duties with Gumbel since Turner Sports has broadcast the Men’s March Madness tournament since 2011.
Gumbel hosted CBS University basketball studio coverage since 1998.
He worked alongside several former athletes to discuss the tournament’s biggest matches.
In 2023, CBS celebrated Gumbel’s 25th anniversary with the network.
However, Gumbel’s absence won’t be the only difference from previous tournaments.
Jim Natz retired last season after 37 years and 354 NCAA tournament broadcasts.
Ian Eagle will fill Natz’s lead role as he joins as a playmaker alongside Bill Raftery, Grant Hill and sideline 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 programming of the weekend’s opening matches.
The remaining game broadcast team will include former NBA star Jim Jackson along with Brian Anderson and reporter Allie LaForce. Lisa Byington with Steve Smith.
Kevin Harlan will man a three-person booth with Dan Bonner and Stan Van Gundy, while Andy Katz will serve on the sidelines reporting. Spero Dedes will work with Jim Spanarkel and journalist Jon Rothstein.
The 2024 NCAA men’s basketball tournament begins with the first four games beginning March 19-20.
Matches in the first round of the tournament begin on March 21.
