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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Dick Vitale returned to ESPN game commentary on Feb. 8, 2025, calling Duke–Clemson at Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum after his fourth cancer battle. The emotional moment came later, on March 15, when he became tearful during ESPN’s broadcast of the ACC tournament championship. Vitale disclosed a fifth cancer diagnosis in April 2026, so the 2025 return is a chapter in his story—not a description of his current health.
When Dick Vitale returned to ESPN
ESPN announced on Jan. 17, 2025, that Vitale would call Duke–Wake Forest on Jan. 25. His actual return to a game broadcast came on Feb. 8, when he called Duke–Clemson at Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum. The Associated Press reported that he received a standing ovation as he arrived courtside.
It was his first game assignment since 2023. ESPN later described the return as following an almost two-year break.
What Vitale said about his fourth cancer battle
In a first-person ESPN account published Feb. 6, 2025, Vitale described four cancer battles: melanoma, lymphoma, vocal-cord cancer and lymph-node cancer. He recounted surgeries, 65 radiation treatments, chemotherapy and prolonged stretches without a voice. These are details from Vitale’s account, not an independent medical record.
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Vitale credited his family, ESPN colleagues and fans with supporting him through treatment. He wrote that his oncologist, Dr. Rick Brown, told him, “You are cancer-free!” He also said voice specialist Dr. Steven Zeitels had told him he was ready to return to what he loved: talking basketball.
The emotional moment came in March
On March 15, 2025, Vitale was calling the ACC tournament championship between Duke and Louisville with Dave O’Brien and Cory Alexander when he became emotional on air. ESPN reported that Vitale said, “It’s like to me a miracle to sit here with you guys.” He also reflected, “A tough three years. Those four cancer battles. I don’t wish it on anybody. Cancer sucks.”
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The March broadcast was a separate milestone from his Feb. 8 return game. ESPN reported that, after multiple vocal-cord surgeries, doctors had asked Vitale not to call more than one game per week.
How his health updates changed in 2026
April: a fifth cancer diagnosis
On April 13, 2026, ESPN reported that Vitale had disclosed melanoma in his lung and liver cavity, marking his fifth cancer battle. Immunotherapy was planned. In that context, Vitale said, “The best news I can share today is this: I feel fantastic.” That statement reflected how he felt at the time; it should not be read as an outcome report.
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August: Vitale reported encouraging tests
In an Associated Press update published Aug. 5, 2026, Vitale said his blood tests were “very good” and that immunotherapy was “very effective in wiping out the cancer.” These were Vitale’s descriptions of his test results and treatment response, not an independent prognosis or a guarantee about his health. The AP reported that he had not announced plans to broadcast during the upcoming season.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.His cancer advocacy and fundraising
Vitale’s story also includes sustained fundraising for pediatric cancer research. ESPN Press Room reported that the 21st Dick Vitale Gala raised $21 million in 2026, bringing the total raised across 21 years to more than $125 million. The figures describe funds raised through the gala, separate from updates about Vitale’s own diagnosis and treatment.
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