Dave Pasch – ESPN Announces Contract Extension Through 2028 Season
Dave Pasch is one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting. The versatile ESPN announcer handles play-by-play duties across the NBA, college football, and college basketball for both ESPN and ABC. Since joining the network, ESPN’s broadcast team has found his remarkable ability to seamlessly transition between different sports invaluable.
Beyond his television work, Pasch also serves as the radio voice for the Arizona Cardinals, balancing his national duties with local broadcasting. Born on August 11, 1972, Pasch has built a reputation for his clear, precise calls and professional approach to game coverage. His broadcasting style combines technical knowledge with an accessible delivery that appeals to casual and dedicated sports fans alike.
Pasch’s faith has also become an important part of his public persona. He openly discusses living out the Gospel while maintaining his professional broadcasting standards. This balance of personal conviction and professional excellence has helped him connect with audiences across different demographics throughout his successful career in sports media.
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Early Life and Education
Dave Pasch’s journey to becoming a prominent ESPN sportscaster began with his educational foundation. Born in 1972, he developed his broadcasting skills through formal education and hands-on experience that would shape his professional career.
Syracuse University
Dave Pasch graduated from Syracuse University in 1994 with a degree in speech communications. This prestigious institution known for its strong communications program provided the perfect launching pad for his broadcasting career.
During his time at Syracuse from 1990-1994, Pasch worked at WAER-FM, the university’s student radio station. This experience proved invaluable, giving him practical training in sports broadcasting while still completing his studies.
The Orange connection runs deep in Pasch’s career. After graduation, he maintained ties with his alma mater by calling football and basketball games for Syracuse University before advancing to national broadcasting opportunities. This early experience with college sports helped establish his reputation for detailed play-by-play commentary.
Career Beginnings
Dave Pasch built his broadcasting foundation through a series of strategic career moves that showcased his versatility and commitment to sports media. His journey took him from radio to television, with each step expanding his skillset and visibility in the industry.
West Virginia Radio Corporation
Pasch’s professional broadcasting journey began in the Mountain State, where he cut his teeth with the West Virginia Radio Corporation. This early career move proved pivotal for the young broadcaster, giving him valuable experience calling live sports action.
During his time in West Virginia, Pasch developed the foundational skills that would later become his trademark – clear delivery, game knowledge, and the ability to paint pictures with words. He handled a variety of assignments across different sports, building versatility that would serve him well.
The opportunity allowed Pasch to refine his broadcasting techniques while working in a market that demanded professionalism despite its smaller size. His work ethic and dedication to improvement became evident during this formative period.
CBS Radio
Pasch’s career gained momentum when he joined CBS Radio, expanding his reach to a national audience. This move represented a significant step up the broadcasting ladder, placing him in markets with greater visibility and pressure.
At CBS, he continued to develop his distinctive style – measured, informative, and engaging without overwhelming the action. The radio format forced Pasch to become exceptionally descriptive, a skill that would translate well to his later television work.
His assignments at CBS Radio expanded his portfolio across multiple sports, establishing him as a versatile talent who could handle various broadcasting challenges. The network’s prestigious sports programming provided an ideal platform for Pasch to showcase his growing abilities.
Detroit Vipers and Chicago Blackhawks
Pasch’s hockey broadcasting career included significant time with both the Detroit Vipers of the International Hockey League and later work covering the Chicago Blackhawks. These positions demonstrated his adaptability across different sports ecosystems.
In Chicago, Pasch worked as a sports talk show host while covering hockey, expanding his repertoire beyond play-by-play work. This dual role helped him develop both conversational and descriptive broadcasting skills simultaneously.
The hockey experience proved valuable for Pasch’s development, as the sport’s fast pace and continuous action demanded quick thinking and precise communication. The technical challenges of hockey broadcasting sharpened his ability to track fast-moving plays – a skill that would transfer well to basketball and football.
ESPN Tenure
Dave Pasch joined ESPN in 2003 and has become one of the network’s most versatile play-by-play announcers. His clear, descriptive style and deep knowledge of multiple sports have made him a fixture on ESPN’s broadcasts across basketball and football.
NBA Commentating
Pasch has established himself as a respected NBA commentator for ESPN and ABC. His professional delivery combines game analysis with just the right amount of storytelling to keep viewers engaged.
What sets Pasch apart is his adaptability with different broadcast partners. His legendary pairing with Bill Walton became known for their contrasting styles—Pasch’s straight-man approach providing the perfect foil to Walton’s colorful commentary.
During NBA broadcasts, Pasch demonstrates remarkable attention to detail, rarely missing a key play while maintaining the broadcast’s flow. His preparation shows in his ability to recall player statistics and career highlights without missing a beat.
ESPN executives recognized his talent early, leading to a multi-year contract extension that secured his position as a cornerstone of their NBA coverage.
College Basketball Coverage
Pasch’s work in college basketball showcases his versatility and deep understanding of the game. His partnerships with analysts like Jay Bilas highlight his ability to facilitate insightful basketball discussions while keeping the focus on the court action.
The Pac-12 has been a frequent assignment for Pasch, where his knowledge of conference history and traditions enhances broadcasts. His most memorable college basketball partnership remains his work with Bill Walton, creating broadcasts that balanced game analysis with Walton’s unique digressions.
Their chemistry became a calling card for Pac-12 games, with Pasch masterfully steering conversations back to basketball while allowing Walton’s personality to shine. This balancing act created a broadcasting style that many viewers came to appreciate.
Pasch approaches each college basketball assignment with the same professionalism, whether calling high-profile matchups or early-season tournaments.
College Football Broadcasting
College football represents another significant portion of Pasch’s ESPN portfolio. His Saturday broadcasts demonstrate his adaptability across different sports while maintaining his signature clarity and precision.
Pasch has called games across multiple conferences, though his work with the Pac-12 stands out for its consistency and depth. His preparation for college football broadcasts is evident in his familiarity with team histories, coaching strategies, and player backstories.
He cites stadium atmosphere as a key element that makes college football special. In a 2024 podcast appearance, Pasch discussed his favorite college football environments, showcasing his appreciation for the sport’s traditions.
His football broadcasts feature well-timed analysis and an ability to capture dramatic moments without overplaying them. This balanced approach has made him a reliable voice for college football fans each fall.
WNBA Involvement
Pasch’s broadcasting portfolio extends to women’s basketball, including WNBA coverage for ESPN. His approach to women’s games mirrors his work on men’s broadcasts—professional, prepared, and focused on the game’s key storylines.
His WNBA commentary demonstrates his commitment to treating all sports assignments with equal importance and preparation. This consistency has helped build credibility with WNBA viewers and expanded his reputation beyond men’s sports.
Pasch’s ability to highlight strategic elements of the women’s game while spotlighting star performances shows his versatility as a broadcaster. He approaches WNBA assignments with the same attention to detail he brings to higher-profile broadcasts.
As women’s basketball continues growing in popularity, Pasch’s experienced voice provides continuity and professional delivery for ESPN’s coverage. His presence on these broadcasts reflects both his value to ESPN and his personal commitment to diverse sports coverage.
Other Broadcasting Roles
Dave Pasch has built a broadcasting career that extends well beyond his work at ESPN. His versatile play-by-play skills have made him a respected voice across multiple sports and networks.
NFL and The Arizona Cardinals
Pasch has established himself as a fixture in NFL broadcasting circles, most notably as the radio voice of the Arizona Cardinals. His clear, descriptive play-by-play has brought Cardinals games to life for fans since 2002.
The longevity of his Cardinals tenure speaks volumes about his talent. More than two decades calling games for one NFL franchise is rare in today’s broadcasting landscape.
Before landing with the Cardinals, Pasch spent time calling games for the Buffalo Bills. This early NFL experience helped shape his broadcasting style and prepared him for his long-running role in Arizona.
His NFL work demonstrates his ability to capture the intensity and complexity of professional football. Pasch’s preparation and football knowledge allow him to provide insights that casual viewers might miss.
Arena Football and The Great Outdoor Games
Pasch’s versatility shines through in his work with Arena Football and ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games. During the early 2000s, he served as a play-by-play announcer for Arena Football broadcasts, bringing the fast-paced indoor game to television audiences.
The Great Outdoor Games represented a significant departure from traditional team sports. Pasch adapted his broadcasting approach to events like timber sports, dog competitions, and outdoor challenges.
This willingness to tackle diverse sporting events showcases Pasch’s adaptability. While many broadcasters specialize in one or two sports, Pasch has demonstrated comfort across a remarkably wide spectrum.
These experiences helped refine his broadcasting skills and likely contributed to his longevity in the industry. The ability to pivot between different sporting environments is a valuable asset.
CBS and Fox Sports Involvements
Before becoming a mainstay at ESPN, Pasch gained valuable experience at both CBS and Fox Sports. These early opportunities helped establish his broadcasting credentials and expand his professional network.
At CBS, Pasch worked on various sporting events, developing the fundamentals that would later define his broadcasting style. His time at the network allowed him to work alongside established broadcasting talents.
Fox Sports similarly provided Pasch with opportunities to grow his portfolio. These experiences at major networks helped him develop the polished, professional delivery that characterizes his work today.
The combination of these network experiences positioned Pasch perfectly for his eventual ESPN role. Working across multiple major sports broadcasters gave him a comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Notable Partnerships and Collaborations
Dave Pasch has built a reputation at ESPN through his distinctive broadcasting style and memorable pairings with several high-profile analysts. His chemistry with broadcast partners has created some of the most entertaining and insightful sports commentary in recent years.
Partnership with Bill Walton
The pairing of Dave Pasch and Bill Walton for college basketball broadcasts stands as one of sports television’s most unique duos. Beginning in 2013, their on-air relationship became legendary for its contrasting dynamics – Pasch’s straight-man approach against Walton’s free-wheeling commentary.
Their broadcasts frequently veered into unexpected territory, with Walton’s stream-of-consciousness style creating memorable moments during Pac-12 games. Pasch skillfully navigated these tangents while maintaining the game’s narrative structure.
The chemistry between them wasn’t manufactured; it developed organically over years of broadcasts. When Walton passed away in 2024, Pasch offered a heartfelt tribute to his longtime partner, demonstrating the genuine bond they had formed despite their on-air differences.
Their partnership exemplified how contrasting personalities can create compelling television, with viewers tuning in as much for their interaction as for the games themselves.
Work with Jay Bilas
Pasch’s collaboration with Jay Bilas represents a different broadcasting approach, focusing on technical analysis and strategic insights. Unlike the freewheeling Walton broadcasts, Pasch-Bilas pairings deliver polished, basketball-centric commentary.
Bilas, a former Duke player and assistant coach, brings analytical depth that complements Pasch’s play-by-play precision. Their partnership typically handles high-profile matchups, particularly during March Madness and key regular-season contests.
The duo maintains a professional rapport built on mutual respect for the game’s fundamentals. Viewers appreciate their ability to break down complex strategies in accessible terms without sacrificing depth.
Their broadcasting chemistry stems from complementary strengths – Pasch’s ability to capture game flow and Bilas’s strategic insights. This partnership showcases Pasch’s versatility as a broadcaster who can excel in both conventional and unconventional broadcasting environments.
Other Notable Broadcast Partners
Beyond Walton and Bilas, Pasch has worked alongside numerous respected analysts across multiple sports.
In his NFL work with the Arizona Cardinals, Pasch has partnered with Ron Wolfley since 2002, forming another distinctive pairing.
Pasch’s ESPN portfolio extends beyond basketball and football. He has covered WNBA games, Arena Football, the Great Outdoor Games, and the Little League World Series throughout his tenure, working with sport-specific analysts for each assignment.
His broadcasting versatility is evident in how seamlessly he transitions between sports and partners. Whether working with former coaches, players, or dedicated analysts, Pasch adapts his style to complement his colleagues.
| Notable Partners | Sport | Years Together (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Walton | College Basketball | 2013-2024 |
| Jay Bilas | College Basketball | Varied |
| Ron Wolfley | NFL (Cardinals) | 2002-Present |
Contribution to Youth and Education
Dave Pasch has made significant contributions to youth sports development, particularly focusing on highlighting young talent in high school athletics. His work extends beyond broadcasting to actively supporting educational initiatives that connect sports with academic achievement.
High School Football Promotion
Dave Pasch, the respected ESPN announcer, has become an influential advocate for high school football programs across the country. Through his platform at ESPN, Pasch regularly spotlights exceptional young athletes, bringing national attention to local talent that might otherwise go unnoticed.
His commentary during high school showcase games has helped numerous student-athletes gain visibility with college recruiters. Pasch doesn’t just call the games; he takes time to research player backgrounds and academic achievements.
In recent years, Pasch has participated in multiple youth football camps, offering broadcasting workshops where he teaches communication skills to student-athletes. These sessions emphasize how sports can open educational doorways.
Pasch also volunteers time with sports-based literacy programs that use football terminology and scenarios to engage reluctant readers, demonstrating his commitment to educational outcomes beyond athletic performance.
Through his radio show appearances, Pasch consistently advocates for maintaining strong academic standards in high school athletic programs, emphasizing the “student” in student-athlete.
Personal Life
Dave Pasch balances his high-profile broadcasting career with a rich personal life. His off-air pursuits and commitment to helping others reveal the character of the man behind the ESPN microphone.
Interests and Hobbies
When not calling NBA or college sports, Pasch enjoys quality time with his family. He met his wife during his early career days and often cites this as one of his most significant life moments. Meeting his wife stands out as a defining personal milestone for Pasch, who once thought he “would be one of those guys that does this forever.”
Pasch is known to be a person of faith, which plays an important role in his daily life. He actively shares about living out his faith and has discussed this aspect of his life on various platforms including podcasts.
He’s also an avid reader and enjoys outdoor activities during the off-season. Colleagues describe him as having a quick wit that matches his rapid play-by-play delivery.
Charitable Work
Pasch dedicates significant time to giving back to communities across the country. His charitable efforts focus particularly on youth sports programs and educational initiatives.
He regularly participates in fundraising events for college scholarships and has worked with organizations that provide sports equipment to underprivileged children. Pasch leverages his ESPN platform to highlight causes he believes in without seeking the spotlight for his contributions.
His faith-based charitable work includes mentoring young broadcasters looking to enter the sports media profession. Pasch has established informal mentorship programs and occasionally speaks at university journalism programs.
During the pandemic, he helped organize virtual fundraisers that connected sports fans with athletes and coaches to raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts. These events demonstrated his ability to use his extensive network for positive community impact.
Awards and Recognition
Dave Pasch has built an impressive collection of accolades throughout his broadcasting career at ESPN. His exceptional work as a play-by-play commentator has earned him significant recognition in the sports media industry.
Most notably, Pasch was honored by the National Sports Media Association, joining distinguished ESPN colleagues Michael Wilbon, Adrian Wojnarowski, and Dave Flemming as an award recipient.
In a testament to his alma mater’s recognition of his success, Pasch (’94) was inducted into the WAER 88.3 Hall of Fame alongside fellow Syracuse University alumni Adam Schein (’99) and Nick Wright (’07) during a ceremony at Lubin House in New York City.
Pasch has also earned respect for his transparency in professional conduct. He’s known for making his NBA award voting public each season, a practice he explained during an appearance on Arizona Sports 98.7’s Wolf and Luke show. Pasch believes this transparency is important for accountability in sports journalism.
His broadcasting versatility covering NBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, and college football has cemented his reputation as one of ESPN’s most reliable and talented commentators.
| Pasch’s Notable Awards |
|---|
| National Sports Media Association Award |
| WAER 88.3 Hall of Fame (Syracuse) |
| Arizona Cardinals Radio Broadcaster (since 2002) |
Future in Broadcasting
Dave Pasch has established himself as a versatile play-by-play commentator for ESPN and ABC. He handles NBA, college basketball, and college football games. His broadcasting journey shows no signs of slowing down.
Pasch continues to maintain a strong presence across multiple sports leagues. His work in the NBA has become a cornerstone of his identity at ESPN. Meanwhile, his college football and basketball commentary remains highly regarded.
Beyond his ESPN duties, Pasch also serves as the voice of the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. This adds to his impressive portfolio of broadcasting responsibilities.
The launch of The Dave Pasch Podcast represents his expansion into digital media, where sports, entertainment, and broadcasting intersect. This platform allows him to showcase his interviewing skills with top personalities across the sports world.
His 12-year partnership with Bill Walton demonstrated his adaptability and professionalism in handling one of sports broadcasting’s most unique dynamics. Although Walton passed away, Pasch continues to honor his legacy through his broadcasting approach.
Pasch’s Broadcasting Assignments
| League/Sport | Role | Years Active |
|---|---|---|
| NBA | Play-by-Play | Current |
| College Football | Play-by-Play | Current |
| College Basketball | Play-by-Play | Current |
| NFL (Cardinals) | Play-by-Play | Current |
Pasch’s future appears bright as he continues to chase “a whole new way of broadcasting” while maintaining his commitment to excellence across multiple sports and platforms.