After 15 trailblazing years at ESPN, Cassidy Hubbarth is heading into a bold new chapter—with Amazon. A respected sideline reporter and on-air host, Hubbarth wrapped up her final ESPN broadcast during the NBA Play-In Tournament game between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls. As the game wound down, the ESPN team took a break from stats and scores to share a touching, unscripted tribute to a colleague they clearly admire and love.
A Decade and a Half of NBA Excellence
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Joining ESPN just a few years after graduating college, Hubbarth quickly became one of the most trusted voices covering the NBA. From locker rooms to live hits, she brought insight, poise, and personality to every segment.
She has been an absolute rock,
one longtime ESPN colleague said off-camera. The kind of presence that holds a broadcast together without making it about herself.
The Evanston, Illinois native began her career at ESPN in digital media before making the jump to national TV. Throughout the 2010s—what many consider a mini-golden era for the NBA—she covered everything from Finals matchups to off-court narratives with a calm, collected authority.
On-Air Goodbye Brings the Crew to Tears
During the final minutes of the Heat’s blowout win over the Bulls, ESPN’s lead broadcast team—Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and Richard Jefferson—shifted the spotlight to Hubbarth.
Cassidy has been such a dedicated professional, a wonderful teammate, and most importantly, as kind and caring a friend as you could possibly have, said Breen, whose steady voice quivered with emotion.
Burke chimed in with warmth: You’ve become a star, Cass. And when you go make a little more, work a little less—see some good things in the industry—you are a star among stars.
Jefferson, who joined ESPN after retiring from the NBA, thanked Hubbarth for helping him feel at home in his early media days: She’s gonna do outstanding wherever she goes next.
The moment was genuine and raw—no scripts, no teleprompters, just real respect.
Hubbarth: “I Love You Guys”
Visibly moved, Hubbarth tried to keep her composure.
I still have a postgame interview! she laughed, tears forming. You can’t make me cry right now. I love you guys.
She added, ESPN has allowed me to grow and nurture my career in so many beautiful ways.
Though her remarks were brief, they reflected the humility and gratitude that have defined her public persona.
A New Era Begins at Amazon
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Hubbarth will now become the top NBA sideline reporter for Amazon Prime Video, working alongside veteran announcer Ian Eagle. Amazon has been steadily ramping up its presence in live sports coverage, and Hubbarth’s hire signals a serious investment in premium NBA content.
In a recent interview with NBA.com, Hubbarth spoke about the grind behind the glamour: You can’t cheat the work. We’re in a microwave society where we think things need to happen immediately, but enjoy the ride—failing, learning, and growing.
Her new role represents not just a career move, but a larger shift as media giants like Amazon reshape the sports broadcasting landscape.
Fans and Colleagues React
Fans flooded social media with well wishes, with many calling her departure “the end of an era.” Fellow sports journalist Malika Andrews tweeted, “Cassidy is one of the classiest and hardest-working people in this business. Amazon got a superstar.”
Sports host and writer Taylor Rooks also posted, “So proud of my girl @CassidyHubbarth. Your legacy at ESPN is unmatched and your next chapter is gonna be even brighter.”
A Legacy of Grace and Grit
Cassidy Hubbarth’s farewell may have been short, but it hit home. Her ESPN legacy is one of trust, connection, and consistency in an ever-changing industry. As she moves to Amazon, one thing’s clear: she’s not just changing networks—she’s helping shape the future of basketball broadcasting.
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