After 36 years at ESPN, Mark Jones is entering a new chapter of his broadcasting career — one he hopes will remain rooted deeply in Sacramento.
Jones, the longtime NBA and college football play‑by‑play voice, joined Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to reflect on his departure from ESPN following 36 years and his future with NBC Sports California as the voice of the Sacramento Kings.
While the conversation revisited decades of memories from network television, Jones made it clear where his heart currently lies.
“I love, absolutely love, and have loved, and continue to love, being in Sacramento for the last six years, and being the voice of the Kings,” Jones said. “I absolutely love Sacramento.”
Those feelings developed after Jones joined the Kings’ broadcast team in 2020, a move that allowed him to experience life beyond ESPN for the first time in most of his adult career.
(NBC Sports)
Mark Jones on his broadcasting future
“It’s been great for me growth-wise, professionally as a play-by-play guy, but even more so personally,” Mark Jones said. “Sacramento [allowed me] to feel that there is life beyond ESPN.”
Jones praised the Kings organization and NBC Sports California for making him feel valued from day one.
“They have been so great to me in giving me the feeling that I am seen and heard,” he said. “That partnership has been beyond my wildest dreams.”
Beyond the professional aspect, Mark Jones highlighted his connection to the city of Sacramento, Kings fans, and the culture that surrounds the franchise.
“I absolutely love Sacramento, and I have enjoyed myself, not just professionally,” Jones said. “Walking up and down L Street and J Street, interacting with the fans — I absolutely love it.”
As for what comes next, Mark Jones left little ambiguity about what he hopes the future holds.
“It is my hope that we will work something out, and I’ll be back on the microphone for a while to come in Sacramento,” he said. “Because I’ve enjoyed my time.”
(Getty Images)
Mark Jones added that working locally with the Kings has reshaped how he sees the league.
“I never knew that being a local play-by-play guy would be as much fun as it is,” Jones said. “It’s given me a whole different prism to see the NBA.”
When asked where he feels he belongs at this stage, Jones’ answer was simple and heartfelt.
“I feel like I’m supposed to be where I’m supposed to be right now,” he said. “And that’s in Sacramento.”
Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
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