ESPN Hires LaPhonso Ellis and Stacey Dales
The network brings back the two basketball analysts for its upcoming college sports coverage.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball
ESPN has announced the hiring of LaPhonso Ellis and Stacey Dales as basketball analysts. Both commentators return to the network following previous tenures at the broadcaster.
Why it matters
These additions bolster the network's broadcasting team for upcoming college basketball seasons. The move integrates experienced voices back into the network's established game coverage.
Stacey Dales was a former No. 3 overall WNBA draft selection. LaPhonso Ellis is set to provide analysis for ACC and Big 12 games during the 2026-2027 season.
The players
LaPhonso Ellis
He is a former college and professional basketball player who transitioned into broadcasting after his retirement from the court.
Stacey Dales
She is a former collegiate and professional basketball star who currently serves as a prominent reporter for the NFL Network.
ESPN
The network is a major international basic cable sports channel owned by The Walt Disney Company.
The details
LaPhonso Ellis rejoins the network after a period working for Fox Sports and the Big Ten Network, following his departure from ESPN in June 2023. Stacey Dales will contribute to the women's basketball coverage team while maintaining her existing role as an NFL Network reporter.
Timeline
Stacey Dales previously worked at ESPN from 2002 to 2008.
LaPhonso Ellis worked at ESPN from 2009 to 2023.
LaPhonso Ellis was laid off by ESPN in June 2023.
LaPhonso Ellis worked for Fox and the Big Ten Network from 2023 to 2026.
LaPhonso Ellis will call ACC and Big 12 games for the 2026-2027 season.
Season Trajectory
These hires represent a shift in the network's talent strategy following the June 2023 ESPN layoffs. By bringing back veteran analysts, the company aims to stabilize its broadcast quality as it prepares for the competitive 2026-2027 season.
Viewers can expect to hear these analysts during upcoming ACC and Big 12 basketball broadcasts. The return of these figures suggests a continuity in the broadcast style for the network's college basketball programming.
The takeaway
Bringing experienced voices back to the booth can provide familiar insights for long-time college basketball followers. These staffing changes signal the importance of established chemistry in maintaining broadcast quality during the busy winter season.
Further reading
For more on the latest changes in the game, visit United States Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportsbusinessjournal.
