For over 25 years, Greg Gumbel has been the steady hand during the madness of March. He’s been the calm voice guiding NCAA Tournament fans through thrilling upsets and marquee matchups. Every year, he kicked off March Madness with the Selection Sunday show and wrapped it up by handing off to the iconic “One Shining Moment” song.
“With certain shows, it’s all about, ‘let’s add a bunch of bells and whistles.’ But on Selection Sunday, all you needed was Greg Gumbel and a bracket,” said Ernie Johnson to The Athletic. But this year will be different. Greg Gumbel won’t be hosting the March Madness show. The legendary commentator has passed away.
How did the legendary sportscaster pass away
The legendary CBS sportscaster, who broke barriers throughout his career while calling some of the biggest sporting events, passed away from cancer on December 28, 2024, his family confirmed in a statement. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and dedication to 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcasting industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.”
NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: Final Four-Baylor vs Gonzaga, Apr 5, 2021 Indianapolis, IN, USA CBS announcer Greg Gumbel prior to the national championship game in the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Baylor Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports, 05.04.2021 17:47:37, 15851435, Lucas Oil Stadium, NPStrans, Final Four, Baylor Bears, NCAA Basketball, CBS, Greg Gumbel, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Gonzaga Bulldogs PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKylexTeradax 15851435
The statement also added that Gumbel “passed away peacefully, surrounded by much love, after a courageous battle with cancer.” “Greg approached his illness with the same stoicism, grace, and positivity that defined his life.”
Greg Gumbel’s cancer diagnosis came as a shock when it was subtly hinted at during his absence from the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Though he initially cited ‘family health issues,’ sources close to the broadcaster later revealed that Gumbel had been privately managing his condition for months.
In the fall of 2024, he stepped away from broadcasting entirely to focus on treatment. His family noted that even in his final months, Gumbel remained deeply connected to the sports world, watching games and offering insights to loved ones from his home in Florida.
Let’s take a look at the career of the veteran sportscaster, who was the main attraction of Selection Sunday for so many years.
Greg Gumbel’s career over the years
Gumbel, originally from Chicago, joined CBS in 1989 after gaining experience at New York Knicks basketball and Yankees baseball games for the Madison Square Garden Network. At CBS Sports, he hosted the popular “NFL Today” pre-game, halftime, and post-game show during two separate stints, covering three Super Bowls in 1992, 2013, and 2016. In 2001, he made history as the first black sports commentator to give play-by-play announcements of the Super Bowl.
His 2001 Super Bowl call wasn’t just a personal triumph—it opened doors for Black broadcasters in a field long dominated by white voices. His success paved the way for figures like Kevin Harlan and Ernie Johnson Jr., who’ve credited Gumbel with showing that authenticity and skill transcend race.
He also spent four years at NBC Sports, where he hosted “NFL on NBC” and several other Super Bowl pre-game shows. Gumbel’s influence also stretched to the 1994 Olympic Winter Games, where he served as primetime anchor for CBS Sports, and he co-anchored weekday broadcasts during the 1992 Winter Games.
His impact wasn’t limited to college football– he also made a mark in college basketball. For 26 years, he hosted “College Basketball on CBS,” and his role as the voice of Selection Sunday helped shape the NCAA Tournament experience for fans. In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997, citing family health issues at the time.
Beyond his high-profile roles, Gumbel’s versatility shone in smaller moments that endeared him to fans. During a rain-delayed 1990s NCAA game, he famously entertained viewers with an impromptu breakdown of bracketology, a skill that later defined his Selection Sunday tenure. His ability to blend gravitas with humor was honed early at ESPN, where he anchored SportsCenter in the 1980s, and at WMAQ-TV in Chicago, where he cut his teeth as a local sportscaster.
With hours to go for Selection Sunday, fans will miss Greg Gumbel, the calming voice that guided them through decades of March Madness. His absence marked the end of an era for NCAA Tournament coverage last year, leaving a lasting void in the hearts of sports enthusiasts. Gumbel’s legacy will continue to inspire future broadcasters, and his iconic voice will always be remembered.
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