Mark Jones leaving ESPN, but will remain primary voice of Kings

Veteran broadcaster Mark Jones is stepping away from ESPN, but he isn’t going anywhere when it comes to the Kings.

Jones told Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee that he plans to return next season as Sacramento’s primary television play-by-play voice on NBC Sports California.

“My plan is to be here for a long, long time,” Jones said. “I love it here and I’ve been warmly received by the Kings.”

Jones, 64, has been with ESPN for 36 years, calling NBA, WNBA and college football games while also hosting studio programming earlier in his career. Known for his distinctive delivery and deep vocabulary, he has been a familiar voice across multiple broadcasts for decades.

He will call his final ESPN game Sunday when the Magic visit the Celtics.

Jones joined the Kings’ broadcast team in 2020, replacing longtime announcer Grant Napear. He initially worked alongside Doug Christie before Christie transitioned to a coaching role. Jones now shares the booth with Kayte Christensen.

For Sacramento, the move brings some clarity. Jones is staying put. 

And for a franchise that has seen its share of changes, having a steady voice on the broadcast might not be the worst thing.