Legendary ESPN voice Dick Vitale is facing yet another battle—but if you ask him, he’s already planning his next victory.
The 86-year-old Hall of Fame broadcaster revealed he’s been diagnosed with melanoma affecting his lung and liver cavity, marking his fifth cancer fight since 2021. But true to form, Vitale isn’t backing down—in fact, he’s already calling his shot.
“I’ve beaten melanoma. I’ve beaten lymphoma. I’ve beaten vocal cord cancer. I’ve beaten lymph node cancer,” he said in a statement Monday. “I’m 4-for-4 and I’m fully confident I’m going to make it 5-for-5.”
That fighting spirit is nothing new for Vitale, who just wrapped up his 46th season covering college basketball for ESPN. Fans watched his emotional return last year after nearly two years away from the broadcast booth while battling previous diagnoses—and now, he’s gearing up to do it all over again.
Vitale says he’ll begin immunotherapy treatments soon to target the latest cancer, but in classic fashion, he’s staying upbeat.
“The best news I can share today is this: I feel fantastic,” he said.
The outpouring of support has been massive, and Vitale made it clear he’s feeling every bit of it. “I am truly overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers and messages I’ve received,” he added.
Even in the middle of another health fight, Vitale hasn’t lost sight of what drives him most—helping others. He’s continuing his mission to raise money for pediatric cancer research, including through the annual Dick Vitale Gala.
“At 86 years young, I’ve lived a hell of a life,” he said. “And I’m more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer.”