Vanessa Richardson leaves Rockets’ broadcast role for full-time ESPN position
Space City Home Network (SCHN) will have a new courtside reporter for its Rockets broadcasts after losing Vanessa Richardson to a full-time gig at ESPN.
NBA reporter Vanessa Richardson is transitioning from her role as courtside reporter for the Houston Rockets to a full-time position at ESPN. Richardson had been working with ESPN on a contract basis previously, but now she has converted that into a permanent role. She began covering the Rockets in 2022-23 for Space City Home Network, which is part-owned by the Rockets.
Richardson, who has won multiple Lone Star Emmy awards, announced the news on her social media. She expressed gratitude for her four-year journey with the Rockets, stating that it has greatly impacted her career and life. Richardson had also worked part-time for ESPN as a sports talk radio host. She looks forward to her expanded role at ESPN, promising to bring her best to the league she loves.
The Rockets' SCHN replacement for game broadcasts for the 2026-27 season has not been announced yet. Craig Ackerman and Ryan Hollins will continue their roles as play-by-play broadcaster and lead analyst, respectively. The Rockets' 2026 preseason ends tonight, while the regular 2026-27 season commences on October 21.
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