The NBA landscape is changing, both on the court and off it. Reason? League’s new 11-year $76 billion media rights deal that kicks in after the end of this season. While Adam Silver and Co. gear up for the massive transition, several familiar faces in the media are also moving on. One of them is ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth.

Well, Hubbarth has been a key piece of the network’s NBA coverage for the past 15 years. Sideline reporting, postgame interviews of big stars – she is truly one of the best at the job. But tonight’s Heat vs Bulls Play-in encounter was the final time Cassidy would be seen on ESPN. That’s because she is heading to Amazon Prime Video to take on the role of their top sideline reporter.

Making their entry into the market next season with a $20 billion contract, Amazon has been going after some of the top talent in the industry for their NBA coverage. Cassidy had been on their radar for quite some time as reports of her jumping ship emerged earlier this year. With this move, the veteran ESPN reporter will join legendary play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle among other icons.

So, Hubbarth will continue to make regular appearances on your television screen during NBA games, just not on ESPN. Of course, spending a good part of her life with the network and its crew makes her departure that much harder for her current teammates. That’s why ESPN’s lead crew, Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and Richard Jefferson, gave Cassidy a heartfelt farewell during her final live broadcast.

ESPN employees pay emotional tribute to Cassidy Hubbarth as she holds back tears on Live TV

With tonight’s Play-in game heading to a blowout win for the Heat, ESPN’s broadcasting team dedicated the final few minutes to honor Hubbarth’s tenure with the network. “We want to say a little something about somebody very special to us. Tonight is the final telecast on ESPN for our Cassidy Hubbarth. 15 years she’s been with us.” The legendary Mike Breen said.

He continued, “Cassidy has been such a dedicated professional, a wonderful teammate and most importantly as kind and caring a friend as you could possibly have. She’s been a huge part of our NBA coverage and we’re going to miss her like crazy.” Even Doris chimed in on the praise for the veteran reporter, “She’s a pro’s pro, an unbelievable friend… and you are a star among stars, Cass. We’re gonna miss you, I’m gonna miss you.”

Of course, RJ being his hilarious self, lightened the mood with his message, “I know her as Mama Cass.” Then, he too gave Hubbarth her flowers, highlighting her impact, “Since I came into this industry, she’s guided me and given me so much advice. She has supported me. The games where I wasn’t doing them, she would call and say ‘Hey, you had a great open. Good job.’ Just an ultimate teammate, and I would not be sitting here next to you two without the work that Cass has invested in me. I appreciate her so much and I think she’s going to do outstanding where she’s at next.”

Sure enough, Hubbarth was listening to the entire tribute and got very emotional on Live TV. Holding back her tears, she said, “You guys, I still have a postgame interview! You can’t make me cry right now. I love you guys. ESPN has allowed me to grow, nurture my career in so many beautiful ways. I cannot express how grateful I am. All the way back to 2010 and ‘NBA Tonight’ to being with the A team here tonight.” Then, like a true professional, she shifted the focus from her back to the game with one final message, “Enough about me, let’s get back to the game! Thank you so much to everyone for all of your support, it has been one of the truest and most special gifts of my life.” Surely, ESPN will miss her presence moving forward but lucky for us, Cassidy will build a new legacy with Amazon. Thoughts?