The 2025 men’s March Madness tournament will sound different this year. Fans will miss the familiar voice of Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sports broadcaster who passed away after battling with cancer in December 2024 at the age of 78. Born in New Orleans and having grown up in Chicago, Gumbel’s career began in the early 1970s when an executive at a local NBC affiliate in Chicago asked him to call high school basketball games on the weekends. He later moved on to the Madison Square Garden Network, where he covered New York Knicks and Yankees games. By 1989, he had joined CBS Sports, where he became one of the most recognizable voices in sports media. Serena Williams’ ex-coach and now a renowned commentator Rennae Stubbs has remembered him with a special tribute.

Gumbel made history in 2001 as the first Black sports commentator to provide play-by-play coverage of the Super Bowl. His family shared a heartfelt statement, saying, “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.” They added that he “passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer.”

Gumbel’s time at CBS spanned decades, as he covered major events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics. He was the host of College Basketball on CBS for 26 years, guiding fans through the highs and lows of the NCAA Tournament. His ability to navigate the chaos of March Madness and keep viewers engaged made him an essential part of the event.

Rennae Stubbs, former Australian pro and ex-coach of Serena Williams, was emotional upon hearing about Gumbel’s passing. She paid tribute, saying, “Just not the same. He was the best!”

Stubbs herself transitioned smoothly into broadcasting after her playing career. She has worked as a commentator for ESPN, Tennis Channel, and Channel Seven Australia. In 2024, she hosted her own sports show, The Power Hour, on Amazon. She was also the lead female analyst for the 2012 London Olympics, the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the 2024 Paris Olympics for NBC.

But Stubbs wasn’t the only one who paid her respects to Gumbel.

The sporting world remembers Greg Gumbel

Many in the sporting world shared their condolences for Gumbel. Stan Verrett, a current ‘SportsCenter’ host, expressed his admiration: “Greg Gumbel had the kind of career we dream of in our industry. He was talented, versatile, professional, respected, and tenured. Sad to learn of his passing, and sad that I never met him and got to say thank you for the inspiration. RIP.”

For over 25 years, Gumbel brought calm to the chaos of March Madness, smoothly transitioning viewers from shocking upsets to thrilling marquee matchups. He used to kick off the tournament with the Sunday selection show and close it out by introducing ‘One Shining Moment.’

CBS college football reporter Jenny Dell also paid tribute, calling Gumbel “one of the best to ever do it.” Michelle James Brown, host of The NFL Today, described Gumbel as “Mr. Versatility.” CBS analyst Clark Kellogg called him “a gift” to everyone who had the chance to work with him.

Gumbel missed last year’s tournament for the first time since he began covering it in 1998. At the time, the reason for his absence was unknown, but now, fans understand that it was due to his illness. Many had hoped he would return to the studio this spring. The tournament continues, but his absence will be felt.