HOUSTON, Texas — Vanessa Richardson is leaving the Houston Rockets’ local television broadcasts for an expanded role at ESPN after four seasons as the team’s sideline reporter.
Richardson announced her departure from Space City Home Network October 15, thanking colleagues and describing her time covering the team.
ESPN’s separately issued October 15 basketball roster includes Richardson among its reporters for the 2026–27 National Basketball Association season.
The complete scope and start date of her expanded assignment have not been specified in the departure reporting. A successor for her Rockets role has not been identified there.
Richardson’s Houston background also includes work at KPRC and ESPN Radio Houston. Her move continues a career spanning local television, radio and national basketball coverage.
Sources: Barrett Media’s departure report and ESPN’s official roster.
Prepared with AI assistance and source verification.