Dick Vitale is inextricably intertwined with college basketball, with his iconic voice, exuberant style and enthusiastic catchphrases melding into a soundtrack for nearly five decades of the sport's history.

And the broadcasting great's influence is sticking around next season, too, both in person on game days and through an addition to the college basketball calendar named in his honor.

ESPN announced Monday that Vitale has signed a contract through the 2027-28 season, while ESPN Events is launching the Dick Vitale Invitational — the first matchup coming with a season-opening tilt between Duke and Texas on Nov. 4 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“We are thrilled to host the inaugural Dick Vitale Invitational in Charlotte,” Will Pitts, CEO of the Charlotte Sports Foundation, said in a statement. “Bringing together two powerhouse programs like Texas and Duke is an incredible way to kick off this new tradition. More importantly, this event celebrates the enduring legacy of Dick Vitale—his passion for college basketball, his advocacy for cancer research, and the joy he brings to fans everywhere. It’s an honor to carry his name on this event, and we look forward to making this a special experience for everyone involved.”

Fittingly, the announcement comes on Vitale's 86th birthday, and months after he returned to the airwaves after being gone for two years amid a fourth battle with cancer. The Basketball Hall of Famer, also a former college and NBA coach, has been with ESPN since it launched in 1979 and called the network's first college basketball broadcast.

"So many times, awards and honors come to people after they're long gone," Vitale said of the Invitational's birth in an interview with The Associated Press. "And to get it while you're living is just a great, great feeling."

“For over 30 years, Dick Vitale has been the voice of college basketball,” Clint Overby, Vice President of ESPN Events, also said in the statement. “I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy than have a basketball event featuring the very best of the sport.  As a kid, I grew up listening to his calls and developing a love for the sport, its traditions and the personalities involved.  We can’t thank Mr. Vitale enough for what he’s done for the sport and look forward to a special night!”