If you’ve spent any time watching sports in New England lately, you’ve probably seen a familiar face making some serious waves. Kayla Burton has become a fixture on the screen, but it’s not just about her being another reporter. It’s kinda deeper than that. For Kayla Burton NBC Boston isn't just a career milestone; it is literally a homecoming for a family that is basically royalty in the local sports scene.
She didn't just stumble into the job.
Most people don't realize that she was a Division I athlete herself. She played guard at Lehigh University. She wasn't just sitting on the bench, either—she was out there hitting three-pointers and leading the team in various categories during her four-year run. That "athlete's brain" is exactly why her reporting feels so different. She isn't just reciting stats. She understands the grind because she lived it.
Why Kayla Burton NBC Boston is a Big Deal for Local Fans
When NBC Sports Boston announced they were bringing Kayla on as a multiplatform host and reporter in July 2024, the reaction was immediate. People knew the name. Her grandfather, Ron Burton, was the first-ever draft pick for the New England Patriots back in 1960. Her dad, Steve Burton, has been a staple on WBZ-TV for decades.
It’s a legacy thing.
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But honestly, Kayla has spent years paying her dues away from the Boston spotlight to prove she belongs here on her own merits. Before landing back in her hometown, she was grinding it out at Western Mass News in Springfield. She wasn't just doing sports there. She was covering fires, court cases, and local politics. It was the "unshiny" work that builds a real journalist.
After that, the climb was fast.
- NFL Network: She handled multiplatform reporting, including work on the NFL app and international coverage.
- ESPN: She served as a sideline reporter for college football and the UFL.
- The UK Market: She even presented NFL coverage for Channel 5 in the United Kingdom.
The New Role and "She's in the Game"
While she’s been killing it at NBC Sports Boston covering the Celtics, Patriots, and Bruins, Kayla has also expanded her reach. In late 2025, she was named the host of a new syndicated TV series called She’s in the Game. This show is all about spotlighting female athletes and the next generation of legends. It’s a perfect fit for someone who grew up in a house where her sister, Veronica Burton, went on to play in the WNBA.
Kayla's presence on NBC Boston adds a layer of authenticity that’s hard to fake. When she interviews a player, there's a level of mutual respect. They know she’s done the 5:00 AM workouts. They know she’s dealt with the pressure of a game-winning shot.
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Beyond the Sideline: What Makes Her Style Work
If you watch her closely, you’ll notice she doesn't use that "reporter voice" that sounds like a robot. It’s conversational. It’s real. She’s been known to talk about the importance of her faith and how it keeps her grounded in an industry that can be incredibly cutthroat.
It's also about the preparation.
Her dad once told her to go out and interview coaches just to build a reel while she was still at Lehigh. She didn't wait for an internship to fall in her lap. She grabbed a camera, grabbed a teammate, and started making things happen. That proactive energy is what she brings to the NBC Boston set every single night.
Breaking Down the Family Connection
It’s impossible to talk about Kayla without mentioning the Burton legacy, but it’s more than just a name on a jersey. The Ron Burton Training Village is a massive part of their lives. It’s a program designed to help at-risk youth through leadership and physical wellness.
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Kayla isn't just a face on TV; she's a director at the village. She’s actually involved in the community. This gives her a perspective on Boston that goes way beyond the locker room. She sees the city’s heart, not just its championships.
Future Outlook for Boston’s Rising Star
What’s next? Well, the "She's in the Game" series is already cleared in over 100 million homes as of early 2026. This means Kayla is becoming a national name while staying rooted in the Boston market. It’s a rare balancing act.
Most people who hit the national stage at ESPN or NFL Network don't come back to local markets. Kayla did. She wanted to be home. She wanted to cover the "City of Champions" for the fans she grew up with.
For anyone following her career, the takeaway is pretty clear: versatility is the only way to survive in modern media. She can write, she can host, she can report from a muddy sideline, and she can hold her own in a studio debate.
If you want to keep up with her latest work, your best bet is to catch her on the Celtics or Patriots pre-game shows on NBC Sports Boston. You can also follow her on social media where she’s pretty active under the handle @kayb2. If you're looking for more than just the highlights, check out her interviews on the On Her Mark podcast—she gets into some really good stuff there about the transition from the court to the camera.
The most actionable thing you can do is watch for her new series, She's in the Game, which is now hitting local syndication. It’s a masterclass in how to tell sports stories that actually matter.