Chris Denari – Indiana Pacers: Celebrating Two Decades as the Voice of the Franchise
When it comes to Indiana Pacers broadcasts, Chris Denari has been the voice that fans have grown to love for nearly two decades. Currently, Denari is in his 18th season as the Pacers’ television play-by-play announcer on Bally Sports Indiana. His 40-year involvement in Indianapolis sports broadcasting has earned him significant recognition, including being named the Indiana Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association in 2022.
Denari’s career with the Pacers has coincided with several eras of the franchise’s development, providing fans with memorable calls during both playoff runs and rebuilding seasons. His partnership with color commentator Quinn Buckner has created one of the NBA’s most respected broadcasting duos, with their chemistry evident in their exciting calls during comeback victories and dramatic game-deciding moments. Their voices have become synonymous with Pacers basketball for a generation of fans.
Contents
Biography
Chris Denari has built an impressive career as a sportscaster, rising from humble beginnings to become one of Indiana’s most recognizable sports voices. His journey from local high school athlete to the voice of the Indiana Pacers showcases his dedication to the craft of sports broadcasting.
Early Life and Education
Chris Denari’s roots run deep in Indiana. He graduated from Westfield High School in 1979, where basketball was a family affair. He played under the coaching of his father, Bob Denari, building a foundation for his future in sports.
After high school, Denari continued his education at Wabash College, graduating in 1983. His time at Wabash helped shape his communication skills and deepen his understanding of sports culture in Indiana.
Despite his polished on-air presence today, Denari wasn’t born with a silver microphone. He worked his way up through dedication and preparation, traits that would define his professional approach throughout his career.
Early Career in Sports Media
Denari’s broadcasting journey wasn’t an overnight success story. Before becoming the voice of the Pacers, he paid his dues in various roles across Indiana’s sports landscape.
In 2006, he joined the Indiana Pacers broadcast team, forming a partnership with analyst Quinn Buckner that continues to this day on Bally Sports Indiana. This pairing has become one of the most recognizable broadcast duos for NBA fans in the Midwest.
His versatility as a sportscaster extends beyond basketball. Denari has also served as the radio announcer for the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, demonstrating his adaptability across different sports formats and audiences.
Awards and Honors
Denari’s excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed by his peers. In 2022, he was voted Indiana Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association, recognizing his outstanding work and contribution to sports broadcasting in the state.
His career exemplifies what industry professionals value: preparation, intelligence, and authenticity. Colleagues describe him as someone who represents the best qualities in broadcasting, noting that his success stems from a combination of hard work, thorough preparation, and genuine character.
Though his voice is now synonymous with Pacers basketball, Denari’s impact on Indiana sports media extends far beyond just one team, cementing his legacy as one of the state’s broadcasting treasures.
Professional Career
Chris Denari has built an impressive broadcasting career through decades of dedication and passion for basketball. His journey to becoming the voice of the Indiana Pacers showcases his commitment to sports broadcasting in Indiana.
Path to the Indiana Pacers
Chris Denari’s road to the Pacers broadcast booth wasn’t an overnight success story. He spent years honing his craft across various sports and platforms before landing his dream job.
Denari is now in his 18th season as the television play-by-play announcer for the Indiana Pacers on Bally Sports Indiana. Before securing this coveted position, he was deeply involved in broadcasting sports throughout Indianapolis for more than two decades.
What makes Denari’s story remarkable is his persistence. As a young basketball enthusiast, he would create make-believe broadcasts in his bedroom—a childhood passion that eventually became his profession.
Prior to joining the Pacers full-time, Denari gained valuable experience calling games for various Indiana teams and events, building the foundation for his NBA broadcasting career.
Partnership with Quinn Buckner
Denari’s on-air chemistry with color analyst Quinn Buckner has become a hallmark of Pacers broadcasts. The duo brings a perfect balance of professional analysis and genuine enthusiasm to each game.
Buckner, a former NBA champion and Indiana basketball legend, complements Denari’s play-by-play style with insightful commentary based on his playing experience.
Their partnership has evolved into one of the most respected broadcasting teams in the NBA. Viewers appreciate how they blend technical basketball knowledge with accessible explanations for casual fans.
The Denari-Buckner tandem excels at maintaining energy throughout broadcasts while providing context for the game’s key moments. Their ability to anticipate plays and explain strategies adds significant value to Pacers telecasts.
Their camaraderie extends beyond the broadcast booth, with both men serving as ambassadors for the Pacers organization at community events.
Role at Bally Sports Indiana
At Bally Sports Indiana, Denari has established himself as more than just a play-by-play announcer. He’s become the trusted voice that Pacers fans welcome into their homes for 82 games each season.
His responsibilities extend beyond game calling. Denari contributes to pre-game and post-game coverage, conducts player interviews, and participates in special programming throughout the year.
What separates Denari from many announcers is his preparation. He studies both teams extensively before each broadcast, ensuring he can provide relevant statistics and stories throughout the game.
During NBA All-Star events and playoff games, Denari’s role expands to represent both the network and the Pacers organization on a national stage. His professionalism in these moments has earned him respect throughout the league.
Despite having made a name for himself in NBA broadcasting, colleagues note that Denari remains humble and focused on delivering quality broadcasts for Pacers fans.
Beyond the Pacers
Chris Denari’s broadcasting talent extends well beyond his role with the Indiana Pacers. His versatile voice has become a fixture in Indiana sports across multiple leagues and competitions.
Indiana Fever Engagement
Chris Denari has served as the TV play-by-play announcer for the Indiana Fever of the WNBA. His connection with Indiana basketball runs deep, making him a natural voice for the state’s professional women’s team.
Denari brings the same energy and expertise to Fever broadcasts that Pacers fans have come to appreciate. His knowledge of the players and league creates continuity for Indiana basketball fans who follow both teams.
The broadcaster’s commitment to women’s basketball helps elevate the profile of the Fever. He treats these games with the same professionalism and attention to detail as his NBA assignments.
Fever fans appreciate Denari’s familiar voice and basketball IQ during broadcasts. His presence provides stability for the franchise’s television product.
NFL and NCAA Coverage
Denari’s versatility as a broadcaster extends to both football and college sports. He has built an impressive resume covering NCAA events throughout his career, particularly with Indiana college programs.
His work includes radio and television coverage for Indiana collegiate sports. Denari has been involved in broadcasting sports in Indianapolis for many years, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Indiana athletics.
Football fans know his voice from NFL coverage. His ability to transition between basketball and football showcases his versatility as a sportscaster.
Denari’s deep knowledge of both sports allows him to provide insightful commentary regardless of which game he’s calling. His preparation and research are evident whether he’s courtside or in the football booth.
College basketball broadcasts particularly benefit from his basketball expertise and relationships within the sport.
Social Media Presence
Chris Denari maintains an active social media footprint where he connects with Indiana Pacers fans and shares insights from his broadcasting career. His online presence provides a window into his professional life and personal passion for Indiana basketball.
Engagement with Fans
Chris Denari can be found on multiple social platforms, most notably on Instagram as @cdenari61 where he regularly posts content related to his work with the Pacers. His Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes moments from his broadcasting career, including photos with fans at road games, which he specifically mentioned as one of his “favorite things” when traveling with the team.
On Facebook, Denari maintains a professional profile that highlights his various roles, including his primary position as Television Play-by-Play Announcer for the Indiana Pacers and his work as Turn 4 Announcer for the IMS Radio Network.
Denari’s social media reflects his deep connection to Indiana sports. He often uses these platforms to acknowledge milestones, such as when he celebrated his 1,500th game as the Pacers’ TV play-by-play announcer, an achievement the Pacers organization also shared on their official accounts.
His social engagement temporarily paused in January 2025 when he stepped away from broadcasting to attend a celebration of his mother’s life, showing the personal side of the broadcaster who has been the voice of the Pacers for 18 seasons.
Impact on Basketball Broadcasting
Chris Denari has become a prominent voice in basketball broadcasting, especially with his role as the voice of the Indiana Pacers. His clear delivery and deep knowledge of the game have made him a fixture in NBA broadcasts.
Before joining the Pacers’ television broadcasts, Denari spent 17 years as the radio play-by-play voice for Butler University basketball. This extended experience at the collegiate level helped him develop a distinctive style that resonates with basketball fans.
Denari’s versatility is evident in his 18-year stint as the voice of the Indiana Fever, where he was part of their WNBA championship run. His ability to transition between men’s and women’s basketball demonstrates his adaptability as a broadcaster.
What sets Denari apart is his journey from childhood passion to professional success. He went from creating make-believe broadcasts as a kid to announcing the NBA All-Star Game—a testament to his dedication to the craft.
His analysis during Pacers broadcasts is particularly noteworthy. When the team struggles, Denari provides insightful commentary on their issues. He helps viewers understand the complexities of the game rather than offering simplistic explanations.
Denari’s longevity in basketball broadcasting speaks to his expertise and connection with audiences. His consistent presence has made him synonymous with basketball in Indiana, influencing how fans engage with and understand the sport.
