Kevin Calabro – ESPN Veteran Broadcaster Marks 30 Years in Sports Commentary
Kevin Calabro is one of the most versatile and respected voices in basketball broadcasting today. With his distinctive style and deep knowledge of the game, Calabro has built an impressive career spanning both television and radio platforms. For over ten years, he has served as ESPN Radio’s play-by-play announcer for the NBA Conference Finals. He also makes regular contributions to TNT’s NBA broadcasts.
Beyond his national work, Calabro currently serves as the television play-by-play voice for the Portland Trail Blazers. His broadcasting portfolio extends beyond the professional ranks, as he has also called Pac-12 basketball games on Fox Sports Net. Basketball fans particularly appreciate his energetic calls during crucial playoff moments, including his work on Warriors games during the NBA Finals.
Calabro’s journey represents the pinnacle of sports broadcasting excellence, having balanced regional team duties with national assignments throughout his career. When asked about his experience with ESPN Radio’s coverage of the Finals, Calabro noted on social media that he “gave em up to do full schedule of Blazers Television” – demonstrating his commitment to his Portland role while highlighting the significant national platform he previously occupied.
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Career Overview
Kevin Calabro’s illustrious broadcasting career spans several decades, establishing him as one of the most recognizable voices in basketball. His distinctive style and deep knowledge of the game have made him a favorite among fans across multiple networks and teams.
Early Beginnings
Kevin Calabro’s broadcasting journey began after graduating from Butler University with a degree in Broadcasting in 1978. His first major professional opportunity came with the Kansas City Kings, where he cut his teeth in the NBA broadcasting world.
The Pacific Northwest would soon become Calabro’s home base. In 1987, he joined the Seattle SuperSonics organization as their play-by-play announcer, a position that would define the early part of his career.
His deep, booming voice and catchy phrases quickly made him a fan favorite in Seattle. Basketball enthusiasts came to recognize his signature calls that added excitement to the game action.
Rise to Prominence
Calabro’s 21-year tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics (1987-2007) cemented his status as an elite NBA broadcaster. During this period, he called games during the Sonics’ most successful era, including their 1996 NBA Finals appearance against the Chicago Bulls.
When the Sonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, Calabro made the surprising decision to remain in Seattle rather than follow the franchise. This choice demonstrated his personal connection to the Pacific Northwest community.
His distinctive voice, characterized by smooth delivery and exciting calls during crucial moments, became synonymous with basketball in the region. Fans appreciated his professional approach and authentic enthusiasm during broadcasts.
| Calabro’s Notable Teams | Years |
|---|---|
| Seattle SuperSonics | 1987-2007 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 2016-2020, 2021-present |
National Expansion
After the SuperSonics’ departure, Calabro expanded his reach by joining national broadcasting platforms. He became a regular voice on ESPN Radio, NBA TV, and Westwood One, calling basketball games for a nationwide audience.
In 2016, Calabro returned to team-specific broadcasting when the Portland Trail Blazers hired him as their television play-by-play announcer, replacing Mike Barrett who had held the position for 13 years.
Calabro briefly stepped away from the Blazers during the pandemic but returned to the team’s broadcast booth for the 2021-22 season. His work with various networks has included NCAA basketball coverage for PAC12 Networks.
Throughout his career expansion, Calabro has maintained his signature style while adapting to different broadcast partners and audiences across multiple platforms.
Seattle Supersonics Era
Kevin Calabro’s voice became synonymous with Seattle basketball during his two-decade tenure with the Supersonics. His distinctive calls and passion for the game endeared him to fans while he chronicled the team’s journey through championship runs and rebuilding years.
Broadcast Highlights
Calabro served as the voice of the Sonics for 21 years, establishing himself as a Seattle broadcasting legend. His tenure spanned from 1987 to 2008, covering the team’s most successful period in the 1990s.
His iconic calls during the Sonics’ 1996 NBA Finals run against the Chicago Bulls cemented his place in Seattle sports history. The team, led by Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, provided Calabro with countless highlight-worthy moments.
Calabro’s signature phrases became part of Seattle basketball culture. His energetic “Flying chickens in the barnyard!” after dunks and the smooth “Good golly, Miss Molly!” following impressive plays gave Sonics broadcasts a distinctive feel.
He called games for Seattle’s only NBA championship team and numerous playoff appearances, working alongside color commentators like Marques Johnson and Craig Ehlo during different phases of his career.
Impact on the Community
Beyond the broadcast booth, Calabro became deeply connected to the Seattle community. When the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, he declined to follow, showing his loyalty to the city that embraced him.
His voice remained in Seattle through radio work, becoming a fixture on Seattle airwaves even after the team’s departure. This dedication made him a symbol of continuity for heartbroken Sonics fans.
In 2011, Calabro participated in a SuperSonics reunion at Safeco Field, serving as master of ceremonies for an event that highlighted the unusual status of a beloved team without a home.
Many Seattle basketball fans consider Calabro’s voice the soundtrack to their fondest Sonics memories. His broadcasting style, which combined technical knowledge with genuine enthusiasm, made him not just a narrator but a participant in the team’s story.
Work with ESPN
Kevin Calabro has established himself as a prominent voice in ESPN’s basketball coverage, lending his distinctive play-by-play announcing to both professional and college hoops. His work spans radio and television platforms across major NBA events and college basketball competitions.
Major NBA Events
Calabro serves as the lead play-by-play voice for NBA on ESPN Radio, a role secured through a multi-year extension signed in 2014. His commentary brings NBA regular-season games, All-Star events, and playoff matchups to listeners nationwide.
During the NBA Finals, Calabro’s expertise shines particularly bright. He has covered four NBA Finals for ESPN Radio, working alongside basketball Hall of Famer Hubie Brown to deliver insightful game analysis.
Their chemistry was on display during the Warriors’ championship runs, with the pair sharing thoughts on Golden State’s dominant performances throughout those playoff series. Calabro’s energetic calling style and basketball knowledge make him a perfect fit for the high-stakes atmosphere of playoff basketball.
College Basketball Coverage
Beyond his NBA responsibilities, Calabro has contributed significantly to ESPN’s college basketball coverage, particularly focusing on Pac-12 competition before his transition to NBA team broadcasting.
His connection to Pacific Northwest basketball made him a natural fit for regional college games. Calabro’s familiar voice guided viewers through intense conference matchups and NCAA Tournament action where West Coast teams participated.
After years building his reputation at ESPN, Calabro leveraged this experience when he joined the Portland Trail Blazers as their television play-by-play announcer. This move allowed him to focus on a single NBA team while drawing on the national perspective he developed at ESPN.
Portland Trail Blazers and Pacific Northwest
Kevin Calabro’s time with the Portland Trail Blazers demonstrated his versatility and deep connection to Pacific Northwest basketball. His distinctive voice became synonymous with Blazers broadcasts during his tenure with the organization.
Contributions to the Blazers
Kevin Calabro joined the Portland Trail Blazers as their television play-by-play announcer for the 2016-17 season. His hiring brought a renowned voice to the franchise during an exciting period featuring the backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.
Calabro’s energetic calls and basketball knowledge enhanced the viewing experience for Blazers fans. He worked alongside color analysts to provide insightful commentary during Coach Terry Stotts’ offensive-minded system.
In June 2020, Calabro parted ways with the organization, citing personal reasons during the pandemic. The separation was initially thought to be permanent, but in a surprising development, he later returned to the Blazers as their play-by-play voice.
Legacy in the Region
Calabro’s impact on Pacific Northwest basketball extends beyond his time with the Blazers. He built a reputation as one of the region’s most recognizable broadcasters through his distinctive voice and catchphrases.
His broadcasting style resonated with fans throughout Oregon and Washington. Calabro’s ability to capture dramatic moments with precise vocabulary and enthusiasm made him a favorite among basketball followers in the area.
What sets Calabro apart is his versatility in calling games for multiple Northwest franchises. This unique perspective allowed him to connect with diverse fan bases across the region.
His broadcasting excellence earned him respect from players, coaches, and fans alike. Calabro’s voice became part of the fabric of Pacific Northwest basketball culture, bridging different eras of the sport in the region.
Other Professional Endeavors
Kevin Calabro’s versatility as a broadcaster extended well beyond his NBA work with ESPN and the Portland Trail Blazers. His distinctive voice and professional approach made him a sought-after talent across multiple sports and markets.
NFL and Soccer Commentary
Calabro’s broadcasting talents weren’t limited to basketball. He spent time calling Seattle Seahawks games, bringing his signature enthusiasm to NFL broadcasts in the Pacific Northwest. His deep, booming voice became familiar to football fans across the region.
During the 1990s, Calabro worked several Seahawks seasons while maintaining his basketball commitments. He also ventured into soccer commentary, covering matches for various networks during major tournaments.
His work with Turner Broadcasting further expanded his portfolio beyond ESPN’s basketball coverage. This broadcasting versatility showcased Calabro’s ability to adapt his style across different sports while maintaining his professional delivery.
| Sport | Teams/Events | Network |
|---|---|---|
| NFL | Seattle Seahawks | Local Radio |
| Soccer | Major Tournaments | Various Networks |
| NBA | Multi-team coverage | ESPN/Turner |
Transition to Oklahoma
In 2008, when the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City, Calabro made a notable career decision. Unlike many team broadcasters who follow franchises to new cities, he opted to remain in Seattle rather than continue with the team in Oklahoma.
This choice reflected his deep connection to the Seattle community. He had established himself as a broadcasting fixture for 21 seasons. The decision was professionally risky but demonstrated his loyalty to the Pacific Northwest.
Instead of relocating, Calabro expanded his national work. He increased his commitments with ESPN Radio and other broadcasting partners while establishing new local connections.
His decision paid off when he later joined the Portland Trail Blazers as their play-by-play announcer. This allowed him to remain in the Northwest while continuing his basketball broadcasting career.
Influence and Recognition
Kevin Calabro has established himself as one of the most influential voices in basketball broadcasting through decades of dedicated work. His distinctive style and professionalism have earned him respect throughout the industry.
Awards and Accolades
Calabro’s excellence behind the microphone has been recognized with numerous honors throughout his career. His 21-year tenure as the voice of the Seattle SuperSonics cemented his reputation as an elite NBA announcer before he declined to follow the franchise to Oklahoma City in 2008.
His work has earned him national platforms with ESPN Radio, where he’s been a regular contributor to NBA broadcasts for over two decades. Most impressively, Calabro has handled play-by-play duties for the NBA Conference Finals on ESPN Radio for ten consecutive years.
Industry insiders regularly rank him among basketball’s premier broadcasters. His polished delivery and basketball knowledge have made him a valued asset at Turner Broadcasting’s NBA TV and TNT’s NBA coverage.
Mentorship and Peers
Many fellow broadcasters widely respect Calabro. They consider him a standard-bearer for excellence. After joining the Portland Trail Blazers in 2016, he quickly became recognized as the most polished broadcaster in franchise history.
His collaborative approach is showcased in his relationship with fellow announcers, particularly analysts like Hubie Brown. Calabro’s ability to elevate broadcasts while letting analysts shine demonstrates why networks consistently seek his services.
Young broadcasters frequently cite Calabro’s preparation and versatility as inspiration. His smooth transition between radio and television, regional and national broadcasts, and NBA to Pac-12 coverage illustrates why he’s considered a master of the craft.
