Trail Blazers Announce Braiden Bell as New TV Play-by-Play Broadcaster

The Trail Blazers have found their new television play-by-play voice. The team announced early Thursday that Braiden Bell has been tabbed to take over for the legendary Kevin Calabro on the mic.

Bell, a graduate of Arizona State’s famed Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, comes to Portland after a stint as the lead play-by-play voice for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and the G-League’s Valley Suns.

In the teams press release, President of Basketball Operations Dewayne Hankins said the team is “excited” to add Bell to the broadcast. Adding, “what stood out throughout this process was his energy and passion. He understands that great play-by-play is about being authentic and bringing our fans closer to the team. He’s a great fit for where we’re headed and an important voice for the next chapter of Trail Blazers basketball.”

Said Bell, “Rip City, thank you for giving me the chance to call games for the best fans in the league... As we get to know each other, my goal is to connect you with the action on the court. My guarantee to you is that you’ll be able to hear my excitement and love for this game night in and night out. I’m truly honored to join this amazing community.”

Longtime game day voices Lamar Hurd and Brooke Olzendam remain and will join Bell on the television broadcast, while Travis Demers will enter his eight season as the radio voice of the Trail Blazers.

The team also added a few broadcast notes in their press release. Including:

• The Trail Blazers and KATU will continue to deliver the Rip City Television Network across Oregon and Washington. All non-national exclusive Trail Blazers games will air for free via over-the-air television.

• All non-national exclusive games will also continue to be broadcast on BlazerVision.

• iHeartMedia Portland’s Rip City Radio 620 AM will continue providing pre-game and post-game coverage, game broadcasts, and ancillary content throughout the year. Rip City Radio enters its 14th season as the team’s flagship station. 

You have your first chance to see Bell and the new look Blazers this Saturday, Oct.4, at the annual Fan Fest event.