Portland Trail Blazers appoint Braiden Bell as new TV play-by-play announcer
The Trail Blazers have hired 29-year-old Braiden Bell to replace longtime broadcaster Kevin Calabro as the team's television play-by-play commentator, joining color analyst Lamar Hurd and reporter Brooke Olzendam for the upcoming season.
Portland hired Braiden Bell to serve as the new television play-by-play commentator for the Trail Blazers, succeeding veteran Kevin Calabro, who left after his contract expired. Bell, 29, previously called games for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and the NBA G League’s Valley Suns, and will work with color commentator Lamar Hurd and courtside reporter Brooke Olzendam on the Rip City Television Network.
"Braiden is a rising talent and everyone is excited to have him," a team source said, adding that his chemistry with Hurd stood out among a large pool of candidates that included broadcasters with NBA experience.
The selection process narrowed an initial group to four semifinalists and then to two finalists—Bell and former Sacramento Kings announcer Kyle Draper. Sources said Bell was chosen for his on-air presence, rapport with Hurd, versatility and willingness to engage with the community beyond the broadcast.
Bell, an Arizona State University graduate, began his professional career calling games for Cal Baptist across seven sports, later handling Sun Devils games for ESPN+ and Big 12 Now, and serving as the inaugural voice for the Valley Suns. He also split play-by-play duties for the Phoenix Mercury with Ann Schatz.
Kevin Calabro, who spent more than four decades in NBA broadcasting and was the Blazers' TV voice for much of the last decade, departed after the team’s new ownership implemented cost-cutting measures and offered a contract he deemed unsatisfactory. The Blazers' regular season begins on Oct. 21 with a home game against the Phoenix Suns.