DONE TODAY: Spurs legend announces retirement today
Long-time San Antonio Spurs television play-by-play announcer Bill Land has announced his retirement.
“I am grateful and appreciative for the support from the entire Spurs organization as well as FOX Sports/Bally Sports,” said Land. “I feel truly blessed to have had a dream job with the best production crew in the league and the best analyst in the NBA, Sean Elliott. As I move into the fourth quarter of my life, I want to thank everyone, especially Spurs fans, for their incredible support over the years, particularly this past year as I have battled cancer.”
Land, known for his signature “Oh, Mama!” call, first joined the Spurs broadcast team in 1990 as a fill-in announcer, eventually taking on a larger role in 2003. In 2008, he became the full-time play-by-play announcer, a position he held until his recent retirement announcement.
Last summer, Land underwent a stem cell transplant after being diagnosed with a form of blood cancer. During his treatment and recovery, Dan Weiss joined Sean Elliott on Spurs road trips to fill in for him.
Mike Kickirillo, Senior Director of Broadcasting for Spurs Sports & Entertainment, praised Land’s contribution: “The pure joy and passion he brings to our games personalizes the experience for all fans listening, and his iconic voice and character have cemented him in history among our beloved Spurs legends. We’ll be forever grateful to him for bringing over 20 years of dedication to our team and fans, and will miss his voice dearly.”
Congratulations @BillLand on an incredible broadcast career 🎙️ We wish you the best in your next chapter! pic.twitter.com/AzUh23ebk0
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) August 21, 2024
Congrats to my friend @BillLand on his retirement and a heck of a run! 50 years in broadcasting is hall of fame level stuff! I’ve appreciated our chats for the last 15 years. He leaves a legacy of being the voice of the most successful franchise in sports for the past 2 decades. pic.twitter.com/7N11FutIj5
— Dan Weiss (@DanWeissPBP) August 21, 2024
The Spurs will honor Bill Land at their home opener against the Houston Rockets.