San Antonio Spurs play-by-play announcer Bill Land is retiring after 21 seasons with the team, capping off a 50-year broadcasting career.
The Spurs announced the news via X on Wednesday, thanking Land for an “incredible broadcasting career” and noting, “We wish you the best in your next chapter!”
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
Land, 72, announced in late 2023 that he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. He continued to work even as he underwent chemotherapy. Although he missed a few games due to his treatments, he amazed his colleagues with his energy and determination.
“You can’t really tell anything’s wrong when he’s on the air,” Spurs color analyst Sean Elliott said (via PoundingtheRock.com). “Bill handles this like it’s his everyday life.”
“I feel truly blessed to have had a dream job with the best production team in the league and the best analyst in the NBA, Sean Elliott,” Land said in a statement.
Land began his broadcast career in Wisconsin in 1974 and joined the Spurs’ broadcast team in 1990. He took on a larger role in 2003 and became the regular play-by-play announcer in 2008, teaming with Elliott in the cabin.
Fans will especially miss Land’s signature “Ohh Mama!” cries.
I’m going to miss Bill Land on the mic for Spurs games and other calls like this.
“OH MOM WEMBANYAMA.” pic.twitter.com/OA79aqgGEA
— Maitland Rutledge (@Maitland__R) August 21, 2024
The Spurs plan to honor Land during their home opener on Oct. 26. The team said it will share information about its broadcast team at a later date.
[Ty Jager]
