Under Tom Dundon, Portland Trail Blazers Make Dramatic Cuts To Broadcast Team

The Portland Trail Blazers are undergoing a significant restructuring of their broadcast team as the organization looks to reduce costs. This follows earlier staff reductions that saw 70 front office employees depart the franchise. New team owner Tom Dundon is leading the overhaul, which has impacted key members of the media staff who have covered the team for years.

Long-time TV analyst Michael Holton is leaving the organization after a 19-season run. The team also parted ways with statistician Tom Haberstroh, television host Jamie Hudson, and broadcast personality Neil Everett. These personnel changes extend beyond on-air talent, as the production crew is also seeing a reduction in headcount. Reports indicate that these changes are already affecting graphics and general production quality.

The future remains uncertain for play-by-play announcers Kevin Calabro and Travis Demers, as both have contracts approaching renewal. There is speculation that the team may shift to a television simulcast model for radio broadcasts, a move that would be unprecedented in the NBA. This strategy mirrors actions taken by Dundon with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2018, when the team moved to a simulcast format after failing to reach an agreement with long-time radio announcer Chuck Kaiton.

These broadcast cuts coincide with the organization's ongoing efforts to secure public funding for renovations at the Moda Center. The changes highlight a shift in how the franchise handles its media operations under current leadership, with a clear emphasis on cost-cutting measures that deviate from standard league practices. As the new season approaches, fans and observers are monitoring how these departures will impact the viewing experience for Blazers games.