Aug 21, 2024 - Sports

Beloved Spurs voice Bill Land announces retirement

Madalyn Mendoza

Two men smile at something off camera while standing on the Spurs basketball court. — Bill Land (left) alongside Sean Elliott during a game. Photo: D. Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images

Bill Land, whose voice has echoed through years of Spurs victories, announced his retirement from the play-by-play desk Wednesday after 21 seasons.

Why it matters: Land is a household name for Spurs fans. He has been the lead play-by-play announcer since 2008 but has worked with the team in various broadcast roles since 1990, starting as an occasional fill-in announcer.

His catchphrases like "Oh, mama!" and rapport with colleague and former Spurs player Sean Elliott have cemented him in Spurs history.

Context: The announcement follows Land's 2023 diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer.

What they're saying: In a statement, Land thanked Spurs fans for their support throughout his career, especially last season as he battled cancer.

"I truly feel blessed to have had a dream job with the best production crew in the league and the best analyst in the NBA, Sean Elliott," he said.
Spurs legend Manu Ginobili reacted to the news on X, saying Land "will be missed big time."

What's next: The Spurs will honor Land during their home opener against the Houston Rockets on Oct. 26.

Details on the 2024-2025 broadcast team will be shared at a later date.

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Beloved Spurs voice Bill Land announces retirement

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