The Portland Trail Blazers' broadcast department is set for a significant overhaul with several prominent on-air personalities departing the team. These changes are part of a broader cost-cutting strategy initiated by new owner Tom Dundon.
Play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Calabro announced on Wednesday that his contract expired on June 30 and he opted not to return after receiving a low offer for a new deal. Calabro, who had been calling games for the Trail Blazers since 2016, described the decision as "easy" and "not worth my time," while acknowledging the positive nature of the team's roster and personnel.
Additionally, Travis Demers, who served as the team's radio play-by-play announcer for the past seven years, was not retained after his contract also expired at the end of June. While a return for Demers in a reduced capacity has not been ruled out, according to a source, his primary role has concluded.
Michael Holton, a former player for the team from 1986-88 and a broadcast analyst for the last nine years, was also let go. Holton served as a radio analyst and co-host for halftime and postgame television shows.
The broadcast staff changes extend to the studio, with TV studio host Neil Everett, co-host Jamie Hudson, and broadcast statistician Tom Haberstroh also departing the organization.
These personnel moves follow a series of layoffs in the spring where Dundon released approximately 70 employees, primarily from the business operations side of the team. Dundon, who also owns the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, has also implemented other cost-saving measures, including reduced travel accommodations and the elimination of commemorative fan giveaways during home playoff games.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver previously defended Dundon's business approach. In an appearance on "Pardon My Take," Silver noted that Dundon spent approximately $4.5 billion to acquire the team and suggested it was inaccurate to label him as unwilling to spend money. Dundon's approach to managing costs is not new; upon purchasing the Hurricanes in 2018, longtime broadcaster Chuck Kaiton declined a significant pay cut and departed the organization.