Play-By-Play Announcer Kevin Calabro Parts Ways With the Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro has parted ways with the team after four seasons in Portland. Jordan Kent will take over TV play-by-play duties for the Blazers’ Orlando schedule.

The news was broken by The Oregonian/OregonLive’s John Canzano early on Wednesday, with Trail Blazers reporter Casey Holdahl confirming that Kent would take over for Calabro.

A source told the Oregonian that Calabro was not a part of the layoffs from last month and that the decision was his own.

In a statement posted by the Blazers, Calabro thanked the team for their support.

“This was a very difficult decision to make and I want to thank the Allen family and Chris McGowan for their support and understanding,” said Calabro. “I’ll always be grateful to the Rip City fans for welcoming me into the family.”

Blazers President Chris McGowan wished Calabro the best in his next endeavors.

“Kevin brought years of experience and professionalism to the Trail Blazers broadcast team with a one-of-a-kind voice that is unmistakable,” said Chris McGowan, President and CEO of the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. “We appreciate Kevin sharing his energy and talents with Rip City and wish him the best in his next chapter.”

Calabro has been a part of the Blazers’ broadcasting team since the 2016-17 season, when he and Lamar Hurd replaced Mike Barrett and Mike Rice as the regular TV announcing crew. Prior to that he had spent 21 years as the play-by-play announcer for the Seattle Supersonics and for ESPN radio as well. He won the 2018 Northwest Region Emmy award for “Best Sports Play-by-Play Announcer” and was Oregon Sportscaster of the Year the same year.