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The Trail Blazers’ offseason overhaul is extending well beyond the roster.
According to Maury Brown of Forbes, Portland is making sweeping changes to its broadcast operation under new owner Tom Dundon, with several longtime personalities already out the door and more uncertainty still looming.
Among those departing are longtime TV analyst Michael Holton, statistician Tom Haberstroh, former ESPN anchor Neil Everett and studio host Jamie Hudson. Brown also reported that contracts for television play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro and radio voice Travis Demers are up for renewal, though their futures remain unclear.
The cuts reportedly extend behind the scenes as well, with changes to the television production staff that could ultimately affect the quality of broadcasts.
While it’s never easy seeing talented broadcasters and production staff lose their jobs, the bigger story may be the philosophy behind the moves.
Dundon has developed a reputation for aggressively trimming expenses. Earlier this year, the Blazers reportedly laid off roughly 70 front-office employees. Now, that same approach appears to be reaching the team’s media operation.
It wouldn’t be the first time.
After purchasing the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes in 2018, Dundon drew criticism for dramatically reshaping that franchise’s broadcast model.
Hall of Fame radio voice Chuck Kaiton departed after declining a significant pay cut, and the Hurricanes eventually leaned on television simulcasts for radio broadcasts, an approach that remains uncommon in major professional sports.
Brown reported the Blazers could eventually explore similar cost-saving measures, including televison simulcasts for radio or having radio broadcasts called remotely during road games.
As Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report noted on X, those possibilities closely mirror Dundon’s early moves in Carolina. Whether fans embrace those changes is another matter.
The Hurricanes, of course, have enjoyed considerable success under Dundon’s ownership, culminating in this year’s Stanley Cup championship. That doesn’t necessarily mean every business decision has been popular, but it does suggest his willingness to challenge long-held industry norms.
And that’s perhaps the bigger takeaway. For decades, NBA franchises have steadily expanded their media departments, adding writers, digital producers, social media staff, analysts and behind-the-scenes personnel.
Dundon appears to be asking a different question: How many of those positions are truly essential in today’s media landscape?
It’s a fair question, even if the answer isn’t always popular.
If Portland’s restructuring proves successful financially without significantly hurting the fan experience, don’t be surprised if other owners begin taking a closer look at their own operations.
In that sense, this may not be just a Trail Blazers story. It could be a glimpse into where parts of the business side of professional sports are headed next.
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