Dan Roberts, the iconic voice of the Utah Jazz, has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. Having been the team’s public address announcer since their move from New Orleans to Salt Lake City in 1979, Roberts is the longest-serving announcer in the NBA. His distinctive voice has been a staple for Jazz fans for 45 years.
After 45 seasons, more than 2,135 games and more iconic calls than we could count, next season will be the final one for the longest-tenured PA announcer in the NBA.
Thank you, Dan Roberts. We can’t wait to celebrate you this year 🎤💜 pic.twitter.com/zXk4Rj4fhx
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) September 13, 2024
Roberts’ journey in Utah began long before his time with the Jazz. His family moved to Salt Lake City from Ely, Nevada, in the early 1950s, where his father joined the Veterans Hospital. After graduating from Skyline High School, Roberts began his broadcasting career as a radio DJ. He later became the announcer for the Utah Stars of the ABA in 1971 before the team folded in 1976.
Following a stint announcing for the University of Utah, Roberts was hired by the Jazz when they relocated to Salt Lake City. He quickly became a fixture at Jazz games, guiding fans through both the highs and lows of the team’s journey, including financial struggles in the early 1980s and their rise to prominence with stars like John Stockton and Karl Malone.
One of the highlights of Roberts’ career was calling the 1993 NBA All-Star Game, where Stockton and Malone shared MVP honors. He also had the opportunity to announce the 2023 All-Star Game, marking a career spanning five decades of basketball history.
Throughout his career, Roberts has interacted with countless NBA legends, including LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant. One memorable moment for Roberts was receiving a fist bump from Bryant during his final game in Salt Lake City, a gesture that deeply touched the veteran announcer.
Have you heard?! Dan Roberts is now in @NBA2K!
Hear about Dan's time on the mic + how it feels to be in a video game 🎮 pic.twitter.com/8eTZycLAKs
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) September 1, 2021
As Roberts prepares for his final season, he will continue his work as a designer at Dan Roberts Kitchen and Bath. After stepping down from his Jazz duties, Roberts will help the organization find his successor. His final regular-season game will be on April 13, 2025, when the Jazz take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Reflecting on his time with the Jazz, Roberts is ready for the next chapter, saying, “I’ll get off the train when it stops and get on another train when it comes by.”
