SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs have announced that Bill Land, the award-winning longtime voice for the Spurs television broadcast, announced his retirement ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Land lead play-by-play announcer for the Spurs for over two decades alongside Sean Elliott, Land’s successful 50-year career has left an enduring impact on the franchise and its fans.
Land’s retirement follows the announcement of his diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, in 2023.
Land was named the lead play-by-play announcer in 2008, a position he held until the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
During his time with the team, Land's iconic voice and trademark “OH MAMA!” calls accompanied fans through countless memorable moments and left a lasting imprint on the teams.
“I am grateful and appreciative for the support from the entire Spurs organization as well as FOX Sports/Bally Sports,” said Land. “I feel truly blessed to have had a dream job with the best production crew in the league and the best analyst in the NBA, Sean Elliott. As I move into the fourth quarter of my life, I want to thank everyone, especially Spurs fans, for their incredible support over the years and particularly this past year as I have battled cancer.”
“Bill has been a core member of the Spurs family, not only for us but for the fans who listen to him each season,” said Mike Kickirillo, Senior Director of Broadcasting for Spurs Sports & Entertainment. “The pure joy and passion he brings to our games personalizes the experience for all fans listening, and his iconic voice and character have cemented him in history among our beloved Spurs legends. We’ll be forever grateful to him for bringing over 20 years of dedication to our team and fans, and will miss his voice dearly.”
Information about the 2024-25 Spurs broadcast team will be shared at a later date the team announced and plan to honor Bill at their home opener against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, Oct. 26, according to the Spurs.
FAN REACT TO LAND'S RETIREMENT
When news of Land's retirement reached Spurs fans, it impacted many who watched him on T.V. calling Spurs fans.
Here's a sample of Spurs fans' reactions and outpouring of good wishes for the team's former broadcaster.