Blazers play-by-play man Kevin Calabro leaving after rejecting ‘subprime’ contract offer

The Trail Blazers’ broadcast overhaul has now claimed one of the franchise’s most recognizable voices.

Veteran play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro has decided to leave the organization after contract talks with the team failed to produce an agreement, according to Joe Freeman of The Oregonian.

Calabro told Freeman the offers he received from the Blazers were “subprime,” prompting him to move on rather than return for another season.

“I feel great about it,” Calabro said. “I was grateful to have one of 30 jobs in the league and work so close to my home in Seattle.

“I’ll always be a part of Blazers history. I made some great memories and some great friends.”

Calabro also made it clear he isn’t retiring. Instead, he said he already has conversations scheduled with other NBA teams next week and remains open to freelancing or calling college basketball if the right opportunity presents itself.

“I’m not thinking about retirement,” Calabro said. “I’m thinking: ‘What’s the next project?'”

The development comes shortly after the Blazers confirmed significant changes are coming to their broadcast operation.

In a statement, the team said it is “making changes for the upcoming season as we continue to evolve with the changes in the broadcast industry and look to become more efficient in our business operations.”

Portland also confirmed it will continue offering a dedicated radio broadcast during the 2026-27 season rather than simulcasting the television feed, though additional broadcast plans are still being finalized.

Calabro’s departure follows a series of recent changes to the Blazers’ media operation under owner Tom Dundon, whose business-first approach has already reshaped the organization’s broadcasting department.

Whether those moves ultimately modernize the operation or alienate longtime fans remains to be seen.

One thing is already clear: The voice of the Blazers won’t sound the same next season.