Marv Albert, the legendary sports broadcaster currently calling NBA games on TNT, will retire after this year’s NBA Playoffs, a person familiar with the situation told TheWrap.
The individual added that TNT and Albert, who turns 80 next month, will formally announce his retirement plans early next week.
Albert has been known for decades as the “voice of the New York Knicks” — and, more recently, as “the voice of basketball” — for his long-running tenure as the lead announcer with TNT and for his signature “Yes!” call during games.
Albert spent four decades calling games for the Knicks over two separate runs, and he’s worked for NBC Sports, TNT, YES for the New Jersey Nets and has called sports outside of basketball, including Wimbledon, Monday Night Football, New York Rangers games and as a reporter for two World Series.
It’s unclear who will be Albert’s partner for his final games on TNT during the NBA playoffs; his last game is expected to be a call for the Eastern Conference Finals.
TNT announcer Chris Webber recently exited the network ahead of the NBA playoffs, but the New York Post adds that Webber’s departure and Albert’s retirement are unrelated.
The New York Post first reported the news of Albert’s retirement.