SAN ANTONIO — The voice of the San Antonio Spurs for over two decades, Bill Land, announced that he was retiring from the broadcast booth.
What You Need To Know
Land has been the lead play-by-play announcer for the Spurs for 21 seasons and been in the broadcast industry for five decades
In a news release, the Spurs announced Land’s retirement, which comes after he announced he was battling a form of blood cancer in 2023 and underwent a stem cell transplant in June
The Spurs posted a tribute to Land after the announcement and asked fans to comment with their favorite moments from the longtime announcers tenure
Land will be honored at the Spurs home opener against the Houston Rockets
Land has been the lead play-by-play announcer for the Spurs for 21 seasons and has been in the broadcast industry for five decades.
In a news release, the Spurs announced Land’s retirement, which comes after he announced he was battling a form of blood cancer in 2023 and underwent a stem cell transplant in June. He was missing from some Spurs games last season, but Dan Weiss filled in for him with Sean Elliott.
“I feel truly blessed to have had a dream job with the best production crew in the league & the best analyst in the NBA, Sean Elliott,” Land said in the release.
Elliot has been announcing with Land for 21 years and posted a thoughtful message on X, formerly Twitter, about their time together.
“I’m saddened I won’t get to work with you anymore Bill Land, but I’m happy knowing you will have a lot more time with your family. For the last 21 years, I’ve had the honor and pleasure of sitting next to the absolute best play by play announcer on flights and in the broadcast booth, and I’ve learned, laughed and enjoyed every moment,” the post said. “You epitomize humility and class, and you are a true gentlemen. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”
Bill Land
A bittersweet day for Spurs fans, the organization, and my production crew. Personally, I’m saddened I won’t get to work with you anymore @BillLand, but I’m happy knowing you will have a lot more time with your family. For the last 21 years, I’ve had the honor and… pic.twitter.com/bFPoql2OfD
— Sean Elliott (@seanelliott_32) August 21, 2024
Land responded to Elliot’s post, saying, “Sean, you are the absolute best!”
“You are like a brother. I appreciate so much about you. You are a great analyst, but also so supportive of me and the crew and always thinking of others before yourself,” Land said. “I’ll miss you, but will be watching because YOU are the STAR of the show!”
Weiss also posted a message on X reflecting on Land’s career.
“50 years in broadcasting is hall of fame level stuff! I’ve appreciated our chats for the last 15 years,” Weiss said. “He leaves a legacy of being the voice of the most successful franchise in sports for the past 2 decades.”
Congrats to my friend @BillLand on his retirement and a heck of a run! 50 years in broadcasting is hall of fame level stuff! I’ve appreciated our chats for the last 15 years. He leaves a legacy of being the voice of the most successful franchise in sports for the past 2 decades. pic.twitter.com/7N11FutIj5
— Dan Weiss (@DanWeissPBP) August 21, 2024
The Spurs posted a tribute to Land after the announcement and asked fans to comment with their favorite moments from the longtime announcers tenure.
A lot of people mentioned Land’s famous catchphrase “Oh Mama,” which was later turned into “Oh Mama, Wembanyama” when the French rookie Victor Wembayama joined the Spurs last year after being drafted as the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Land started his career in 1974 in La Crosse, Wis., and joined the Spurs broadcast team in 1990 as a fill-in announcer. He got a promotion in 2003 before becoming the lead play-by-play announcer in 2008.
“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,” Land said in the release.
Land will be honored at the Spurs home opener against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, Oct. 26.