The Portland Trail Blazers have released several prominent members of their broadcast operation, including television analyst Michael Holton, on-air hosts Neil Everett and Jamie Hudson, and team statistician Tom Haberstroh. Forbes first reported the layoffs, noting that deep salary reductions are expected for remaining positions and that the television production crew has also been downsized.
The cuts mark the latest cost-saving move under new owner Tom Dundon, who employed similar measures after acquiring the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. In Portland, however, the club says it will keep separate radio play-by-play broadcasts for the 2026-27 season rather than simulcasting television audio.
Radio voice Travis Demers is not being retained after his contract expired, though a smaller role remains possible, according to The Athletic. Television play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro also will not return; he told The Oregonian he rejected what he called a “subprime” contract offer and will pursue other opportunities.
“We are deeply grateful to all the hard-working individuals who have contributed to our award-winning broadcasts over the years,” a team spokesperson said in a statement, adding that changes are part of an effort to “become more efficient” amid industry shifts.
Arena Renovation Funding at Risk
While restructuring its media department, the franchise remains locked in high-stakes negotiations over $120 million in city funding for planned renovations to Moda Center. A senior Blazers official told The Oregonian the club would consider relocating “if the city of Portland doesn’t want us,” though relocation is not the organization’s preference. Any move would trigger a significant NBA penalty, but the official suggested the cost could be offset if the team’s valuation rose.
The Portland City Council is scheduled to vote on August 12 on a 20-year term sheet that includes the requested city contribution. Failure to approve the deal could imperil an additional $365 million in state funding that expires in December and is contingent on matching city and county support.
Further complicating matters, two Multnomah County commissioners are seeking adjustments to the county’s previously pledged $88 million. Meanwhile, league sources cited by reporter Yaron Weitzman remain skeptical that the NBA would endorse a relocation, emphasizing the league’s preference to expand—rather than move existing teams—to Seattle and Las Vegas.
Source: Hoops Rumors
