The Milwaukee Bucks are following up a world championship by making a little history. The team has hired Lisa Byington as it’s new TV play-by-play broadcaster on Bally Sports Wisconsin. Byington becomes the first woman to serve as the full-time voice of a men’s team in a major professional league.
“I’m absolutely thrilled for this opportunity, and the ability to work with a first-class franchise and a championship organization like the Milwaukee Bucks,” Byington said in a press release. “My sincerest appreciation and thanks go out to so many, but, in particular, Bucks President Peter Feigin and Bally Sports Wisconsin Executive Producer Tony Tortorici for making this such a smooth process from start to finish. I know that I will be stepping into the role long-held by Jim Paschke, and I appreciate his passion for the team and the memorable moments his voice will always be a part of. I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge his work and commitment to the franchise, and it’s my honor to be the one who takes the baton from him. I’m particularly excited to work with such an amazing team of Marques Johnson, Zora Stephenson, Steve Novak and everyone involved with Bucks games at Bally Sports Wisconsin.”
It has already been a busy year for Lisa Byington. She worked for CBS and Turner calling games in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. She also recently returned from Tokyo, where she called men’s and women’s soccer games during the Olympics.
“We are so excited to welcome Lisa to the Bucks family and to bring such a talented play-by-play announcer to our broadcast team,” said Bucks and Fiserv Forum President Peter Feigin. “Lisa’s extensive television broadcasting background, including her play-by-play work for high-level NCAA basketball on several national networks, makes her the perfect choice to take on this major role. While we appreciate the significance of selecting Lisa, and we celebrate this historic moment, Lisa earned this position based on her extraordinary skills and experience. We look forward to Lisa becoming the voice of the Bucks.”
Lisa Byington acknowledged that there will be talk of history related to her hire. She said it was addressed with her, but never made the focus of any discussions with the team.
“I applaud the Bucks for taking the first steps toward making hires like this more of the norm in the NBA. Because it’s time,” she said.