The Milwaukee Bucks have hired the first female television announcer to cover play-by-play duties for a men’s professional sports franchise.
The Bucks hired Lisa Byington who will replace longtime Bucks announcer Jim Pashcke after he retired following the 2020-21 season. Paschke had been the Bucks’ play-by-play announcer for the past 35 years.
Byington said she was “thrilled” at the opportunity to work with the Bucks, according to the the Associated Press.
"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," Byington said. "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."
Byington has previously covered the Women’s World Cup on Fox in 2019, she was also the first woman to call NCAA men’s basketball tournament games in March, and from 2017 to 2019, she works as a sideline reporter for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
In a statement the Bucks said they were excited to welcome Byington to the team.
"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," Feigin said in a statement. "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."
