Braiden Bell, the play-by-play voice of the Phoenix Mercury and Valley Suns, is headed for a new opportunity.
Bell was named as the new television play-by-play voice of the Portland Trail Blazers Thursday, Oct. 1, ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
Bell will work alongside color commentator Lamar Hurd and courtside reporter Brooke Olzendam in a new-look broadcast that will continue to air on the Rip City Television Network.
Rip City - Wow, it’s going to be an awesome ride! It’s hard to describe the honor I’m feeling. I can’t wait to settle into this community & fanbase.
— Braiden Bell (@braidenbellpxp) October 1, 2026
My goal is to make you proud every game and honor the incredible history & tradition of Blazers play-by-play. Talk to you soon! https://t.co/Q1ObcmzU6z
In 2024, he was the first play-by-play
voice of the Valley Suns and called games for ASU on ESPN+ and Big 12 Now. Bell, an ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication graduate joined the Mercury's broadcast in 2025, splitting play-by-play duties with Ann Schatz.
Bell wrote on his X account, "Wow, it’s going to be an awesome ride! It’s hard to describe the honor I’m feeling. I can’t wait to settle into this community (and) fanbase. My goal is to make you proud every game and honor the incredible history (and) tradition of Blazers play-by-play. Talk to you soon!"
Reach the reporter or send tips for stories at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com, as well as @jennarortiz on X.
Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Mercury, Valley Suns voice Braiden Bell leaving for NBA job
