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.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Mercury, Valley Suns voice Braiden Bell leaving for NBA job
