Miami Heat Hired Gale Nelson as Announcer
Gale Nelson will succeed long-time public address announcer Michael Baiamonte for the upcoming NBA season.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
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The Miami Heat have selected Gale Nelson to serve as the team's new public address announcer following a competitive audition process. Nelson, the president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, takes over for Michael Baiamonte, who retired after 35 seasons.
Why it matters
The hire marks a transition for the Heat, as the team sought a distinctive new voice to carry on the traditions established during Baiamonte's decades-long tenure. Nelson will balance his new role with his ongoing leadership of the local non-profit organization.
Michael Baiamonte served as the voice of the Heat for 35 seasons, announcing three NBA championship years. Incoming announcer Gale Nelson is 57 years old and has been a Miami resident for 33 years.
The players
Gale Nelson
He is the president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami and the new public address announcer for the Miami Heat.
Michael Baiamonte
He served as the iconic public address announcer for the Miami Heat for 35 seasons before retiring.
The details
Gale Nelson secured the position after a series of competitive auditions and will continue leading Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, a role he has held since 2018. He intends to maintain the signature 'Dos minutos' announcement call popularized by his predecessor.
Timeline
2018 marks the year Gale Nelson began leading Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami.
September 2026 was when the Miami Heat officially announced the hiring of Gale Nelson.
October 8, 2026 is the date of the team's first home preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Market Landscape
The hiring of a new public address announcer following a multi-decade tenure represents a significant cultural transition for a professional sports franchise. This shift positions the Heat to preserve legacy traditions while introducing a fresh brand identity to its game-day experience.
Fans attending games at the Kaseya Center will experience a new voice during in-game announcements starting with the upcoming preseason home game. Those following the team will note the continuation of the 'Dos minutos' call, maintaining a familiar link to previous seasons.
The takeaway
Selecting a long-time local leader like Nelson signals the Heat's commitment to maintaining a strong connection with the Miami community. His debut at the intrasquad scrimmage will offer the first look at how the organization blends long-standing traditions with a new personality.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership changes in our People section.
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Should local sports teams prioritize community figures for public address announcer positions?
