Phoenix Suns play-by-play announcer Al McCoy died Saturday at the age of 91. No cause of death was disclosed. McCoy served as the longest-tenured team broadcaster in NBA history.
Dubbed the “dean of NBA broadcasters,” he served in his role for 51 years, creating memorable catchphrases, including “Shazam!” and “Heartbreak Hotel.”
His work led to his induction in the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2004 and into the Suns Ring of Honor in 2017. He also earned the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007.
Several figures paid tribute to Al McCoy — including current and former Suns players Devin Booker, Steve Nash and Charles Barkley.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement recognizing McCoy as a “master of his craft” who “entertained generations of fans with his distinct delivery and unbridled love for the game.”
McCoy called his first game on his Sept. 27, 1972 and his last on May 11, 2023. His tenure included Phoenix's NBA Finals appearances in 1976, 1993 and 2021.
“This is a sad day for the Suns and the Suns family," former Suns star Charles Barkley said in a statement. "Al McCoy represented everything that is great about Phoenix, the Phoenix Suns and people who love basketball. I was blessed and honored to work with Al and I’m gonna miss him.”
We mourn Al McCoy, the legendary “Voice of the @Suns” who captured the hearts of fans for over 50 years. Mr. McCoy’s passing leaves the sports world feeling like a basketball court without a hoop—recognizable yet fundamentally incomplete. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.
— Arizona Secretary of State (@AZSecretary) September 21, 2024
McCoy was born in 1933 in Williams, Iowa, and got his first radio job in 1951 in Webster City, Iowa, when he was a freshman at Drake. He moved to Arizona in 1956 as the play-by-play announced for the Triple-A Phoenix Giants baseball team.
“I had the privilege of Al McCoy narrating the first eight years of my career," Suns star Devin Booker said. "He was inducted into the Ring of Honor my second season, and it was then I really understood what a special talent he was. And over the course of my career, I’ve learned what an even more special person he was.
"We will miss Al, and I am so glad our legacies in Phoenix are forever connected.”
McCoy is survived by his three sons and their families.
“Heartbreak Hotel.” RIP to the greatest basketball announcer of all time. Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s in Phoenix, Al McCoy’s radio play-by-play made me fall in the love with the @suns and the game of basketball. The Stanton family has many fond memories of listening to Al. https://t.co/kPJYFZ4u73
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) September 21, 2024
