By Matt Mueller Culture Editor Published Sep 15, 2021 at 4:06 PM

The Milwaukee Bucks are a part of history once again – and the team hasn't even taken the court yet this season. 

The Bucks announced today that Lisa Byington will serve as the team's new television play-by-play announcer on Bally Sports Wisconsin, becoming the first woman to hold that position full-time for a major men's professional sports team. Byington takes over the position previously held by Jim Paschke, who retired this past season after 35 years as the TV voice of the Milwaukee Bucks. 

“I’m absolutely thrilled for this opportunity, and the ability to work with a first-class franchise and a championship organization like the Milwaukee Bucks,” said Byington, in a release. “My sincerest appreciation and thanks go out to so many, but, in particular, Bucks President Peter Feigin and Bally Sports Wisconsin Executive Producer Tony Tortorici for making this such a smooth process from start to finish.

"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. 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.

“Finally, I understand the groundbreaking nature of this hire, and I appreciate the fact that during this process that aspect was addressed, but never made a primary focus. In fact, I applaud the Bucks for taking the first steps toward making hires like this more of the norm in the NBA. Because it’s time.”

Byington – a native of Portage, Michigan as well as a multi-sport athlete (basketball and soccer) at Northwestern University – is no stranger to firsts throughout her sports broadcasting career. Earlier this year, she became the first female play-by-play announcer to work the NCAA men's basketball tournament as the voice for several first round games. She was also the first woman to serve as the play-by-play announcer for a college football game on the Big Ten Network.

Over her career, she's additionally worked as the play-by-play announcer for soccer games during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the 2019 women's World Cup, NBA games and WNBA games, as well as served as a sideline reporter for the NCAA men's basketball tournament from 2017-19. 

“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,” said Bucks and Fiserv Forum President Peter Feigin, in a release. “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.”

Welcome to Milwaukee, Lisa Byington – and here's to you having lots of exciting Bucks games to call this championship-defending season and beyond!

Matt Mueller Culture Editor

As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.

When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.