Kevin Calabro becomes voice of the Sounders

Kevin Calabro, the voice of the Sonics for 21 seasons, will become the voice of Seattle Sounders FC broadcasts as the team debuts in Major League Soccer next season.

The team and BELO also reached a multiyear television partnership to broadcast Sounders games on KONG (6 and 16) and King (5).

"The incredible support from the community in welcoming Major League Soccer in Seattle is proof that this will become the most successful launch for MLS," said Ray Heacox, BELO president and general manager. "We look forward to many winning years together."

Every home and away Sounders FC match will be broadcast live on either KING or KONG, except those broadcast nationally. Each broadcast will feature an exclusive pregame show and a postgame wrap-up.

During his career, Calabro, besides his Sonics duties, has been a play-by-play contributor for TNT, TBS and ESPN Radio broadcasts of the NBA. During the summer of 2000, he was selected by The Westwood One Radio Network to be the voice of the United States Men's 2000 Olympic basketball team. He was named "Sportscaster of the Year" for the state of Washington in 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association of America.

"I'm thrilled to be part of Sounders FC soccer in a city that I know will embrace it," said Calabro. "Seattle is blessed to have devoted ownership as well and I know people will be excited about the possibilities."