Jon Bloom has been named the new radio play-by-play announcer for the Phoenix Suns, ushering in a new era of broadcasts on the air. Bloom is a graduate of Syracuse University where he served as the sports director at WAER-FM. Over the years, he has called play-by-play for several colleges, including Oakland University and Wayne State University, and also worked with the Arizona Cardinals in the same role during preseason games. Bloom has also hosted sports talk radio shows over the years, providing him vast experience in informing and entertaining an on-air audience.
Bloom described the job as the realization of a childhood dream, especially since he has been a Suns fan since the age of 13. Throughout his time working in sports media, he has persevered through difficult circumstances, first moving to the area 20 years ago for his wife’s job. In the end, Bloom always knew that calling Suns games was his ideal landing spot and the place that would engender success.
“I can’t be more thrilled to be able to be in this seat,” Bloom said during an appearance on Arizona Sports 98.7. “….This is about to be a very exciting year for the Bloom family, and I’m just thrilled to be here and share this excitement with you guys.”
Al McCoy, who called Suns games for 51 seasons, retired from the role at the conclusion of the 2022-23 National Basketball Association season as the longest-tenured broadcaster in league history. Throughout the transition, he has provided insight and advice to Bloom, assistance that he is grateful to have received.
“Thanks to Al McCoy, the Hall of Famer in every sense of those words,” Bloom said. “The legend for teaching everything that he taught to me, [and] more than anything, being a great human being and knowing that’s the most important thing.”
Bloom will be joined by radio analyst Tim Kempton, who is entering his 22nd year in the role for the team. He has previous experience working with him as the backup play-by-play voice of the Suns since 2008 and has listened to the broadcasts with McCoy and Kempton various times over the years. As they work to foster chemistry and synergy with one another on the air, Bloom believes that his genuine enthusiasm and affection for the team will shine through on a nightly basis and help make the broadcast a compelling listen for Suns fans.
“My passion, I think, and the fact that I knew if I could share my passion and what I’ve trained to do this whole time – which is really what I love to do and paint that picture for people who don’t have the picture,” Bloom said. “The radio play-by-play, specifically, is what I love to do.”
The Phoenix Suns will continue to utilize Arizona Sports 98.7 as its flagship station, with games also airing on the Arizona Sports app, ESPN 620 AM and ArizonaSports.com. Fans will also be able to watch the Suns on broadcast television on Arizona’s Family TV and the Arizona’s Family Sports Network, both of which are owned by Gray Television. The deal was hastened because of the ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group, leading Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia to expedite an egress from the arrangement.
Phoenix tips off the 2023-24 preseason campaign on Oct. 8 against the Detroit Pistons in a preseason matchup starting at 3 p.m. EST/12 p.m. PST. Regular-season play commences on Oct. 24 when Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and the Suns visit San Francisco, Calif. to face off against the rival Golden State Warriors, featuring former Phoenix guard Chris Paul, at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST.
