Kroenke Sports and Entertainment is overhauling its Nuggets broadcast team. Play-by-play voice Chris Marlowe, color analyst Scott Hastings, and reporter Chris Dempsey are all out, according to several reports.
What We Know: Marlowe spent 22 years calling Nuggets games after Altitude launched in 2004. He was named Colorado Sportscaster of the Year in 2023. Hastings joined Denver broadcasts in 1993 following an 11-year NBA playing career, including two final seasons with the Nuggets. Dempsey, a Boulder native and former Denver Post reporter, also served as a studio analyst for the network.
What They Said: KSE Media Ventures president Steve Smith (via The Denver Post): ““For more than a decade, Chris Marlowe, Scott Hastings and Chris Dempsey have been synonymous with Nuggets basketball, bringing energy, insight and a genuine love of the game to every broadcast. They have been part of many of the most memorable moments in franchise history, including the 2023 championship run, and have helped shape how generations of fans experience Nuggets basketball. Each has been an outstanding ambassador for our organization, leaving a lasting impact on our company, our fans, and the broader Nuggets community.”
Chris Marlowe (via X): “Hey Nuggets Nation! All good things must come to an end… I wanted to let you know personally that I will not be returning as the play-by-play announcer for the Denver Nuggets next season. Altitude Sports is moving in a different direction and decided not to renew my contract. It has been a wonderful 22 year run. I want to thank everyone who was there along the way, especially the fans. I’m not retiring and this is not goodbye— it’s just so long for now.”
What Remains Unclear: No replacements have been announced yet. Additionally, it’s unknown whether any of the talents released will land elsewhere in sports media.
What It Means: This is a significant reset for a broadcast team that covered Denver’s recent 2023 championship. However, Katy Winge and Vic Lombardi are staying, providing some continuity. Hastings will also continue co-hosting on Altitude Radio. Still, fans should expect a noticeably different look and sound next season.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
