Sports

Michael Baiamonte, the Miami HEAT in-arena voice set to retire

Published

2 months ago

October 25, 2025

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Michael Baiamonte, the Miami HEAT in-arena voice and the second longest tenured public address announcer in the NBA, is set to retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. Baiamonte has announced more than 1,500 professional basketball games including six NBA Finals. His warm and resonant baritone has electrified generations of HEAT fans and is one of the premier and most recognizable voices in the South Florida sports and entertainment market.

Whether elongating the words during decisive parts of the game with “STANNNNDDD UP AND MAKE SOME NOOOOIIISSSEEEE” or flexing his Spanish with the familiar “DOS MINUTOSSSSS” at the two-minute mark of every quarter, the creativity and style of Baiamonte’s signature calls have evolved into indelible touchpoints of Miami culture.

“In addition to the incredible level of energy and enthusiasm he has brought to each Miami HEAT game, for more than three decades Michael B’s professionalism and affable personality have endeared him to all of us in the front office and to HEAT fans everywhere,” said Michael McCullough, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer of The HEAT Group. “His voice will forever be a part of our franchise history.”

As a highly sought after emcee, Baiamonte has hosted a variety of events for corporations of all sizes, including award ceremonies, conferences and special events across a range of industries including sports, entertainment, hospitality, retail, academia, and politics.

“After giving this much thought and consideration, I have decided that this season, my 35^th with the Miami HEAT organization, will be my last,” said Baiamonte. “I want to thank the Miami HEAT for their understanding and support of my decision as I move to the next chapter of my life with my wife Natalie and our daughters. I also want to say THANK YOU to all of HEAT Nation. For all of the love you have shown me, I am forever grateful. During my final season, let’s continue to make some more noise, share some more laughs, and, as always, give all our collective support to our Miami HEAT. LET’S GO HEAT!”

Baiamonte’s first HEAT game dates back to the team’s second season at the old Miami Arena, when he stepped in as the backup announcer on February 21, 1990. In 1991-92, he was hired full time. In 2019, he was tapped to call the NBA All-Star Weekend’s activities in Charlotte, North Carolina. His voice also appears in the NBA 2K’s Take-Two Interactive game. Other seminal experiences during Baiamonte’s career have included:

Hosting the 2006 NBA Finals Game 6 Road Rally at Kaseya Center when the HEAT defeated the Dallas Mavericks to win their first NBA Championship.
Announcing Ray Allen’s 3-pointer with seconds left in regulation of Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals to send the game into overtime.
Announcing Shaquille O’Neal’s arrival to Miami as he exited an 18-wheeler truck with a squirt gun spraying the crowd in front of Kaseya Center.
Hosting the Welcome Event in July 2010 as the HEAT ushered in the Big 3 era.
Announcing the starting lineup introductions of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade’s first home game.
Hosting three NBA Championship Celebrations following the championship parades in 2006, 2012 and 2013.

Beginning with tomorrow’s home opener, the HEAT will celebrate 35 Seasons of Michael Baiamonte through a season long campaign, Mike Drop. A nationwide search for his replacement will commence in the coming weeks.

Autos

Magnus Racing Adds Madison Snow to 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona Lineup

Published

2 days ago

December 9, 2025

FNN SPORTS

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Magnus Racing will return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GTD class for the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona, bolstering its lineup with Utah native and endurance standout Madison Snow. The announcement comes just six weeks before the iconic 24-hour race.

Team owner and driver John Potter said adding Snow brings the team’s Utah roots full circle.

“We’re excited to add Madison Snow to our lineup for 2026,” Potter said. “With a family history well established just miles from me in Utah, it will be something special to finally compete together rather than against each other.”

Snow Brings Championship Pedigree and Endurance Wins

Snow joins the Utah-based team as a seasoned IMSA competitor with seven series championships and 15 wins. His résumé includes victories at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, and Petit Le Mans — making him a valuable addition to Magnus Racing’s endurance program.

He will team up with Potter, Spencer Pumpelly and Aston Martin factory driver Nicki Thiim in the No. 44 Aston Martin Vantage GT3. Collectively, the lineup boasts 5.5 Rolex 24 victories as well as wins at Sebring, Petit Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Spa and other marquee endurance events.

“Even though I’ve competed against Magnus Racing for my entire career, this feels like a group I’ve known forever,” Snow said. “They’re incredibly experienced, and joining John, Spencer, and Nicki is a fantastic opportunity.”

Pumpelly and Thiim Return Amid Strong 2026 GTD Field

Veteran Spencer Pumpelly, who has captured 2.5 Rolex 24 wins, returns for another attempt at Daytona glory. Thiim, despite multiple 24-hour victories worldwide, is still seeking his first Rolex 24 triumph.

“This year’s GTD field is as strong as it’s ever been,” Pumpelly said. “The last two years have brought us bad luck with incidents outside our control. We’re hoping 2026 is different.”

Magnus Racing suffered setbacks in 2024 and 2025 — first in a multi-car crash, then with an engine failure — after earning runner-up finishes in both 2022 and 2023.

Team Eyes Daytona and Beyond for 2026

Magnus Racing plans to compete in a limited endurance schedule in 2026, with additional events to be determined. The team is also exploring new partnership opportunities for both sprint and endurance rounds.

Practice for the Rolex 24 at Daytona begins Thursday, Jan. 22. The 24-hour race runs Jan. 24–25.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Beat Colts for Eleventh Straight Time in Jacksonville

Published

4 days ago

December 7, 2025

Mike Brodsky

Jaguars Beat Colts 36-19

‌JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) beat the Indianapolis Colts (8-5) 36-19 at EverBank Stadium today. The weather was cloudy and overcast with intermittent rain all afternoon. Today’s victory was also Jacksonville’s 11th straight home victory against Indianapolis.

Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. was the first to score with a 3 yard touchdown run, on a scoring drive which started with LB Devin Lloyd’s interception of a Colts QB Daniel Jones pass. After K Cam Little’s extra point, the Jaguars were up 7-0. The Colts responded with a drive which ended with a 1 yard RB Jonathan Taylor TD run, followed by K Blake Grupe’s XP to tie the score. The Jags followed up with a drive that culminated in a 14 yard WR Jakobi Meyers touchdown pass from QB Trevor Lawrence, and Little added the XP. Just before the end of the first quarter, Daniel Jones limped off the field with an Achilles injury after slipping on the wet turf, and was replaced with rookie QB Riley Leonard. The score remained 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Jaguars CB Jarrian Jones recovered a Jonathan Taylor fumble, and on the next play, Travis Etienne ran for a 28 yard touchdown, followed by Little’s XP. The Colts later added a 28 yard field goal by Blake Grupe, to narrow their deficit to 21-10. The Jags added a score late in the quarter as Trevor Lawrence found Tim Patrick in the end zone for an 8 yard touchdown pass, followed by Little’s XP. The Jaguars led 28-10 at halftime.

The Colts first drive of the third quarter ended with a 36 yard Blake Grupe field goal. The quarter ended with the Jaguars ahead 28-13.

Early in the fourth, Cam Little kicked a 35 yard field goal. The Jaguars later added a safety when DE Josh Hines-Allen sacked Riley Leonard in the end zone. Just a few plays later, Cam Little kicked a 48 yard field goal, to extend the Jags’ lead to 36-13. A Colts touchdown pass by Riley Leonard to WR Alec Pierce just before the two minute warning was overturned by officials, but Leonard later ran 6 yards up the middle for a touchdown, before missing the two-point conversion attempt. The final score was 36-19.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 244 passing yards and 2 TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 74 yards and 2 TDs. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with 87 yards. Today’s attendance was 60,067.

During today’s game, Foye Oluokun reached 100 total tackles for his sixth consecutive season. He is one of six active players with 100+ tackles every season from 2020-24.

Foye Oluokun reached 100 total tackles for his sixth consecutive season. (Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

The Jaguars face the New York Jets next week at EverBank Stadium on Dec. 14. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The Jaguars have two games on the road against the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts (again), before returning home for the final game of the season against the Tennessee Titans. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Florida

Magic Stun Heat 106–105 as Franz Wagner Drops 32 at the Kia Center

Published

5 days ago

December 6, 2025

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic delivered a dramatic finish at the Kia Center on Friday night, edging the Miami Heat 106–105 in a nail-biting showdown sealed only after Bam Adebayo’s jumper at the buzzer bounced off the rim.

Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat, Kia Center. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Franz Wagner led the charge with a game-high 32 points, attacking the rim relentlessly and providing the offensive spark Orlando needed in the final minutes. Jalen Suggs added 22 points, including a critical late-game layup that gave the Magic a five-point cushion with just over a minute remaining.

The victory marks Orlando’s seventh win in its last nine outings, continuing a strong stretch as the team gains momentum heading into the NBA Cup quarterfinals.

Banchero Returns, Provides Boost

Paolo Banchero made his long-awaited return after missing 10 games with a strained left groin. Though limited to 20 minutes, he contributed nine points and six rebounds, giving the Magic additional inside presence and energy.

Desmond Bane struggled from the field, finishing with five points on 2-for-16 shooting, but Orlando’s defensive effort helped compensate for the off night.

Heat Rally Too Late

Miami nearly stole the game in the final seconds behind Norman Powell’s 28 points, including two late layups that brought the Heat within one. Adebayo added a strong double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds, but his potential game-winner fell short.

The Heat played without Tyler Herro, who suffered a right big toe injury earlier in the week. Miami has now lost three of its last four following a previous six-game winning streak.

Rematch on the Horizon

The Magic and Heat will meet again Tuesday night at the Kia Center in an NBA Cup quarterfinal showdown. With emotions high and both teams showing playoff-level intensity, another thriller may be on deck.

Up Next:
Heat: Host Sacramento on Saturday night.
Magic: Travel to New York to face the Knicks on Sunday.

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