‘Phoenix Suns to Pay Tribute to Al McCoy with 'Al' on Jerseys in 2024-25 Season’

The Phoenix Suns will honor the memory of Ring of Honor member and iconic radio play-by-play announcer Al McCoy by wearing a special jersey band throughout the entirety of the 2024-25 season. McCoy, who passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on September 21, will be forever remembered for his contributions to the team and the sport of basketball.

“Al McCoy’s voice represented the best of the Phoenix Suns organization for over five decades,” said Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. “The impact he had on this organization, this city, and our fans cannot be understated. This jersey band will be a reminder of Al’s enduring legacy every time we take the court.”

Phoenix’s jerseys throughout the season will feature a black band along the left shoulder of the jersey with “AL” in white writing.

The longest-tenured team broadcaster in NBA history, McCoy was widely known as the “dean of NBA broadcasters” for his years of service and unique broadcasting style. He served 51 seasons as “The Voice of the Suns,” calling his first game on September 27, 1972, and his last on May 11, 2023. McCoy’s distinctive voice, vivid descriptions and deep knowledge of the game created a unique style that remained a staple for more than five decades.

His many contributions to basketball and sports broadcasting were recognized when he received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. The first play-by-play announcer inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2004 and a 2009 inductee into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, McCoy earned the team’s highest honor when he became the 15th person inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor in 2017.