David Steele, the legendary play-by-play voice who has anchored Orlando Magic broadcasts since the franchise’s inaugural 1989 season, has officially announced his retirement.
With Steele’s departure, the Magic have named long-time broadcast fixture Dante Marchitelli as the team’s new television play-by-play announcer.
Steele’s history with the Magic predates the team’s actual on-court debut. He interviewed for the position in 1988 before serving as the radio play-by-play voice for the team’s first nine seasons (1989-98).
Then, in March of 1998, Steele transitioned to television, where he spent the next 28 seasons calling games.
“I can’t thank the DeVos family and the Orlando Magic organization enough for what they have provided to me and my family,” said Steele in a statement. “Now it is time for me to put the microphone down and spend time with my family. It’s been an honor to represent the Orlando Magic and I am forever grateful.”
Throughout his nearly four-decade broadcasting career with the team, Steele became synonymous with Magic basketball. He popularized catchphrases and segments like “Is This Anything?” and was inducted as the eighth member of the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame in 2019.
“You can’t have a memory of Orlando Magic basketball without David Steele’s voice being a part of it,” stated Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos. “David handled everything with professionalism and class, and he will forever be entrenched in this franchise’s history. ‘Is This Anything?’ We’d say David was EVERYTHING to the Orlando Magic.”
Marchitelli, who now steps into the play-by-play role, is a highly familiar face to Magic fans. Entering his 28th season with the organization, Marchitelli began his career as a radio intern in 1998 before working his way up through behind-the-scenes radio production.
In 2008, Marchitelli became the Magic’s television studio host and sideline reporter. Over the last three seasons, he has also filled in on play-by-play duties for select games.
“Working with David Steele for the past 20 years has been the highlight of my career,” said Marchitelli. “He is an absolute legend and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has taught me along the way. This is a dream come true and I’m looking forward to continuing my connection with Orlando Magic fans everywhere.”
The Orlando Magic stated that further broadcast plans and pairings for the upcoming 2026-27 season will be announced in the near future.
