Marv Albert

The voice of the New York Knicks for 37 years (1967–2004).

Marv Albert is an American former sportscaster honored by the Basketball Hall of Fame and widely known as "the voice of basketball." From 1967 to 2004, he served specifically as "the voice of the New York Knicks," a tenure lasting 37 years on radio and television. Born Marvin Philip Aufrichtig in Brooklyn on June 12, 1941, Albert worked his first Knicks game filling in for mentor Marty Glickman on January 27, 1963. He began as a ball boy before becoming the lead announcer, a role he held until being let go by James L. Dolan after criticizing the team's poor play in 2004.

Quick Facts

Birth name: Marvin Philip Aufrichtig
Born: 12 June 1942
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Years active: 1963–2021
Education: Syracuse University; New York University
Occupation: Sportscaster
Spouses: Benita Oberlander; Heather Faulkiner
Children: 4, including Kenny

Lore & Background

Albert's broadcasting career began when he filled in for Marty Glickman on WCBS Radio for a game against the Celtics at the Boston Garden. Beginning in 1967, he served as the primary voice of the Knicks until 2004, when James L. Dolan terminated his contract following Albert's on-air criticism of the team's performance and due to salary concerns. During this era, Albert also called national games for NBC from 1990 to 2002, missing only the 1998, 1999, and 2000 Finals where Bob Costas substituted following Albert's arrest for sexual assault in 1997. Despite this controversy, he was rehired by NBC less than two years later. His signature style included simple variations of "Yes!" depending on the situation, rather than long phrases.

Reader's Guide

To understand Marv Albert's tenure with the Knicks, one must note he worked alongside his son, Kenny Albert, who became a part-time announcer for the team in 2009 when Mike Breen was unavailable. The source clarifies that Albert's most famous call is simply "Yes!" rendered in various volumes and lengths, not specific phrases like "He shoots, he scores!" His departure in 2004 was driven by James L. Dolan following on-air criticism of the team's play and high salary demands. Beyond the Knicks, Albert called nine NBA Finals, eight Super Bowls, and seven Stanley Cup Finals. He also hosted a basketball interview show on NBA TV and provided play-by-play for the NBA Live video game series from 2003 until NBA Live 10.

Did You Know?

Marv Albert's family owned a grocery store on Brighton Beach Avenue known as Aufrichtig.
His son, Kenny Albert, replaced him as the radio voice of the New York Rangers in 2025-26, continuing a family legacy that included brothers Al and Steve.
Albert sustained a concussion and sprained ankle in a limo accident on April 17, 2002, forcing Bob Costas to fill in for upcoming playoff games.