Kyle Draper leaving Sacramento Kings TV broadcast team. Here’s what happened
Kyle Draper will not return next season as a member of the Sacramento Kings television broadcast team on NBC Sports California.
Draper spent six seasons in Sacramento as a studio host and substitute play-by-play announcer. He announced his departure on social media Tuesday, saying his contract was not renewed and Sunday’s season-ending loss to the Portland Trail Blazers was his final game with the Kings.
The news came days after primary Kings play-by-play announcer Mark Jones announced he was leaving ESPN, potentially clearing the way for him to call Kings games on a full-time basis.
“Sunday was my last game as Sacramento Kings play by play announcer,” Draper tweeted. “After 6 seasons on the job, my contract is not being renewed. I want to thank all the Kings fans and the people of Sacramento for making me feel welcome.
“Your passion and love for your team was felt every night I walked into Golden 1 Center. And I’ll always hold the love you showed me close to my (heart emoji). Sacramento became home for me and I hope you could feel I was 100% invested. I was with you every step of the way. As far as what’s next?? Stay tuned. Whatever is next, I’m going to bring the same passion and love for the community I showed here in Sacramento!!!”
The Kings hired Draper and Jones in November 2020 following the departure of longtime play-by-play announcer Grant Napear. Draper handled play-by-play duties when Jones was away on assignment for ESPN. When he wasn’t doing play-by-play, Draper hosted pregame and postgame shows on NBC Sports California.
Before coming to Sacramento, Draper had worked for NBC Sports Boston since 2009, serving as host of “Celtics Pregame Live” and “Celtics Postgame Live.” He has also served as a substitute play-by-play announcer for Celtics and Chicago Bulls games.
