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Bucks make Byington NBA's 1st full-time female play-by-play announcer

Michael Gonzales / National Basketball Association / Getty

The Milwaukee Bucks made history Wednesday, naming Lisa Byington its new television play-by-play broadcaster.

Byington becomes the first female to occupy the role for a major men's professional sports team in a full-time capacity.

"I'm absolutely thrilled for this opportunity and the ability to work with a first-class franchise and a championship organization like the Milwaukee Bucks," Byington said in a statement.

Byington takes over for longtime play-by-play announcer Jim Paschke, who retired at the end of the 2020-21 season after a 35-year run calling Bucks games.

In March, Byington was the first female to provide play-by-play commentary for the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

"I understand the groundbreaking nature of this hire, and I appreciate the fact that during this process that aspect was addressed, but never made a primary focus," Byington said. "In fact, I applaud the Bucks for taking the first steps toward making hires like this more of the norm in the NBA. Because it's time."

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