In a stunning turn of events that has rocked the NBA broadcasting world, Jacob Tobey—widely considered one of the league's most promising young play-by-play voices—has been shown the door by the San Antonio Spurs just weeks before the 2026-27 season tips off.
According to a report from Front Office Sports on Thursday, Tobey's dismissal stems from a social media firestorm ignited by his girlfriend, who publicly accused him of cheating with the sister of a Spurs player. The accusations spread like wildfire online, and FOS's Ryan Glasspiegel confirmed that Tobey will not return to the broadcast booth this season.
“Jacob Tobey is out as the Spurs’ lead play-by-play announcer after his girlfriend accused him on social media of cheating on her with the sister of a player on the team, sources told Front Office Sports,” Glasspiegel reported. Representatives for both the Spurs and Tobey could not be reached for comment.
Tobey, who joined the Spurs in 2024, had quickly become a fan favorite and was even named to Front Office Sports' list of rising young play-by-play broadcasters last year. His sudden exit leaves a major hole in the team's media lineup—and a plum opportunity for aspiring announcers across the country.
This isn't the first time a high-profile announcer has found themselves in hot water. Earlier this year, a World Cup announcer was pulled off air after confusing Iran and New Zealand, and another was bloodied by a flying bottle at Estadio Azteca. But Tobey's situation is particularly messy, involving personal scandal and a team on the rise.
The Spurs are coming off an NBA Finals appearance, where they fell to the New York Knicks, but are widely viewed as one of the favorites to win it all next season. Led by generational talent Victor Wembanyama—the No. 1 overall pick in 2023—and supported by young stars like Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle, San Antonio is a dream assignment for any play-by-play announcer.
With the regular season looming, the Spurs' job is expected to attract a wave of talented candidates eager to call games for a championship contender. The franchise's recent success, combined with Wembanyama's star power, makes this one of the most coveted broadcasting gigs in the NBA.
As the team searches for a new voice, the drama surrounding Tobey serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of life in the spotlight. The Spurs, meanwhile, will look to move forward and focus on the court—where they hope to turn last year's Finals loss into a championship victory.
