A New Voice for HEAT Nation: Gale Nelson Named the Voice of the Miami HEAT

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami President & CEO takes the mic at Kaseya Center, succeeding the legendary Michael "Mike B" Baiamonte and ushering in a bold new era of game-night energy

MIAMI, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Miami HEAT today announced Gale Nelson, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, as the new public address announcer and official Voice of the HEAT. Nelson steps into one of the most iconic seats in professional sports beginning with the 2026–27 season.

Nelson succeeds Michael Baiamonte, who retired at the close of the 2025–26 season after 35 unforgettable seasons. Since 1990, "Mike B" has narrated three championships and countless legendary moments. He retired as the second-longest-serving PA announcer in NBA history.

Nelson brings a voice already known across South Florida. For more than 20 years, he has led Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, championing mentorship for thousands of young people across Miami-Dade. His leadership has been so impactful that Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava proclaimed a "Gale Nelson Day" in his honor.

"This is a dream, and I do not take it lightly." said Nelson. "Mike B set the gold standard. My job is to honor that legacy and bring my own energy to every single possession. Kaseya Center is the loudest room in Miami, and I cannot wait to lead the charge. Miami, turn it up. Let's go, HEAT!"

Nelson's path to the microphone began long before the HEAT. At Bowsher High School in Toledo, Ohio, his principal, the late Mr. James Ray, a former NBA player who understood the power of a strong voice in a packed gym, put Nelson, then a freshman, in front of a mic for the first time. What began as a school assignment would foreshadow the role he steps into today as the Voice of the HEAT.

"Gale brings a unique style and his very distinctive voice to the PA announcer position," said Michael McCullough, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the HEAT. "We were intrigued right from the start when we heard Gale, and we knew he could be exactly what we were looking for."

The HEAT's selection of Nelson as the "voice of the HEAT" reflects a fresh, forward-looking vision for the HEAT game-night experience. He pairs broadcast-ready presence with deep community roots, and he knows the families in the stands because he has served them for two decades.

Nelson will continue to serve as President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. He sees the two roles as one mission: showing young people what is possible when someone believes in them.

"Every kid who hears my voice in that arena should know that someone believes in them," Nelson added. "That's what mentorship is. You don't have to be perfect; you just have to be present. Now I get to bring that energy to nearly 20,000 fans a night and show the world that we all have a Little in common."

Nelson makes his debut as the Voice of the HEAT at the Kaseya Center on October 6th for the Red, White & Pink game, an annual intra-squad scrimmage. He will call his first home preseason game on October 8 against the New Orleans Pelicans.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami is the leading nonprofit mentoring organization, dedicated to empowering youth in Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys. Through free-of-charge, one-to-one mentoring programs, the organization facilitates meaningful connections between volunteers and youth, providing the vital guidance and support needed to succeed in school and throughout life. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami offers a safe, trusting environment, providing consistent mentorship and resources for youth, mentors, and their families. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami is committed to empowering young people to reach their full potential and contribute to a brighter future for all. For more information, please visit www.bbbsmiami.org.

ABOUT THE HEAT GROUP
The HEAT Group is comprised of the National Basketball Association's Miami HEAT and the 19,600-seat Kaseya Center. The HEAT is a three-time NBA Champion having won titles in 2006, 2012 and 2013 and is a celebrated leader in every discipline of the business of basketball. Kaseya Center, home of the HEAT, is a LEED Gold Recertified, award-winning, state-of-the-art facility, which hosts more than 150 events per year. Named as Billboard's 2026 Top East Coast Arena, Kaseya Center is built with state-of-the-art sound and lighting and HD and electronic media signage inside and out. The impressive 19,600-seat venue is currently ranked the #1 arena in Florida for the 11th consecutive year—and the 14th time during the past 15 years—according to Billboard's 2025 year-end rankings. The Arena is located on the waterfront in the thriving arts and entertainment district in downtown Miami. For more information, please visit HEAT.com and Kaseyacenter.com.

Media contact: Suzan McDowell, Circle of One Marketing, 305-490-9145, [email protected]

Salinah On Yeugo, Miami HEAT Media Relations Specialist, 404-247-8692, [email protected]

Media interviews with Gale Nelson available upon request. Press Kit HERE

SOURCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami