MLB Detroit Tigers Extend Broadcasters

The Detroit Tigers have signed multiyear contract extensions with television play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti and radio play-by-play announcer Dan Dickerson, keeping both as the primary voices of Tigers baseball on Detroit SportsNet and the Tigers Radio Network.

Ryan Gustafson, president and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, said the club is “incredibly proud” to retain the pair and grateful they chose a deeper commitment to the organization. He said improving the fan experience several years ago included building a stronger broadcast, and that Benetti, Dickerson, and others now deliver “an entertaining and informed broadcast that is among the best in baseball.”

Benetti became the Tigers’ lead television voice before the 2024 season. Known for mixing intellect and wit, he quickly became a fan favorite and is widely regarded as one of baseball’s top broadcasters. He recently joined NBC Sports as the voice of Sunday Night Baseball, among other network assignments.

“Thank you to Chris Ilitch, Ryan Gustafson and everyone with the Tigers for being such amazing partners as we’ve grown this broadcast together,” Benetti said. “This organization pairs a commitment to excellence with a deep culture of creativity. It’s a rare combination, and it makes every day at the ballpark a joy.” He also praised the Detroit SportsNet crew as a gold standard in baseball television coverage and said he is proud to remain part of it.

Dickerson joined the Tigers in 2000 alongside Hall of Famer Ernie Harwell and became the team’s lead radio voice in 2003. The past season was his 27th on Tigers radio; the new deal extends his tenure into a fourth decade. A three-time Michigan Sportscaster of the Year and winner of the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association’s Ernie Harwell Lifetime Achievement Award, he is considered one of the sport’s best broadcasters and teammates.That reputation helped bring Benetti to Detroit. 

With Benetti’s national profile rising, the Tigers needed a trusted fill-in for television games during his network assignments. Dickerson, who had long preferred radio, agreed without hesitation to take those TV games. Under the new agreement, he will remain the Tigers’ radio voice while calling an expanded slate of games on Detroit SportsNet.

“I have the best job in the world,” Dickerson said. “There is nothing better than calling games for the team you grew up watching. From the time I was a little boy, the Detroit Tigers have been in my blood.” He said he is grateful to ownership and management for continuing to entrust him with the role.