Miami, FL. – The Miami HEAT are pleased to announce Gale Nelson as the team’s new public address announcer, effective with the start of the 2026-27 NBA season. Nelson succeeds Michael Baiamonte, who retired following 35 years of dedicated service in the role, making Nelson the third public address announcer in HEAT franchise history.
“I look forward to continuing the legacy that Michael Biamonte left at the HEAT and creating my own journey with the organization,” said Nelson. “I am humbled and excited for HEAT Nation to see who Gale is and showcase my personality and style that I will bring to the microphone this season.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. have signed with the Miami Heat.
Nelson will make his debut as a public speaker on October 6th, 2026, during the Red, White and Pink Game, the HEAT’s annual team scrimmage.
Nelson offers a valuable perspective in his new role, currently serving as President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami and the Florida Keys. Since joining the organization in 2006, he has played a key role in expanding the agency’s mentoring and fundraising initiatives. With over 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Nelson guided the organization to receive the Agency of the Year award in 2021, along with four consecutive National Pinnacle Awards from 2019 to 2022.
“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.”
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Nelson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Corporate Finance from the University of Toledo and a Master of Science in Management and Administration of Educational Programs from Nova Southeastern University.
