Full Breakdown
Dave Pasch Leaves Arizona Cardinals Radio Booth for Expanded ESPN Role
6/26/2026, 12:47:09 AM
Pasch’s Departure Marks End of a 24-Year Era
On June 25 2026 the Arizona Cardinals announced that Dave Pasch will step down as the team’s radio play-by-play announcer after 24 seasons. The decision coincides with an “expanded and exclusive” assignment at ESPN that will include national NFL coverage while Pasch continues his existing duties on college football, basketball and NBA broadcasts.
Ten Years of Partnership and Broadcast Evolution
Pasch began his Cardinals tenure in 2002, initially paired with color analyst John Mistler. In 2005 he formed a long-running duo with former player Ron Wolfley, a partnership that lasted 20 years until Wolfley retired before the 2025 season. A.Q. Shipley succeeded Wolfley as the booth’s analyst for Pasch’s final season. Pasch also maintained a dual schedule, calling Saturday college games for ESPN before traveling to Sunday Cardinals contests.
Key Figures in the Transition
- Dave Pasch – longtime Cardinals radio voice, ESPN broadcaster.
- Ron Wolfley – former analyst, partner for two decades.
- A.Q. Shipley – analyst who replaced Wolfley in 2025.
- Bill Bidwill – Cardinals owner who issued a public thank-you.
- Michael Bidwill – team president who echoed the organization’s gratitude.
- Jimmy Pitaro, Burke Magnus, Mike McQuade – ESPN executives cited by Pasch.
- Paul Calvisi – sideline reporter who worked with Pasch.
Timeline of Pasch’s Cardinals Tenure
- 2002 – Pasch hired as radio play-by-play announcer.
- 2008 – Calls Cardinals’ Super Bowl run.
- 2015 – Broadcasts NFC championship season.
- 2025 – Ron Wolfley retires; A.Q. Shipley joins the booth.
- June 25 2026 – Pasch announces departure for ESPN role.
Data & Statistics
- 24 seasons as Cardinals radio voice.
- 20 years partnered with Ron Wolfley.
- 2½ decades covering NFL games for the Cardinals.
- Since 2003 a regular ESPN commentator on college sports; now added NFL duties.
Why the Change Matters for Cardinals Fans and ESPN
The Cardinals will need to recruit a new play-by-play announcer, a decision expected to shape the team’s local broadcast identity. ESPN gains a broadcaster with extensive NFL experience and a proven ability to balance national and regional assignments. Pasch indicated he will remain a resident of the Phoenix-Valley area, preserving his connection to the local fan base.
Official Statements & Responses
Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill thanked Pasch and his family for 24 seasons of service, noting Pasch’s “extraordinary talent, professionalism and passion” that elevated each broadcast. Team president Michael Bidwill echoed the gratitude on social media, describing Pasch’s voice as synonymous with the franchise. Pasch expressed appreciation for ESPN leaders Jimmy Pitaro, Burke Magnus and Mike McQuade, calling the new role “a great opportunity.” ESPN confirmed Pasch will join its NFL coverage beginning with the upcoming season while continuing his college and NBA assignments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We cannot thank Dave and his family enough for what they have meant to our organization over the last 24 seasons and we are thrilled for them as they begin this exciting new chapter,” — Bill Bidwill, Owner
- “As I move to an expanded and exclusive role with ESPN, I would like to thank Jimmy Pitaro, Burke Magnus and Mike McQuade for this great opportunity,” — Dave Pasch, Broadcaster
- “It’s the greatest city in the country and I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” — Dave Pasch, on Arizona
- “My first regular season game, I remember I was already so nervous and I swallowed a bug. I just couldn’t speak. It was one of those things I’m like, ‘OK, maybe I’m not cut out for this.’” — Dave Pasch, recalling his 2002 debut
What’s Next for Cardinals Broadcasts
The organization has opened a search for a successor, with the new play-by-play announcer expected to be announced later in the summer. The transition will coincide with the start of the 2026 NFL season, ensuring continuity for listeners.
