One of Philadelphia’s most legendary voices is making a big return.
Matt Cord announced Wednesday morning on 93.3 WMMR that he will return for his 29th season as the Sixers' public address announcer.
After announcing earlier this year that he would retire at the end of the 2025-26 season, Cord felt the call both figuratively and literally, it seems.
“I wanted to retire. I wanted to have more time for myself. And then they made a trade for Jaylen Brown on July 1… And my phone started blowing up a little. And then on July 24th, LeBron James signed with the Sixers, and my phone just blew up.”
The desire for Cord to return was shared throughout the city, among fans and beyond. According to Cord, one of those who called was Allen Iverson, who told Cord that he thought the Sixers announcer had “one more left” in him.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to the mic as PA announcer for 76ers for one more season," Cord said in a release from the team. "Serving in this role for the past 28 years has been a dream come true, and I have been fortunate to witness so many memorable moments from the best seat in the house. This is going to be a special year, and I can’t wait to be back at Xfinity Mobile Arena with you all. Let’s go, 76ers!”
Cord initially planned to walk away after the Sixers were swept by the New York Knicks in the second round of the NBA playoffs on their home court in Philadelphia. It would have been an unceremonious way to end an incredible career spanning nearly three decades.
A transformative offseason has brought renewed excitement to the franchise, and Cord’s return is the perfect cherry on top ahead of the start of the season. It’s only right that one of Philadelphia’s most legendary voices will be behind the mic for one of the most anticipated teams in Sixers history.
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