Passing the Mic: David Steele Retires After 37 Seasons as Voice of the Orlando Magic; Dante Marchitelli Takes Over
Written by Olivia Brooks
After 37 seasons behind the microphone, Orlando Magic play-by-play broadcaster David Steele has announced his retirement, bringing an end to one of the longest and most recognizable broadcasting careers in franchise history.
“I can’t thank the DeVos family and the Orlando Magic organization enough for what they have provided to me and my family,” Steele said. “When I interviewed with Pat Williams back in 1988, I never dreamed it would play out this way. Now it is time for me to put the microphone down and spend time with my family. It’s been an honor to represent the Orlando Magic, and I am forever grateful.”
Steele has been part of the Magic organization since 1989 and served as the team’s television play-by-play announcer since 1998.
“Even though I am confident that I picked the right time to put down the Magic microphone, I just wanted to give a big thank you to you, the fans, for all of your support throughout the years, both for me and the team,” Steele said in a video. “For 37 seasons, it was my privilege to broadcast Magic games. It was really the thrill of a lifetime.”
“Magic fans, you are the best,” he continued. “Keep supporting the team.”
Before arriving in Orlando, Steele spent seven seasons as the play-by-play voice for the Florida Gators’ football and basketball teams. He joined the Magic in 1989 and became the team’s lead television play-by-play announcer in March 1998, a position he held through the 2025-26 season.
A Jacksonville native, Steele’s broadcasting career has left a lasting imprint across Florida. He began as sports director at a local television station in Panama City in 1975 before becoming a familiar voice for Gators athletics and, ultimately, one of the defining voices of Orlando Magic basketball.
Throughout his career, Steele earned the respect of players, coaches and fans alike with his polished delivery, deep knowledge of the game and ability to capture the biggest moments with enthusiasm.
With signature catchphrases during intense, high-stakes games, such as “He drills it!,” and his comedic trivia segment, “Is This Anything?,” Steele’s steady presence became synonymous with Magic basketball for nearly three decades.
“You can’t have a memory of Orlando Magic basketball without David Steele’s voice being a part of it,” Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos said. “David handled everything with professionalism and class, and he will forever be entrenched in this franchise’s history. ‘Is This Anything?’ We’d say David was everything to the Orlando Magic. We wish him and his family nothing but the best.”
As the Magic prepare for the 2026-27 season, longtime broadcaster Dante Marchitelli will take over the role, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise’s broadcasts. Marchitelli is no stranger to the organization.
He joined the Magic in 1998 as a radio intern before becoming a full-time radio producer in 2000. He was promoted to radio manager and sideline reporter in 2005 and has spent more than two decades covering the team from behind the scenes and courtside. His extensive experience and familiarity with the franchise make him a natural successor to Steele.
In addition, While Steele’s voice will be missed by generations of Magic fans, the transition to Marchitelli represents continuity as much as change.
“Working with David Steele for the past 20 years has been the highlight of my career,” Marchitelli said. “He is an absolute legend, and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has taught me along the way.”
With another longtime member of the organization stepping into the play-by-play role, the Magic enter a new chapter while honoring the legacy of one of the franchise’s most iconic broadcasters.
“I’ll be watching Dante and J.T. right along with you,” Steele said. “And I’ll see you at the championship parade down Orange Avenue.”
