For generations of Kentucky fans, Dave “Buzz” Baker’s voice has been a staple of Wildcats athletics. From pregame shows to game-day commentary, Baker has helped define the listening experience for Big Blue Nation. Now, after 37 seasons with the UK Sports Network, that era is coming to an end — and fans are not happy.
According to Baker, the decision was not his choice.
The longtime broadcaster revealed that he was informed a few weeks ago that he would no longer be part of the program moving forward, a decision reportedly made by JMI Sports, the company that holds the rights to the UK Sports Network.
“A few weeks ago, I found out from JMI that I won’t be a part of the program moving forward,” Baker told WKYT. “As the rights holder of the UK Sports Network, they can contractually do that. I do want you to know, though, this wasn’t my decision, and even though I’m a little older than when I started, there’s no issue with my health.”
Baker’s career has been nothing short of legendary. He has spent 40 years with WKYT, including decades covering Kentucky athletics. Fans who grew up in the 1990s will especially remember Buzz alongside Rob Bromley, calling tape-delayed games that aired after the local news. Bromley retired in 2017, but Baker continued hosting the UKSN pregame show, becoming one of the most familiar voices in Big Blue Nation.
Although Baker will no longer appear on the UK Sports Network, he will continue working with WKYT, providing highlights, interviews, and coverage for Kentucky sports.
Still, that hasn’t softened the blow for many fans. Across social media, Big Blue Nation is expressing frustration and anger over the decision to remove one of the program’s most iconic voices.
Saturday’s upcoming game will mark his final home appearance connected with the network, though he will remain around as long as Kentucky continues playing this season.
The move has also reignited criticism of JMI Sports, which some fans blame for a variety of issues surrounding Kentucky athletics. While there’s no concrete evidence connecting JMI to other problems, perception is powerful — and right now, many see the company as the villain in this story.
Regardless of the controversy, one thing is clear: Buzz Baker has been the soundtrack of decades of Kentucky basketball, and for many fans, Wildcats broadcasts just won’t feel the same without him.
