Dan Hicks Dies at 64: NBC Sports Announcer Remembered

Legendary sports broadcaster Dan Hicks, one of the most recognizable voices in American sports television, has died at the age of 64. His death marks the loss of a longtime NBC Sports announcer whose career spanned decades and included coverage of some of the biggest events in professional and international sports.

Hicks became a familiar presence for millions of viewers through his work covering the Olympics, golf, swimming and other major sporting events. Known for his experienced delivery, distinctive broadcasting style and ability to guide audiences through high-pressure competitions, he established himself as an important figure in sports journalism.

Dan Hicks Died Following an Acute Illness

Hicks died late Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in Connecticut, according to his family and NBC Sports. His wife, ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm, announced his death on Thursday, November 12.

Storm described his passing as sudden and unexpected. She also shared that he had died following an acute illness. No additional details about the illness or a specific medical cause of death were immediately disclosed.

In a statement, Storm remembered her husband as a devoted partner, loving father and cherished friend. “Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan,” Storm said. “He was a devoted husband of over 30 years, loving father to our three daughters, and cherished friend to so many. His loss is immeasurable.” She also praised his personality, describing him as someone who brought laughter, energy and people together wherever he went.

A Career Spanning More Than Three Decades at NBC Sports

Hicks joined NBC Sports in 1992 after working as a sports anchor at CNN, where he began in 1989. Over the following decades, he became one of the network’s most experienced and recognizable broadcasters.

His career included coverage of professional golf, college football, Olympic swimming, alpine skiing, speed skating, tennis and professional basketball. Before joining CNN, Hicks worked in radio and television in his hometown of Tucson, Arizona. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. His longevity at NBC allowed him to cover multiple generations of athletes and some of the most memorable sporting events in modern television history.

The Voice of Golf and Tiger Woods’ Biggest Moments

Golf became one of Hicks’ signature assignments. In 2000, he became NBC Sports’ lead golf play-by-play announcer after previously working as a tower announcer. Throughout his career, Hicks called 27 U.S. Opens, 23 U.S. Women’s Opens and numerous PGA Tour events. His coverage also included the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, British Open and THE PLAYERS Championship.

He was behind the microphone for 27 tournament victories by Tiger Woods, including three U.S. Open victories. Hicks became particularly associated with NBC’s golf coverage because of his ability to explain the competition while allowing the athletes and dramatic moments to take center stage. His work helped make him a familiar voice for golf fans across the country.

His Olympic Broadcasting Career Included Historic Moments

Beyond golf, Hicks played a major role in NBC’s Olympic coverage. He worked 16 Olympic Games, including nine Summer Olympics and seven Winter Olympics.

One of his most memorable assignments was Olympic swimming, where he regularly worked alongside former Olympic swimmer and broadcaster Rowdy Gaines.

The pair covered Michael Phelps’ historic performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when Phelps won eight gold medals in a single Games.

Hicks also covered Katie Ledecky’s accomplishments across four Olympic Games from 2012 through 2024. His Olympic assignments included alpine skiing and speed skating, giving him experience across a wide range of international sporting competitions.

His ability to move between sports while maintaining an engaging broadcast made him an important part of NBC’s Olympic coverage.

Hicks Also Served as the Voice of Notre Dame Football

In addition to his work covering golf and the Olympics, Hicks became a familiar voice for college football fans through NBC’s Notre Dame broadcasts. He called Notre Dame games from 2013 through 2016 before returning to the assignment in 2024. At the time of his death, he was in his seventh season covering the Fighting Irish.

Hicks had been scheduled to announce Notre Dame’s upcoming game against Boston College on Saturday, November 14. His unexpected death leaves a significant absence in NBC’s sports broadcasting lineup, particularly for viewers who had followed his work across multiple sports for decades.

NBC Sports Remembers a Beloved Colleague

NBC Sports executives Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon released a statement honoring Hicks and his contributions to the network. They remembered him as an exceptional storyteller whose knowledge, enthusiasm and humor helped elevate some of the biggest moments in sports history.

The executives also emphasized that his impact extended beyond his broadcasting ability, describing him as a colleague who welcomed teammates with encouragement, kindness and humor.

The PGA Tour also paid tribute to Hicks, recognizing the role his voice played in some of golf’s most memorable moments. The organization highlighted not only his broadcasting contributions but also the warmth he showed people throughout the sport.

Dan Hicks Is Survived by His Wife and Three Daughters

Hicks is survived by his wife, Hannah Storm, and their three daughters, Hannah, Ellery and Riley. Storm and Hicks had been married for more than 30 years. Together, they raised their family while building successful careers in sports broadcasting.

His death represents a significant loss for NBC Sports, the golf community and the broader sports journalism industry. For millions of viewers, Hicks was more than a familiar announcer. He was the voice accompanying some of the most unforgettable moments in sports, from major golf championships to Olympic gold medal performances. His decades of work helped define NBC Sports coverage, leaving behind a broadcasting legacy that extended far beyond the events he called.