Matt Cord is set to return as the Philadelphia 76ers’ public address announcer after previously announcing that he would be taking retirement after the 2025-26 season concludes.
In the early hours of Wednesday, September 16, Cord confirmed that he will make a return for his 29th season, sparking excitement among fans.
The decision follows a significant offseason for Philadelphia. Cord stated the team’s July 1 trade for five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown and LeBron James’ decision to sign with the Sixers on July 24 played a key role in changing his mind.
Cord stated, "They made a trade for Jaylen Brown on July 1,...And then on July 24, LeBron James signed with the Sixers."
Moreover, Cord announced that Allen Iverson, whose name is closely linked to his signature calls, was among those who contacted him during the summer and encouraged him to return to the microphone.
Following the Sixers’ second-round playoff elimination by the New York Knicks in 2026, Cord believed his long career as the team’s public address announcer had reached its end.
Previously, he stated he was comfortable with the idea of “going out on top.”
However, the team’s blockbuster offseason convinced him to reconsider. Cord has become a familiar part of Sixers games over nearly three decades, and his retirement announcement last season prompted both celebration and sadness among fans.
Cord reacted surprisingly by the response from supporters and expressed gratitude that his work had made an impact.
After spending the summer considering his future, Cord decided to return. He will be behind the microphone when the Sixers open their home schedule on October 22, introducing James, Brown and the 2026-27 team to Philadelphia fans.
