Jack Armstrong's future up in the air for Raptors broadcasts on TSN

Toronto Raptors games on TSN this season could be missing one of the team’s most recognizable voices.

With the NBA season just five weeks away, longtime Raptors TV analyst Jack Armstrong, known for calls like the iconic “Get that garbage outta here,” could be left off the broadcast this season.

According to Jonah Sigel, Armstrong does not yet have a contract for the upcoming season with TSN and MLSE.

“While all eyes have been on Rogers and NHL broadcasters, one Jack Armstrong remains unsigned for the upcoming Raptors season,” Sigel reported on X. “This one is tricky given the fine folks at TSN, but I’m told sides aren’t close as MLSE & TSN aren’t in agreement.”

While all eyes have been on Rogers and Hockey broadcasters, one Jack Armstrong remains unsigned for the upcoming season & the @Raptors . This one is tricky given the fine folks at TSN but I’m told sides aren’t close as MLSE & TSN aren’t in agreement….

While TSN and Bell Media have employed Armstrong for several years, Rogers’ recent full acquisition of MLSE means the telecom giant now controls the Raptors’ broadcast strategy for the upcoming season.

The move leaves Armstrong’s future in limbo for the upcoming season, especially if Rogers and TSN (Bell) can’t agree on a budget or talent lineup.

By no surprise, Raptors fans weren’t too thrilled about the news.

“Jack should be untouchable and only go when he says it is time,” one fan wrote on X.

“This is a non-negotiable. There’s absolutely no way there should be a Raptors broadcast without Jack,” said another.

Jack Armstrong has been with the Toronto Raptors for the longest of time, spanning 3 decades.

It would be a colossal mistake to not bring him back. He’s an integral part of the organization.

From the source Do the right thing and bring him back. @Bell @Rogers @MLSEPR @Raptors @TSN_Sports… https://t.co/NzgVu9pZWy

Armstrong has been part of the Raptors’ broadcast team since the 1998-99 NBA season and has become one of the most recognizable voices in Toronto sports.

He has also been recognized for his work, winning the Canadian Screen Award for Best Sports Analyst in a Sports Program or Series three times.

Armstrong’s basketball career began on the sidelines, where he coached at Niagara University’s NCAA men’s basketball program before joining former Raptors play-by-play announcer Chuck Swirsky as an NBA TV analyst in February 1999.

For the past 18 years, Armstrong has been sidekick to Matt Devlin on all Raptors TSN broadcasts. He’s also worked as an in-studio analyst for the network during the NCAA March Madness tournament.