Eric Collins Praised as Best League Pass Experience in Basketball

Zach Lowe and Bill Simmons Highlight Hornets Broadcaster's Engaging and Impartial Calling

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:51pm

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An extreme close-up of a basketball announcer, their face and body dissolving into a vibrant, expressionist painting of neon colors and rapid brushstrokes, capturing the raw energy and excitement of the game.The energetic and impartial broadcasting style of Eric Collins has captivated basketball fans across the country, making him a standout voice in the industry.Charlotte Today

In the world of sports broadcasting, Eric Collins, the voice of the Charlotte Hornets, has been praised by Zach Lowe and Bill Simmons as providing the best League Pass experience in basketball. Collins' energetic yet balanced calling, where he remains impartial and engaging without being a gratuitous homer, has earned him national recognition and opportunities beyond the Hornets, including with Prime Video and Fox.

Why it matters

Collins' distinctive style and ability to connect with audiences beyond just basketball fans have helped elevate the Hornets brand and create a sense of community among fans. His genuine enthusiasm and investment in the game set him apart from many local broadcasters, providing a unique perspective that informs and entertains viewers.

The details

What makes Collins' broadcasting so exceptional is his ability to remain impartial and engaging without tipping into ugliness or excessive homerism. Unlike many local announcers, Collins maintains a balanced perspective, never going out of his way to criticize the opposing team or players. This has led to his calls regularly going viral outside of any basketball context, finding audiences who have never watched a Hornets game.

  • Collins has been the voice of the Charlotte Hornets for several years.
  • In 2026, Zach Lowe and Bill Simmons praised Collins as providing the best League Pass experience in basketball.

The players

Eric Collins

The play-by-play announcer for the Charlotte Hornets, known for his energetic yet balanced calling style that has earned him national recognition.

Zach Lowe

A prominent NBA analyst and writer who, along with Bill Simmons, praised Collins' broadcasting.

Bill Simmons

A renowned sports media personality who, along with Zach Lowe, highlighted Collins as providing the best League Pass experience in basketball.

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What they’re saying

“Eric Collins' calls regularly go viral outside of any basketball context, finding audiences who have never watched a Hornets game in their lives.”

— Zach Lowe, NBA Analyst

“Collins' ability to remain impartial and engaging without being a gratuitous homer is a rare and valuable skill in sports broadcasting.”

— Bill Simmons, Sports Media Personality

What’s next

Collins' national recognition is likely to continue, with more opportunities for him to showcase his talents beyond the Hornets. Fans and media will be closely watching to see how he performs on larger platforms like Prime Video and Fox.

The takeaway

Eric Collins' exceptional broadcasting style, which combines energy, impartiality, and genuine enthusiasm, has made him a standout voice in the industry. His ability to connect with audiences beyond just basketball fans is a testament to his skill and versatility, and he serves as a shining example of what a local broadcaster can achieve.