Jacob Tobey has quickly emerged as one of the most distinctive and inspiring voices in NBA broadcasting. As the television play-by-play announcer for the San Antonio Spurs on FanDuel Sports Network Southwest, the 27-year-old from Sandwich, Massachusetts, holds a remarkable distinction: he is currently the youngest person to serve in this role for any NBA team. Adding to his trailblazing status, Tobey is a proud member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, making him the only Native American play-by-play broadcaster currently in the league.
In a candid and engaging recent appearance on The Jones Report podcast, Tobey opened up about his journey, his deep sense of responsibility, and the unique perspective he brings to the Spurs’ booth. Despite his youth, he approaches every broadcast with the gravity it deserves, especially as the Spurs undergo an exciting and accelerated rebuild.
The Spurs’ global reach
The team currently boasts the second-best record in the Western Conference, a testament to their rapid progress centered around superstar sensation Victor Wembanyama. Tobey has a prime vantage point to witness Wembanyama’s otherworldly talents night after night. He described the French phenom as a “generational talent” capable of moments that have never been seen before in basketball history. This isn’t just hyperbole—Wembanyama’s impact extends far beyond the court in San Antonio.
The Spurs have become the most-watched team on NBA League Pass in France, Wembanyama’s home country, reflecting the organization’s strategic push to expand its global footprint, particularly in Europe.
Tobey emphasized this international focus during the interview, noting, “There’s no secret that the Spurs want to be present in Europe, specifically in France because of Victor.”
For him personally, calling games featuring such a transcendent player is both an immense honor and a constant call to preparation. “It’s a privilege,” he said. “I have to be ready at every moment, because he can do something that’s never been seen before, never been done before.”
Victor Wembanyama is halfway into year 3 of his career and he’s already got a case for best in the world pic.twitter.com/bop0QGSg7G
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) January 20, 2026
This global orientation aligns perfectly with the Spurs’ long-standing tradition of success with international talent. Legends like Tony Parker from France, Manu Ginóbili from Argentina, and Patty Mills from Australia helped build multiple championships under coach Gregg Popovich.
The organization has always excelled at embracing players’ cultural backgrounds, integrating them into the team’s fabric while celebrating their origins. Tobey highlighted how this inclusivity creates a welcoming environment where diverse voices thrive.
Adding a personal layer to this cultural richness is the presence of Lindy Waters III on the current Spurs roster. Waters, of Kiowa Tribe and Cherokee Nation descent, shares indigenous heritage with Tobey. The two have connected over their shared roots, and Tobey has collaborated with the Spurs organization to plan a Native American Heritage Night, anticipated for April during the season. Such initiatives underscore the team’s commitment to representation and community engagement.
Tobey also shared insights into the Spurs’ famous team philosophy, the “pound the rock” mantra popularized by Popovich. He explained it as a daily commitment to collective effort: chipping away at a massive boulder through persistent, unselfish work rather than seeking individual glory.
“It’s about going to work every single day, and nothing is about yourself, it is about the team,” Tobey recounted. “You can’t chip away at this big boulder and crack at yourself—everyone has to have a crack at it. You pound the rock.”
Remarkably, this philosophy has been translated into multiple languages spoken in the Spurs’ locker room over the years, including Spanish and French. Efforts are underway to incorporate Native languages as well, potentially with input from Waters, further illustrating the organization’s respect for cultural diversity.
A man of many talents
Beyond his Spurs duties, Tobey maintains an active and multifaceted career. Last season, he served as the television play-by-play voice for the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA, showcasing his versatility across leagues.
For the past three years, he has called games for the Native American Basketball Invitational in Phoenix, and in 2023, he was part of ESPN’s groundbreaking first-ever all-Native American broadcast team—a milestone that highlights his advocacy for greater indigenous representation in sports media.
When he’s not behind the microphone narrating high-stakes NBA action, Tobey trades the broadcast booth for stages around San Antonio. An accomplished musician, he performs acoustic sets featuring influences ranging from Ed Sheeran and John Mayer to contemporary country artists like Morgan Wallen. This creative outlet allows him to connect with fans in a different way, blending his love for music with his new home in Texas.
Tobey’s story is one of breaking barriers, embracing heritage, and seizing opportunities with humility and preparation. His rapid rise from local roots to the NBA spotlight inspires many, particularly within Native American communities.
For the full conversation, including more personal anecdotes and insights into his broadcasting philosophy, listeners can tune into the complete episode of The Jones Report podcast, now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.
