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Bill Raftery Already Announced Decision On The 2025-26 Season

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 5, 2025 8:13 PM ET

Before this year's Final Four even started, CBS broadcaster Bill Raftery provided an update on his future.

Raftery has been one of the authentic broadcasters in the history of college basketball. Fans love when he yells, "Onions!" towards the end of a close game. That's not the only iconic line that he's got. Sometimes, he'll say teams have to "get the puppies organized."

Make no mistake about it, basketball fans will be awfully sad the day Raftery retires. Thankfully, he isn't ready to leave broadcasting behind just yet.

During this week's SI Media With Jimmy Traina, Raftery was asked if he's thought about retiring. He made it abundantly clear that he's still fired up to call games at this stage in his career.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: CBS Sports commentator Bill Raftery stands as the American national anthem is performed before calling the CBS Sports Classic between the Kentucky Wildcats and the North Carolina Tar Heels at T-Mobile Arena on December 18, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats defeated the Tar Heels 98-69. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

"It’s in somebody else’s hands," Raftery said. "I enjoy it. I think I’m as industrious about getting ready for a game, maybe more so, than I was 15 years ago. I think they’ll tell you when it’s time. Things change as we’ve seen recently with some of the football changes at different companies. So, no, I haven’t thought about it at all."

Raftery was the asked if he'd like to stay at CBS.

"Yeah," Raftery replied. "If they feel that I’m not up to, then it’s time to pack it in."

Raftery has been broadcasting since 1980. He's best known for his 15-year partnership with Verne Lundquist.

College basketball fans can hear Raftery call the Final Four on CBS alongside Ian Eagle and Grant Hill.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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