It is a weird time to be a Steelers fan if you grew up on the gravelly, iconic sounds of Bill Hillgrove. For three decades, that voice was as much a part of Sunday as chipped ham and terrible towels. But things change fast in the NFL. Honestly, if you haven’t tuned into a radio broadcast lately, the Pittsburgh Steelers play by play experience looks and sounds a whole lot different than it did even two years ago.
The transition hasn't just been about a new name on a headset. It’s a total shift in energy. We went from the "Old Guard" era to a booth that feels younger, more technical, and—if we're being real—a bit more modern.
Who is calling the Pittsburgh Steelers play by play now?
The big chair now belongs to Rob King.
He took over the primary duties after Hillgrove retired following the 2023 season. If the name sounds familiar, it should. King has been a staple in the Pittsburgh sports scene for over 25 years. He’s done the studio work for the Pens and the Pirates, but calling football is a different beast entirely.
Radio is about painting a picture for someone who can't see the field. King has a more minimalist style than his predecessor. He focuses on the "where" and the "who" with a high level of precision.
But a play-by-play guy is only as good as the person sitting next to him.
💡 You might also like: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
The Max Starks Era Begins
The booth saw another massive shakeup recently. Following the tragic passing of the beloved Craig Wolfley in early 2025, the team needed a new color analyst. They didn't look far. They elevated former offensive tackle and two-time Super Bowl champ Max Starks from the sidelines to the booth.
It’s a natural fit. Starks knows the "Steelers Way" because he lived it on the line of sight for nearly a decade. He brings that heavy-duty, tactical breakdown of what’s happening in the trenches, which is basically the DNA of Pittsburgh football.
Where to find the Pittsburgh Steelers play by play broadcast
You’ve got options. Some are old school, some are digital.
- Flagship Stations: 102.5 WDVE and FOX Sports Pittsburgh (970 AM). If you're driving through the Liberty Tunnels, this is your bread and butter.
- The App: The Steelers Official Mobile App or the iHeartRadio app. Great for when you're stuck at a wedding and need to check the score.
- Satellite: SiriusXM. For the 2025-2026 season, the Steelers home broadcast is typically found on Channel 229.
- Steelers Nation Radio (SNR): This is the 24/7 digital home for everything Black and Gold.
Why the booth chemistry matters
Broadcasting is kinda like a marriage. If the play-by-play person and the analyst aren't in sync, the listener suffers.
During the 2025 season, King and Starks spent a lot of time together co-hosting In The Locker Room. That daily rapport translates directly to the game day broadcast. You’ll notice they don’t step on each other’s toes as much as some newer duos. King sets the stage, and Starks provides the "why."
📖 Related: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
When you hear Starks break down a Kenneth Gainwell run or an Aaron Rodgers deep ball (yeah, it’s still weird seeing him in the Black and Gold), he’s looking at the leverage of the guards. He's explaining why the pull worked. It’s nerdy, but it’s the kind of depth Pittsburgh fans crave.
The Sideline Factor
Missi Matthews is still the glue. She’s been the sideline reporter since 2018 and provides the injury updates and "vibe checks" from the field level that the guys in the booth simply can't see. Her role hasn't changed, providing a much-needed sense of continuity while the booth was in flux.
Listening outside of Pittsburgh
Steelers Nation isn't just a local thing; it's a global cult.
If you’re in the UK or Ireland, the partnership with Off The Ball (OTB) means you can stream the official Pittsburgh Steelers play by play audio through their app. For fans in Mexico or Spanish-speakers everywhere, the team also produces a dedicated Spanish-language broadcast available on the official website.
The tech has caught up to the demand. You no longer have to hope for a clear signal on a stormy night to hear the game.
👉 See also: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
What to expect for the 2026 season
The schedule is already set, even if the kickoff times are still a mystery. We know the Steelers will be hosting the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns (obviously), along with the Texans, Colts, Falcons, Panthers, and Broncos.
The road slate looks tough. Traveling to Philly to face the Eagles—who won the NFC East in 2025—will be a massive test for both the team and the broadcast crew. Expect Rob King to be in top form for that one.
How to get the most out of your game day audio
- Sync the Audio: If you’re watching the game on TV but want the local radio call, use a delay-sync app. TV broadcasts are often 10-20 seconds behind the radio.
- Check the "Point After": Tune into SNR the night after the game. The broadcast team does a deep dive that's way more informative than the standard post-game presser.
- Follow the Sidelines: Keep an eye on Missi Matthews' social feeds during the game. She often posts context that doesn't make it into the 30-second radio hits.
The roar of the crowd at Acrisure Stadium is still the same, but the voices bringing it to your ears have evolved. Whether you’re a fan of the new "King and Starks" era or you're still mourning the retirement of Bill Hillgrove, there's no denying the Pittsburgh Steelers play by play remains the heartbeat of the city on Sundays.
Go grab your radio—or your phone—and get ready for another season.