Dan Hicks dies at 64 after decades calling golf and Olympic swimming for NBC

Dan Hicks, the NBC Sports broadcaster whose assignments included major golf tournaments, Olympic swimming and Notre Dame football, has died at 64. The Guardian reported that his family and NBC announced his death on Thursday, November 12. His wife, ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm, said he died in Connecticut late Wednesday following an acute illness. No more specific cause was given in the report.

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Golf occupied a central place in Hicks's broadcasting career and was his favourite sport. He commentated on 27 tournament wins by Tiger Woods, three of them at the US Open. His other golf assignments included the Ryder Cup, the British Open and PGA Tour tournaments such as the Players Championship. In a tribute, the PGA Tour highlighted both his contribution to its broadcasts and the personal warmth colleagues associated with him.

His Olympic work extended well beyond golf. Hicks covered swimming at eight Games alongside Rowdy Gaines, including the Beijing Olympics in 2008, when Michael Phelps won eight gold medals. Their broadcasts also followed Katie Ledecky as she collected 14 medals over four Olympics. Across all his assignments, Hicks worked at 16 Olympics, beginning in Barcelona in 1992, where he hosted coverage for the Olympic triplecast.

Hicks joined NBC in 1992 after spending three years at CNN. In a September interview with the Associated Press, cited by The Guardian, he reflected on the unusual longevity of his time at one network. He credited that continuity partly to NBC retaining the sports rights associated with his work, and said his appreciation for the opportunity had grown as his career continued.

Football was another recurring assignment. Hicks called Notre Dame games from 2013 through 2016 and returned to that role in 2024. He was in his seventh season covering the team and had been scheduled to commentate on Saturday's game against Boston College. His wider broadcasting record included regional NFL games for NBC from 1992 to 1997, five French Opens and NBA coverage between 1992 and 2000.

Storm described the death as unexpected and remembered Hicks as a kind, funny presence who brought people together. The couple had been married for more than 30 years. Hicks is survived by Storm and their three daughters.