As Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo takes to the court to represent Greece at the Paris Olympics, another member of the Bucks family will play a key role behind the scenes. Johnny Watson, executive producer of Bucks broadcasts and live events, has been tapped to produce the venue for all men’s and women’s basketball games at the Olympics.
Watson’s responsibilities will include calling the arena presentations, which will include producing video, graphics, music, special effects, lighting, on-court entertainment and national anthems. To accomplish this, he will work with a crew of at least 25 people per game, drawn from around the world.
This isn’t Watson’s first time at the Olympics. He has previously worked on the men’s basketball and women’s basketball medal rounds at Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016in which the US team led by Kevin Durant won gold, and also FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 and 2023. He says the job is almost identical to what he does during Bucks games at Fiserv Forum, only on a bigger, international stage.
Watson’s Olympic journey began months ago with planning meetings to establish processes, staffing and logistics. Now, while in Paris, he’s arrived in Lille for the group stages, before heading to Paris for the medal round.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Johnny Watson recognized for role in Paris 2024 Olympics
Using his experience producing broadcast-worthy games for Antetokounmpo and company, Watson showcased his skills to a global audience. In turn, the Bucks producer expressed his gratitude, as seen in an article by Hannah Kirby for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“It’s one of the most iconic sports entertainments in the world,” Watson said. “It’s a big deal. I’m honored.”
In addition to his Olympic duties, Watson will travel to the U.S. Open in New York next month as a stadium director — a “lifelong dream” for the former All-American. The Bucks have supported Watson’s professional development by allowing him to pursue these high-profile opportunities during the offseason.
It’s clear that Watson’s influence extends far beyond Milwaukee’s borders as he represents the Bucks organization on the world stage at the Olympics and beyond. With him behind the scenes, basketball fans around the world will be in for a show in the coming weeks.
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