Allie Clifton

Allie Bethany Clifton, born on January 30, 1988, in Van Wert, Ohio, established a foundation for her career through her collegiate basketball journey. She played for the Toledo Rockets women’s basketball team from 2006 to 2010, demonstrating commitment and teamwork on the court. Following her athletic career, Clifton entered the broadcasting field in Toledo, serving as a sports reporter for ABC affiliate WTVG channel 13. This initial role provided her with foundational experience in sports journalism, leading to her subsequent involvement with professional sports.

Clifton’s career progressed significantly when she joined the Cleveland Cavaliers broadcast team in 2012. During her tenure with Fox Sports Ohio, she served as a sideline reporter, gaining extensive exposure to the NBA. In 2017, she expanded her platform by co-hosting the podcast “Road Trippin'” alongside Cavaliers players Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye, recording many early episodes during team road trips. Her contributions to the Cavaliers’ broadcast team were recognized with a pair of Lower Great Lakes Emmy Awards in 2018. That same year, Clifton transitioned to a new role as the pregame show host for Los Angeles Lakers telecasts on Spectrum SportsNet, coinciding with LeBron James’ move to the Lakers.

A notable milestone in Clifton’s career occurred on February 14, 2024, when she became the first woman to call a Lakers game as an analyst on Spectrum SportsNet, working alongside play-by-play announcer Bill Macdonald. This achievement highlights her continued ascendancy and impact in sports broadcasting, further solidifying her position as an influential voice in the industry. Her career illustrates a consistent path of dedication and professional growth within sports media.