Milwaukee Bucks hire Melanie Ricks as sideline and digital reporter

Milwaukee native served last 11 seasons as the team’s in-arena host

MILWAUKEE (Aug. 1, 2023) – The Milwaukee Bucks have hired Melanie Ricks as the team’s new sideline reporter for Bucks games on Bally Sports Wisconsin and as the digital reporter for the Bucks in-house content team.

Ricks, who served as the fill-in sideline reporter for Bucks games during the 2022-23 season, joins the broadcast team full-time after spending the last 11 seasons as the team’s in-arena host. A Milwaukee native, Ricks studied broadcast journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has been involved with the Bucks since the age of 12 when she started as a junior dancer. During her tenure with the organization, the Brown Deer High School graduate has danced with the junior and adult dance teams and most recently served as a coach for the 414 Crew, in addition to being the team’s in-arena host since 2012.

Outside of her work with the Bucks, Ricks hosts her own daily radio show, “Nothin’ But The Truth with Melanie Ricks” on 101.7 The Truth in Milwaukee. She also sits on the board for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin.

In her career, Ricks has hosted a number of high-profile events, serving as the in-arena host for three NBA All-Star Games and participating in four total NBA All-Star Games. She was also the in-arena host for the NBA Global Games in Abu Dhabi during the 2022 preseason and hosted the 2020 Ryder Cup Opening Ceremonies.

“Melanie’s storytelling abilities and experience with the Bucks organization will make her a great addition to Bucks games on Bally Sports Wisconsin,” said Peter Feigin, President of the Bucks and Fiserv Forum. “We’re excited for her to tell the stories of Bucks basketball and Fiserv Forum throughout the season, and we look forward to Bucks fans getting to know her better in this new role.”

“As a Milwaukee native and longtime member of the Bucks organization, I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter with such an exciting team,” Ricks said. “I’m humbled to be able to tell the stories of this team and organization, continuing the legacy of those who came before me. The Bucks organization has been like a family to me from the moment I started and I can’t wait to begin this season.”  

“We’re excited to have Melanie join our Bucks broadcasts on a full-time basis,” said Tony Tortorici, Executive Producer of Bally Sports Wisconsin. “Melanie’s energy, enthusiasm and connection to our fanbase will help elevate our telecasts.”

Ricks will join the Bucks’ broadcast team of Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson and Steve Novak.