Detroit Pistons Win Prestigious 2025-26 Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award
In a recognition that many around the league feel was long overdue, the Detroit Pistons communications team has officially claimed the prestigious 2025-26 Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award. This honor, bestowed by the Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA), signals a new benchmark for excellence in NBA media relations and highlights the team's unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and access.
Key Points:
- The Detroit Pistons PR staff earned the 2025-26 Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award.
- Led by Chief Communications Officer Kevin Grigg, the team prioritizes respect and cooperation with journalists.
- This marks the Pistons' inaugural victory for the highly respected award.
- The accolade celebrates outstanding professionalism and transparency in NBA communications.
Detroit's Communications Team Earns Top Honors
Announced on April 14, 2026, the Pistons' communications unit was lauded for consistently exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism and excellence. The award recognizes the critical role media relations plays in facilitating accurate and insightful coverage of the league.
The powerhouse team behind this success includes Chief Communications Officer Kevin Grigg, Vice President of Public Relations Cletus Lewis, Senior Director of Communications Michael Horan, Senior Manager of Public Relations Corey Moore, and Public Relations Coordinator Savannah Strawter. Their collective efforts have clearly resonated across the industry.
Setting the Standard: Why the Pistons Shined
What truly sets the Pistons' staff apart is their proactive approach to fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. This commitment extends not only to local beat reporters but also to national journalists covering the broader NBA landscape.
PBWA President Howard Beck highlighted this, stating, "The Pistons' resurgence has put this franchise back in the national spotlight – but everyone who covers the league knows that the Pistons' PR staff has been elite for many years. If anything, this award feels overdue." This dedication to open communication ensures fans receive the most comprehensive and nuanced stories.
The Race for Excellence: Other Contenders
While the Pistons ultimately took home the top prize, the competition was fierce. The Washington Wizards' media relations team secured second place in the final balloting, demonstrating their own high level of performance.
Other distinguished finalists, nominated by PBWA members for their outstanding work, included the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, and Houston Rockets. The winner was determined through a vote of the entire PBWA membership, underscoring the broad consensus on the Pistons' deserving victory.
Honoring the Best: The Brian McIntyre Legacy
This marks the first time the Detroit Pistons have won the Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award, an honor established in the 2006-07 season. The award is named after Brian McIntyre, a former long-time director of public relations for the NBA, whose legacy continues to inspire excellence in the field.
The PBWA annually recognizes not only exceptional PR staffs but also coaches (with the Rudy Tomjanovich Award) and star players (with the Magic Johnson Award) who go above and beyond in their interactions with the media. Since 2020, the PBWA has implemented a rule preventing any team or individual from winning in consecutive years, ensuring a broader recognition of talent across the league.
