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Announcer Bill Raftery Trying To Trademark ‘Onions’ Catchphrase

By Sam Richmond

Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Radio and TV analyst Bill Raftery does a radio program before the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sean Dougherty-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Radio and TV analyst Bill Raftery does a radio program before the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sean Dougherty-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bill Raftery is attempting to trademark his most famous catchphrases, including “Onions.”

One of the most recognizable voices in college basketball, Bill Raftery is trying to trying to trademark his most recognizable catchphrases.

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ESPN’s Darren Rovell is reporting that the announcer has filed trademarks for “Onions” and “With a kiss.”

Rovell writes:

"Bill Raftery is seeking to protect his catchphrases during sports broadcasts and on athletic apparel. Raftery said in the past he wasn’t preoccupied with owning what he uttered, but he recently decided to see “what direction it goes in.”(…)Over the years, Raftery, who worked for ESPN for 32 years and now is the lead basketball analyst on Fox Sports 1, used “Onions” frequently in his college basketball broadcasts. Another one of Raftery’s favorites is “With a kiss,” which means a shot off the backboard.Raftery said the idea of getting a deal with Hershey’s, which has an official sponsorship with the NCAA, has been brought up several times."

Raftery is smart to attempt to protect what is his and profit off what he brings to his broadcasts.

Before announcing, Raftery worked as a college basketball coach. He coached Seton Hall from 1970-1981 where he racked up 154 wins and 141 losses. He also coached basketball and golf at Fairleigh Dickinson University during his pre-broadcasting career.

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