Story perspectives

NBA Returns to NBC with Sunday Night Basketball Launch

10/7/2025

Summary

Story summary

NBC and the NBA will launch "Sunday Night Basketball" on February 1, 2026, after 23 years.
Lenny Kravitz will perform the opening theme, akin to Carrie Underwood's role in "Sunday Night Football."
The first broadcast features the Lakers vs. Knicks and Thunder vs. Nuggets.
NBC plans to air 100 regular season games and 40 playoff games over 11 years, including an annual All-Star Weekend game.
"Basketball Night in America," hosted by Maria Taylor, will serve as the pregame show.

1 of 1

Story summary

NBC and the NBA will launch "Sunday Night Basketball" on February 1, 2026, after 23 years.
Lenny Kravitz will perform the opening theme, akin to Carrie Underwood's role in "Sunday Night Football."
The first broadcast features the Lakers vs. Knicks and Thunder vs. Nuggets.
NBC plans to air 100 regular season games and 40 playoff games over 11 years, including an annual All-Star Weekend game.
"Basketball Night in America," hosted by Maria Taylor, will serve as the pregame show.