Full Breakdown
NBA Returns to NBC: A New Era of Broadcasting
10/18/2025, 12:09:40 PM
Historic Comeback of NBA on NBC
The NBA is set to return to NBC after a 24-year hiatus, with the season opener scheduled for October 21, 2025. This momentous occasion will feature a doubleheader, beginning with the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Houston Rockets at 7:30 PM ET, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers facing the Golden State Warriors at 10:00 PM ET. The games will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock, marking the first regular-season NBA games on NBC since June 12, 2002.
Excitement Surrounding the Return
Mike Tirico, NBC's lead play-by-play announcer, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We get front row seats for those of us who get to broadcast the games to watch the greatest athletes.” Reggie Miller, a Hall of Famer and analyst, reflected on his past experiences with the network, calling it a “homecoming” and expressing excitement about creating new moments for fans. Jamal Crawford echoed this sentiment, recalling the nostalgic feeling of watching NBA games on NBC during his youth.
Innovations in Broadcasting
NBC Sports is blending nostalgia with modern technology for its NBA broadcasts. The iconic "Roundball Rock" theme music will return, and AI technology will recreate the voice of longtime announcer Jim Fagan. Analysts will be positioned courtside, allowing them to provide unique insights and commentary directly from the action. Executive Producer Sam Flood emphasized the need to meet contemporary audience expectations, stating, “It’s a different expectation from an audience, so we’re going to make sure we meet those expectations as best we can.”
Michael Jordan's Special Contributor Role
Michael Jordan, a six-time NBA champion, will join NBC as a special contributor. His role is expected to provide in-depth insights into the game, focusing on competition, leadership, and success. Cris Collinsworth, an NFL analyst, teased that Jordan's segments will offer a “deep dive into the brain of Michael Jordan,” allowing fans to gain a unique perspective on the legendary player.
Predictions for the Upcoming Season
Analysts have made bold predictions for the 2025-26 NBA season. Reggie Miller suggested that the Oklahoma City Thunder could be forming a dynasty reminiscent of the Chicago Bulls, while he also highlighted the New York Knicks as a team poised to make significant strides this year. Jamal Crawford advised caution regarding Jayson Tatum's recovery from injury, emphasizing the importance of long-term health over immediate returns.
Viewing Options and Schedule
The NBA's new broadcasting landscape includes a significant 11-year, $76 billion TV deal, reshaping how fans access games. The general schedule will feature games on Peacock on Mondays, NBC and Peacock on Tuesdays, ESPN on Wednesdays, and Prime Video on Fridays. The NBA has also introduced a digital initiative called “Tap to Watch,” designed to help fans easily find live games across various platforms.
Conclusion
The return of the NBA on NBC signifies a new chapter in sports broadcasting, combining nostalgic elements with innovative approaches to engage both longtime fans and new audiences. As the season kicks off, viewers can expect a blend of classic NBA moments and modern broadcasting techniques, all while enjoying the insights of basketball legends like Michael Jordan.
