Bob Costas Returns to NBC Sports for Sunday Night Baseball

Bob Costas, a renowned sportscaster with nearly four decades at NBC, is set to return to the network as the host of the pre-game show for its new "Sunday Night Baseball" package. This marks a significant shift as NBC takes over Major League Baseball's Sunday night telecast from ESPN, which held the rights for 36 years. The inaugural game will feature the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26, 2026, at Dodger Stadium, coinciding with MLB's Opening Day.

NBC SportsUSA TodayVariety MagazineBob Costas returns to NBC Sports after previous near-4-decade run

Costas, 73, previously served as a play-by-play voice and host for NBC Sports’ MLB coverage for 15 seasons, from 1982 to 1989 and again from 1994 to 2000. His contributions to baseball broadcasting were recognized with the Ford Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018. Throughout his career, Costas has hosted numerous high-profile events, including 12 Olympic Games and seven Super Bowls, and has garnered 29 Sports Emmy Awards.

NBC SportsBob Costas returns to NBC Sports after previous near-4-decade runVariety Magazine

Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports, expressed enthusiasm about Costas' return, stating, “There is no more knowledgeable, authoritative and passionate voice on baseball than Bob Costas.” Costas himself reflected on his career, noting, “As appreciative as I am of other aspects of my career... my true broadcasting home was NBC.”

Bob Costas returns to NBC Sports after previous near-4-decade runNBC SportsVariety Magazine

NBC's Sunday Night Baseball will air on both NBC and its streaming service, Peacock. The network plans to utilize this primetime slot primarily during the summer months, while broadcasts may shift to Peacock during the overlap with the NBA and NFL seasons. NBC is also in the process of building its MLB broadcast infrastructure, with reports indicating potential hires, including Clayton Kershaw for studio work.

USA Today

NBC's announcement highlighted the significance of Costas' return, emphasizing his historical role in shaping baseball broadcasting. Costas acknowledged the opportunity to conclude his career at NBC, stating, “I am very grateful to Rick Cordella and Sam Flood for inviting me back in an emeritus role to conclude my career where so much of it played out.”

Bob Costas returns to NBC Sports after previous near-4-decade run

While the announcement has been met with excitement, some critics have raised concerns about NBC's ability to effectively manage the MLB package, given its recent history of sports broadcasting. The transition from ESPN, which had established a strong viewer base, may present challenges in attracting and retaining audiences.

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As the March 26 debut approaches, NBC Sports is expected to finalize its broadcast team and infrastructure for the new MLB package. The network aims to leverage Costas' extensive experience to enhance its baseball coverage and attract viewers to its Sunday night slot.

Variety Magazine

• “There is no more knowledgeable, authoritative and passionate voice on baseball than Bob Costas.” — Rick Cordella, President, NBC Sports

NBC Sports

• “As appreciative as I am of other aspects of my career, especially HBO and the MLB Network, for 40 years, my true broadcasting home was NBC,” — Bob Costas, Broadcaster

Variety Magazine