The NBA is Back on NBC and Peacock, But Who’s Calling the Shots?
Basketball fans, rejoice! The NBA is returning to NBC and making its grand debut on Peacock, starting just one week from today. But here’s where it gets exciting: NBC Sports has unveiled its star-studded lineup of broadcasters for the first two weeks of the 2025-26 NBA season, kicking off on October 21. And this is the part most people miss—the network is pulling out all the stops to ensure an unforgettable viewing experience, from iconic theme music to a mix of veteran and fresh voices in the booth.
A Star-Studded Lineup Takes Center Stage
The action begins with the NBA Tip-Off on October 21, featuring the Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Mike Tirico will handle play-by-play duties, joined by analysts Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford, with Zora Stephenson reporting from the sidelines. Maria Taylor will host the studio show alongside analysts Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this lineup too stacked, or just the right mix of experience and charisma?
Later that night, the Golden State Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers at 10 p.m. ET, with Noah Eagle on play-by-play, Grant Hill as analyst, and Ashley ShahAhmadi reporting. Ahmed Fareed will host the studio show with Tracy McGrady providing insights. And this is the part most people miss—the network is strategically pairing analysts with teams they’ve historically been associated with, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the coverage.
Peacock’s Bold Move: ‘On the Bench’
Starting October 27, Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three games nationwide each Monday night, complete with a 30-minute studio program. The debut of ‘On the Bench’ introduces a unique twist: analysts Robbie Hummel and Austin Rivers will be seated courtside, offering real-time analysis during the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons game at 7 p.m. ET. But here’s where it gets controversial—will this courtside setup distract players, or enhance the viewer experience? Let us know in the comments!
Coast 2 Coast Tuesday: A Doubleheader Delight
Beginning October 28, Coast 2 Coast Tuesday will bring doubleheaders to NBC and Peacock, with games tailored to Eastern, Central, Pacific, and Mountain time zones. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock, preceded by a 30-minute studio program. The New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks at 8 p.m. ET will feature Tirico, Miller, and Crawford, while the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors at 11 p.m. ET will have Terry Gannon and Grant Hill calling the action. And this is the part most people miss—the network is reviving the iconic Roundball Rock theme song, paired with an AI-generated voice of the late Jim Fagan, to evoke nostalgia for its original NBA coverage era.
Sunday Night Basketball: A Primetime Power Play
After the NFL season wraps in 2026, NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball on February 1, 2026, across NBC and Peacock. The show will pause briefly for the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Game, and the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, but will resume on February 22. A one-hour, on-site studio program will lead into each game, featuring four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Lenny Kravitz in the show open. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this primetime slot a game-changer, or will it struggle to compete with other Sunday night programming?
A Historic 11-Year Partnership
In July 2024, NBCUniversal and the NBA announced an 11-year agreement to broadcast NBA and WNBA games across multiple platforms, starting with the 2025-26 season. This deal includes up to 100 regular-season NBA games annually, All-Star Weekend, and the NBA Playoffs. But here’s where it gets controversial—with so many games spread across platforms, will viewers feel overwhelmed, or will this accessibility boost the league’s global appeal?
Behind the Scenes: The Team Behind the Magic
Emmy Award-winning producer Frank DiGraci will serve as the NBA coordinating producer, ensuring seamless coverage. The network has also assembled a dream team of analysts, including Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, Grant Hill, and studio analysts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady. Maria Taylor and Ahmed Fareed will host studio shows, while Mike Tirico, Noah Eagle, Terry Gannon, and Michael Grady handle play-by-play duties. But here’s where it gets controversial—with so many big names, will egos clash, or will this diversity of voices elevate the broadcast?
Final Thoughts: A New Era of NBA Coverage
As the NBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock, the network is leaving no stone unturned to deliver a premium viewing experience. From innovative broadcasting formats to nostalgic touches, this season promises to be unforgettable. But here’s the ultimate question: Will this new era of NBA coverage live up to the hype, or will it fall short of fan expectations? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
