As per a report by Richard Deitsch from The Athletic, it is expected that the skilled commentator Mike Tirico will be leading the top broadcast team when the NBA makes its return to NBC in the autumn of 2025.
An 11-year contract on a fresh media rights deal has been confirmed by the NBA with ESPN/ABC, Amazon Prime, and NBC.
In addition, Rick Cordella, the president of NBC Sports, disclosed to Deitsch that another goal for the network is the introduction of an hour-long studio program.
Cordella explained, “Our objective is to craft an exceptional studio show and recruit proficient individuals to focus on the featured game of the week in cooperation with the NBA to deliver the premier match-up possible at that juncture of the season. We have experienced notable success with Sunday Football and the prospect of Sunday Night Basketball seemed like a natural extension for us at NBC Sports outside of the football season.”
“We have a vacant broadcast slot (post the NFL season). We pitched this idea to the NBA, and it was warmly accepted as it is a simple and clear-cut concept.”
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The NBA is making a comeback – Autumn 2025 on NBC and Peacock. pic.twitter.com/xz6hOVbpZE
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) July 24, 2024
Further insights into NBC’s possible NBA coverage plans were shared by Jon Lewis from Sports Media Watch.
“Under the new agreement, NBC Sports’ NBA coverage could encompass as many as five games every week — a Peacock Monday double feature, NBC’s two games on Tuesday nights, and the prime Sunday night slot — which may necessitate a formidable lineup,” Lewis highlighted. “It is likely that NBC will also showcase Noah Eagle, the primary voice for Olympic basketball this year.”
Aged 57, Tirico stepped into the role of primary play-by-play commentator for NBC’s Sunday Night Football in 2022.
Image Credit: Mike Tirico @ Instagram
