Roundball Rocked: With NBA Return Looming, NBC Purges Scripted Roster

NBC is making a significant shift in its programming strategy as it prepares for the return of NBA broadcasts in the 2025–26 season. The network is reportedly reducing its scripted content to accommodate a robust slate of live basketball coverage, marking a major pivot in its primetime lineup.

NBA Returns to NBC: A New Era Begins

After more than two decades, NBC is re-entering the NBA broadcasting arena through an 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal that also includes Amazon and Disney. Starting in the 2025–26 season, NBC will air up to 100 NBA games annually, including exclusive national broadcasts on Sundays and Tuesdays, as well as Monday night games streamed on Peacock. The network will also host the NBA All-Star Game and six Conference Finals series over the duration of the agreement .

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"Roundball Rock" Makes a Triumphant Return

In a nod to nostalgia, NBC is bringing back John Tesh’s iconic "Roundball Rock" theme song, which originally accompanied NBA broadcasts from 1990 to 2002. The announcement was made during NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage, featuring NBA stars Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and concluded with Tesh himself at the keyboard .

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AI Revives Legendary Voice for NBA Promos

Adding to the nostalgic elements, NBC plans to use artificial intelligence to recreate the voice of the late Jim Fagan, a beloved narrator from the network's original NBA coverage. With permission from Fagan's family, his AI-generated voice will feature in promotional materials, aiming to evoke memories of NBC's storied basketball broadcasts .

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Star-Studded Broadcast Team Assembled

NBC is assembling a high-profile team for its NBA coverage. Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony will join as a studio analyst, bringing insights from his illustrious 19-year NBA career . The broadcast team will also feature Mike Tirico as the lead play-by-play announcer, with Noah Eagle and Jamal Crawford contributing to game analysis .

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Scripted Programming Takes a Backseat

To accommodate the extensive NBA coverage, NBC is reportedly scaling back its scripted programming. This strategic shift reflects the network's commitment to live sports as a cornerstone of its content strategy, aiming to attract a broad audience base and capitalize on the NBA's popularity.

As NBC gears up for the NBA's return, viewers can anticipate a blend of nostalgic elements and fresh perspectives, signaling a new chapter in sports broadcasting.

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