Mike Tirico Named NBC’s Lead NBA Play-By-Play Announcer

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Mike Tirico Named NBC’s Lead NBA Play-By-Play Announcer \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ NBC has officially named Mike Tirico as its lead play-by-play announcer for its NBA coverage starting next season. Tirico, a seasoned broadcaster with extensive NBA experience, will call games on NBC and Peacock, including the season opener in October. NBC’s 11-year NBA contract includes up to 100 regular-season games, All-Star events, and extensive playoff coverage.

Mike Tirico and NBC NBA Coverage: Quick Looks

Mike Tirico’s Appointment: Tirico brings years of NBA broadcasting experience to NBC as its lead announcer.
NBC’s NBA Coverage: The network will air up to 100 regular-season games annually, including exclusive Peacock streams.
Playoff Focus: NBC will broadcast up to 28 playoff games in the first two rounds and select conference finals.
Notable Figures Joining: Jamal Crawford (analyst) and Frank DiGraci (coordinating producer) have joined the NBC team.
Expanded NBA Coverage: NBC will air games on Sunday, Tuesday, and Monday nights, with streaming options on Peacock.

Deep Look

NBC Sports has officially appointed Mike Tirico as its lead play-by-play announcer for the NBA, marking the network’s return to professional basketball coverage for the first time in over two decades. This announcement comes as NBC prepares to roll out its extensive NBA coverage starting in the 2025-26 season, an initiative fueled by an 11-year partnership between the network and the league.

Mike Tirico: A Proven Basketball Broadcaster

Mike Tirico’s selection as NBC’s lead play-by-play announcer is a natural fit, given his rich history in broadcasting the NBA. Before joining NBC in 2016, Tirico spent 15 years at ESPN and ABC, where he called 313 NBA regular-season and playoff games, according to the 506 Sports Archive. He also served as the radio voice for six NBA Finals, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of the game.

Tirico, who will continue his roles with NBC’s NFL and Olympic coverage, expressed excitement about returning to professional basketball broadcasting. “My 15 years of chronicling the best basketball players in the world still stands as one of the highlights of my career,” he said. He also acknowledged the legacy of “NBA on NBC,” which aired from 1990 to 2002, and its influence on a generation of basketball fans.

NBC’s Comprehensive NBA Deal

The 11-year contract between NBC and the NBA represents one of the most significant media deals in the league’s history. It positions NBC as a major player in basketball broadcasting, offering a mix of traditional TV coverage and exclusive streaming options through Peacock.

Here are the key elements of NBC’s NBA coverage:

Regular-Season Games: NBC will air up to 100 games per season, including Sunday night games starting after the NFL season ends.
Midweek Coverage: Tuesday night games will air on NBC, while a Monday night doubleheader will stream exclusively on Peacock.
All-Star Events: NBC will broadcast marquee events such as the All-Star Game and All-Star Saturday Night.
Playoff Games: NBC and Peacock will share coverage of up to 28 playoff games during the first two rounds, with at least half airing on NBC. Additionally, NBC will carry one conference final in six of the 11 years covered by the deal.

This comprehensive package not only brings NBC back into the NBA fold but also signals a shift toward integrating streaming services into major sports broadcasting.

Building the Broadcast Team

Mike Tirico will be the cornerstone of NBC’s NBA coverage, but the network is also assembling a broader team to bring the games to life.

Jamal Crawford: The three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year will serve as a game analyst, bringing firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the modern game.
Frank DiGraci: Appointed as the coordinating producer, DiGraci will oversee the production team to ensure seamless broadcasts.
Noah Eagle: While not officially announced, Eagle is widely expected to join NBC’s coverage due to his experience with college basketball, football, and some NFL games.
Jalen Rose: Currently a college basketball analyst for NBC/Peacock, Rose has a strong background in NBA analysis from his time at ESPN/ABC. He could play a key role in studio or game coverage.

NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood described the process of assembling the team as a “fun challenge.” He emphasized that Tirico, Crawford, and DiGraci provide a strong foundation that will be built upon as the start of the NBA season approaches.

Nostalgia Meets Modern Innovation

NBC’s return to NBA broadcasting brings with it a wave of nostalgia. From 1990 to 2002, the “NBA on NBC” became iconic, with its legendary theme music and memorable moments that defined an era. Fans will be eager to see how NBC balances that legacy with modern innovations to engage today’s audience.

NBC aims to create a unique viewing experience by leveraging its expertise in live sports broadcasting and integrating Peacock’s streaming capabilities. This hybrid approach reflects changing consumer habits and the increasing importance of digital platforms in sports media.

Competition in the NBA Media Landscape

NBC’s return to the NBA coincides with significant shifts in the league’s media landscape.

“Inside the NBA” Moves to ESPN/ABC: As part of a settlement between Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA, the beloved TNT studio show will transition to ESPN/ABC starting next season.
Prime Video Expands NBA Coverage: Amazon’s Prime Video has recruited high-profile figures like Taylor Rooks, Blake Griffin, and Dirk Nowitzki for its studio coverage, further diversifying the league’s broadcast ecosystem.
End of NBA on TNT: This season marks the final year of NBA coverage on TNT, ending a decades-long partnership that has been a staple for basketball fans.

These changes signify a competitive environment in sports broadcasting, with networks vying to deliver engaging content and attract viewers across multiple platforms.

Tirico’s Packed Schedule

While leading NBC’s NBA coverage, Mike Tirico will also maintain his other high-profile roles. He will continue as the voice of “Sunday Night Football,” which includes Super Bowl 60 in February 2026, and serve as the prime-time host for NBC’s coverage of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics later that year.

Tirico’s ability to seamlessly transition between sports and deliver top-tier coverage has made him one of the most respected figures in sports media. His return to the NBA promises to elevate NBC’s broadcasts and set a high standard for its new era of basketball coverage.

Looking Ahead

With its new NBA deal, NBC is poised to reestablish itself as a dominant force in basketball broadcasting. By combining nostalgia with modern production techniques and streaming options, the network aims to appeal to both longtime fans and younger audiences.

As Mike Tirico and his team gear up for the 2025-26 season, NBC’s reentry into the NBA highlights the league’s continued growth and the evolving landscape of sports media. Fans can look forward to a blend of iconic traditions and cutting-edge innovation as the NBA on NBC makes its long-awaited return.