NBA on NBC Broadcasts Return After 23-Year Absence

The NBA is officially back on NBC. The network premiered its new coverage on October 21. This marks the return of a beloved sports broadcasting partnership.

NBC last aired NBA games during the 2002 Finals. The league’s return to the network is a major shift in sports media. According to The Athletic, the broadcast leaned heavily on nostalgia for its grand reopening.

Younger Generation of NBA Stars Has No Memory of Original Run

The network revived its iconic “Roundball Rock” theme music. It also showed a tribute montage featuring legends like Michael Jordan. For many fans, it was a welcome blast from the past.

Today’s players, however, did not share the same sentiment. Many were simply too young to remember the original NBC era. Some, like San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, were not even born when it ended.

Player reactions were uniformly humorous and clueless. Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admitted he had “zero” memory of it. His teammate Chet Holmgren was more direct, stating, “I wasn’t alive, man.” The Athletic documented these responses, highlighting a clear generational divide.

Broadcast Receives Mixed Reviews From Critics

The highly anticipated return faced some early technical hurdles. Awful Announcing reported audio issues at the start of the broadcast. The pre-game show also experienced a few conversational stumbles.

The panel featured Maria Taylor with analysts Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter. Their discussion eventually found its footing. Overall, the broadcast’s player interviews and production style were praised.

The opening night delivered the expected nostalgia. However, the mixed critical response suggests there is room for growth. The coverage will likely evolve throughout the season.

The return of the NBA on NBC is a powerful nod to sports history, but its success now depends on winning over a new, younger audience that never knew the original.

Thought you’d like to know-

What was the NBA on NBC?

It was the branding for NBC’s coverage of the National Basketball Association. The network broadcast games from 1990 until 2002.

When did NBC get the NBA rights back?

The deal was officially announced in July of 2024. The new broadcasting agreement began with the 2025-26 NBA season.

What is Roundball Rock?

It is the iconic theme music for the NBA on NBC broadcasts. The song was composed by musician John Tesh.

How did players react to the NBC return?

Many young stars expressed confusion or admitted they were too young to remember it. Their honest reactions highlighted a generational gap with older fans.

What was the critical response to the broadcast?

Initial reviews were mixed. Critics noted some technical issues but praised the nostalgic elements and player-focused segments.