For the first NBA season since 2001-02, the league has returned to NBC airwaves.<\/p>\n
It’s been known for well-over a year that NBC would be back in the NBA’s broadcast lineup — but the official arrival of the “NBA on NBC” didn’t come until Tuesday night, which was opening day for the 2025-26 season. While ESPN and Amazon’s first broadcasts under the new rights deal remain to be seen, NBC was first in the league’s spotlight.<\/p>\n
NBA on NBC’s official return — which featured a doubleheader, the Houston Rockets<\/a> vs. Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> and the Golden State Warriors<\/a> vs. Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> — included looks at new analysts like Carmelo Anthony, the return of its iconic “Roundball Rock” theme, and a special halftime interview with Michael Jordan.<\/p>\n For the most part, fans were into the nostalgia of NBC’s debut NBA broadcast for 2025-26. However, there were a few hiccups along the way Tuesday night and other aspects fans didn’t enjoy.<\/p>\n Here’s a full breakdown of NBC’s debut broadcast for the 2025-26 NBA season, including top social media reactions to various parts of the production.<\/p>\n MORE: Meet the full “NBA on NBC” crew for 2025-26, from Vince Carter to Reggie Miller<\/a><\/p>\n NBA on NBC opening night top moments<\/p>\n Here were some of the key features, moments and interviews from NBC’s first NBA broadcast of 2025-26.<\/p>\n ‘Roundball Rock’ return<\/p>\n Many fans were looking forward to the return of NBC’s iconic intro music, the song called “Roundball Rock.”\u00a0Synonymous for many fans to the iconic basketball moments of the 1990s, Tuesday marked the return of the theme.<\/p>\n A few hours before its broadcast began, NBC released a return video that highlighted current NBA players, the Michael Jordan and 1990s era of the “NBA on NBC,” the return of the “Roundball Rock” song and more.<\/p>\n Some of the top NBA stars were asked what they remember about the old “NBA on NBC.”<\/p>\n ABSOLUTE CHILLS.<\/p>\n Cue up Roundball Rock \u2026 the NBA is BACK on NBC and Peacock. \ud83c\udfc0\ud83e\udd29 pic.twitter.com\/bd745aFqMg<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Here was the full intro to Rockets-Thunder as “Roundball Rock” played.<\/p>\n Here it is… John Tesh’s ‘Roundball Rock’ to tip off the return of the ‘NBA on NBC’ and the 2025-26 NBA season.<\/p>\n Mike Tirico has the Rockets-Thunder call for NBC. \ud83c\udfc0 \ud83d\udcfa \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f \ud83c\udfb6 #NBA<\/a> #NBC<\/a> #NBAonNBC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Mselz8qkfW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 21, 2025<\/a>New analysts, broadcast crews<\/p>\n A large majority of NBC’s new NBA crew is already well-known by sports and NBA fans, such as Reggie Miller and Grant Hill having worked for TNT, and play-by-play announcers Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle having covered the NFL for the network. Still, there were a few new faces.<\/p>\n Carmelo Anthony and Tracy McGrady made more official TV broadcast debuts on the pregame show.<\/p>\n First look at NBC\u2019s \u2018NBA Showtime\u2019 pregame crew \ud83d\udc40\u2b50\ufe0f<\/p>\n \u25aa\ufe0f Maria Taylor \u2014 Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Additionally, Tirico led the broadcast for Rockets-Thunder, already known for his role on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” NFL coverage. He was joined by analysts Jamal Crawford and Reggie Miller.<\/p>\n Here’s the moment that crew got on the air:<\/p>\n Mike Tirico, Jamal Crawford, and Reggie Miller are set to call Rockets-Thunder in the return of the NBA on NBC to open the season. \ud83c\udfc0 \ud83d\udcfa \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f #NBA<\/a> #NBC<\/a> #NBAonNBC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Ah4gW463aQ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 21, 2025<\/a>Audio, technical issues<\/p>\n It was likely that at least one new NBA media rights partner would experience early hiccups — and it turned out, that was NBC on opening night.<\/p>\n On the pregame broadcast to Rockets vs. Thunder, analysts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady joined host Maria Taylor to highlight the upcoming game and other NBA storylines. But just a few minutes into that show, audio issues struck.<\/p>\n The broadcast paused and blacked out for a few moments not long after it came on. The analysts also said they couldn’t hear each other at one point, and static went over the broadcast for over five seconds when McGrady was talking, causing Carter to hand him a different mic. A camera also focused on McGrady a bit too long when he wasn’t talking.<\/p>\n Here’s a full look the up-and-down opening five minutes of “NBA on NBC,” with multiple audio issues pregame:<\/p>\n NBC comes on the air for an NBA broadcast for the first time in 23 years… and it’s marred by audio issues \ud83d\ude2c pic.twitter.com\/5Z1Wc9uVIb<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 21, 2025<\/a>New scorebug<\/p>\n Sports fans have paid more attention to a broadcast’s unique scorebug at the bottom of their screen over the years. So, with NBC’s debut NBA broadcast, that aspect of the production was certainly under some watchful eyes.<\/p>\n Here is the network’s scorebug for NBA games:<\/p>\n Here’s a look at the ‘NBA on NBC’ scorebug in action on NBC.<\/p>\n It’s the same as the one we saw in the preseason on Peacock, but with the NBC logo swapping in. \ud83c\udfc0\ud83d\udcfa #NBA<\/a> #NBC<\/a> #NBAonNBC<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/xRu5Y3OQHu<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/dFjmrdWnqj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 22, 2025<\/a>Pregame segments<\/p>\n Before the Thunder vs. Rockets matchup, Maria Taylor interviewed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams about their relationship, banner night and more.<\/p>\n Taylor also hit on Gilgeous-Alexander’s unique outfits:<\/p>\n Maria Taylor learns about the relationship of the Thunder’s young core ahead of NBA Tip-Off. \ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/VKhMUYnukh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n STREAM:\u00a0Sign up to watch NBA games live on Peacock during 2025-26 season<\/a><\/p>\n NBA on NBC opening night reactions<\/p>\n The audio and technical issues were a rough start for NBC on Tuesday night, causing some fans to criticize the network on social media.<\/p>\n I absolutely love that the NBA on NBC is back.<\/p>\n But this is not a great start. pic.twitter.com\/yYDrhsd25I<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Matt Burke (@matt_burke_44) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n NBC execs seeing mics cut out on their opening NBA night pic.twitter.com\/k2AjTZKGvj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Josh (@jetsfan24x7) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Still, the nostalgia hit quickly. Many enjoyed the pre-broadcast hype video NBC released, highlighting the network’s 1990s era covering the league, along with the feeling the intro to the broadcast brought.<\/p>\n Please watch this. As we all hoped, NBC absolutely nails integrating their precious 90s nostalgia into the modern day game through a two and a half minute storytelling experience. Wonderfully edited, produced, the perfect about of Michael Jordan, AND THE UPDATED PEACOCK LASER. https:\/\/t.co\/qwsCSwLm9P<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Growing up no sport was bigger than NBA ON NBC\u2026. NO SPORT https:\/\/t.co\/eFRYSj3PR1<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n OH ITS HERE AND ITS BEAUTIFUL<\/p>\n NBA on NBC<\/p>\n HIT IT.<\/p>\n pic.twitter.com\/dQyJQoJaXY<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n How the NBA on NBC feels right now. pic.twitter.com\/d4wWoEkKMD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Kev Kelly (@_KevKells) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n actual chills watching this NBC broadcast<\/p>\n this is how you celebrate a league<\/p>\n \u2014 Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n NBA on NBC pregame<\/p>\n * Opening excellent<\/p>\n * Tirico has moved into tier of voice instantly means big event<\/p>\n * Pregame show is a work in progress, analysts didn’t say one memorable thing, probably need to add a strong personality to give it some spice and depth<\/p>\n \u2014 Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n I smile every single time watching that NBC logo switch from SD to HD while Roundball Rock plays. 10\/10 no notes<\/p>\n \u2014 Master (@MasterTes) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The artificial intelligence voice of Jim Fagan to say “This is the NBA on NBC” drew mixed reactions, though.\u00a0<\/p>\n A couple of notes. Great montage, great job recreating the opening graphic of the NBA wordmark over the court. NBC lasers were somewhat janky, but OK.<\/p>\n But the Fagan AI “This is the NBA on NBC” is a “no.” This is one situation where you don’t need AI, just use the original. https:\/\/t.co\/gyqmv4AkaE<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Sports Media Watch (@paulsen_smw) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The NBA on NBC is using AI to recreate the voice of longtime promo announcer Jim Fagan.<\/p>\n Kind of awesome. Sports should do the same for PA announcers like Bob Sheppard or have Pat Summerall introduce The Masters. pic.twitter.com\/HRpKdiiGwL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Matt Burke (@matt_burke_44) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Everything about this is \ud83d\udd25 except Jim Fagan as the announcer. Having him recreated in AI is weird, especially since there\u2019s so many voice actors who could\u2019ve capably done the job, even if they chose a Fagan soundalike. https:\/\/t.co\/KLNpYdRBGO<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jeremy Nelson (@houseoftrivia) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n As for the broadcast debut of Carmelo Anthony, some fans were confused as to why he wasn’t wearing a suit. He opted for more of a sweatsuit in the pregame show.<\/p>\n Carmelo thought this was a Podcast. He on the NBC set with a quarter zip up \ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23 pic.twitter.com\/F4cFuqys2v<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Does Carmelo Anthony think he is the Fabolous of the NBA? Dude couldn’t wear a suit on opening night?<\/p>\n \u2014 Lance Roberson (@lance_972) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Still, the reactions to the new Hill-McGrady-Carter-Anthony crew were mostly positive, despite the initial audio issues.<\/p>\n Maria Taylor, Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are a fireeee team already. #NBAonNBC<\/a> \ud83e\udd9a<\/p>\n \u2014 Razzl\u00e9 Dazzl\u00e9 \ud83e\ude84 (@KandidlyKrys) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n NBA On NBC (NBA Showtime) studio crew with Maria Taylor, Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady already DESTROYS anything on ESPN but obviously still falls short of the iconic Inside The NBA On TNT crew.<\/p>\n I have a feeling that will be a shared and similar sentiment.<\/p>\n \u2014 Ian Cameron (@bobanobets) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The Tirico-Crawford-Miller trio also seemed to be a hit, calling the first game of the evening.<\/p>\n This NBC broadcast group is such a breath of fresh air<\/p>\n It’s early but Tirico, Miller, & Crawford is fun<\/p>\n Jamal Crawford in particular is one of those gifts to basketball, from playing to all the ways of articulating the game<\/p>\n \u2014 Stephen PridGeon-Garner \ud83c\udfc1 (@StephenPG3) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Jamal Crawford is a natural for commentary<\/p>\n \u2014 500 \ud83c\udfce (@Kameron_Hay) October 22, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n I know some were critical of the pregame show on NBC, but the actual broadcast crew of Mike Tirico, Jamal Crawford, and Reggie Miller are awesome. Tirico is one of the best to ever talk into a mic, Crawford gives great info, and Reggie brings the energy. Great chemistry.<\/p>\n \u2014 Sam Humphreys (@SamHumphreys34) October 22, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Another negative aspect that likely had to do with OKC’s ring night: a delayed start. New York Knicks<\/a> player Josh Hart was among those who didn’t like waiting for the game to start on NBC.<\/p>\n It\u2019s 7:42pm and the 7:30pm game hasn\u2019t started yet. The NBA is so back \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffd<\/p>\n \u2014 Josh Hart (@joshhart) October 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0The story behind NBA on NBC’s iconic ‘Roundball Rock’ theme song<\/a><\/p>\n
\u25aa\ufe0f Carmelo Anthony
\u25aa\ufe0f Vince Carter
\u25aa\ufe0f Tracy McGrady pic.twitter.com\/tcjydnjKsM<\/a><\/p>\n