NBC Sports took back NBA broadcast rights in a landmark, 11-year deal that begins with the 2025-26 season. Now the company has named its lead play-by-play voice.
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According to a Jan. 22 press release, longtime broadcaster Mike Tirico will continue to be the voice of NBC Sports as he leads coverage of the NBA. NBC Sports states that the veteran broadcaster will call select games early next season, starting with the NBA season opener in October 2025.
Once Tirico's NFL and Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games coverage concludes in February 2026, he will begin calling one or more NBA games per week.
"We are excited that Big Event Mike Tirico will be returning to his courtside seat as the NBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock," said Sam Flood, Executive Producer of NBC Sports.
"From the Olympics to 'Sunday Night Football' to major golf championships and now the NBA, Mike is the most versatile voice in sports."
This will mark a reunion for Tirico and the sports league considering that he previously spent 15 seasons (2002-16) calling games for ESPN. The press release says he called roughly 375 regular-season and playoff games for ESPN, ABC, and ESPN Radio.
Tirico was the play-by-play voice of the NBA Finals for ESPN Radio in 2007-09, 2011, 2013, and 2015. Additionally, he was the main studio host for ESPN's NBA coverage.
"I could not be more thrilled about returning courtside to call NBA games," Tirico said in a press release. "My 15 years of chronicling the best basketball players in the world still stands as one of the highlights of my career.
"Like so many others, my love of the league took hold during the unforgettable days of the NBA on NBC back in the '90s. The chance to be a part of the team bringing that iconic partnership back to life has us incredibly excited."
Tirico is the third high-profile figure named to NBC Sports' coverage of the NBA. He joins Emmy Award-winning producer Frank DiGraci and former player-turned-analyst Jamal Crawford.
NBC Sports has not provided its full coverage plans for the 11-year media rights deal. However, the broadcaster has dropped some details.
For example, Peacock will stream exclusive national Monday night games. NBC and Peacock will present national coverage of regional doubleheaders on Tuesday nights. Starting in 2026, the broadcast partner will launch "Sunday Night Basketball" on Peacock and NBC.
