NBC Teases NBA Return With Carmelo Anthony, Reggie Miller & More

NBC was quick to remind fans that professional basketball will return to its airwaves this fall. The network announced its NBA comeback with a dramatic 45-second spot during Sunday night’s NFL matchup between Buffalo and Baltimore, blending nostalgia with fresh star power. The promo heavily emphasized the spectacle that fans usually witness during NBA team introductions. In a playful montage, Grant Hill ripped off his warm-up jacket to reveal a sharp suit and tie. Vince Carter casually slipped on a headset as he was checking in from the scorer’s table. Reggie Miller signed a dress shoe for a fan before tightening his tie, even mocking his infamous ‘choke’ gesture. The stacked broadcast lineup was completed by Tracy McGrady, Carmelo Anthony, and Jamal Crawford, giving viewers a glimpse of the personalities who will be responsible for NBC’s coverage.

The moment came to a close when Mike Tirico, the play-by-play voice, stood alongside Oklahoma City Thunder players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. When Tirico proudly declared, “That’s my team,” the Thunder trio responded with perfect comedic timing. “Are we supposed to play them?” Gilgeous-Alexander asked, drawing laughs while cementing the promo’s crossover appeal.

The spot was used to introduce NBC’s new broadcast crew and generate buzz for the league’s return to the network on October 21. The opening night doubleheader is intended to showcase the NBA’s most talented players. Gilgeous-Alexander and the defending champion Thunder will face Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets in the initial match. In the second game, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors will face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in a classic showdown.

 

Strategic Launch During Sunday Night Football

According to NBC Universal executives, the campaign’s launch during Sunday Night Football was not an accident. As television’s top prime-time program for 14 consecutive years, the NFL showcase provided a massive platform to reach millions of sports fans already tuned in for scheduled viewing. The network has confirmed that the promo will be available in various versions across linear TV, digital platforms, and social media throughout the fall.

“NBA player introductions have always played a big role in getting the arena crowd — and the people watching at home — excited for the game,” Joseph Lee, NBC Universal’s senior vice president for creative marketing, sports and entertainment, said in a statement.

A Historic Return for NBC

The timing couldn’t be more significant. This season is when the NBA begins its innovative 11-year, $76 billion broadcast deal with ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video. This marks the first time NBC has broadcast NBA games since 2002, connecting the league to a brand that helped fuel its explosive growth during the 1990s.

The schedule‘s design keeps basketball in the spotlight all week.

Mondays will feature games on Peacock, Tuesdays on NBC, Wednesdays on ESPN, Thursdays and select Fridays on Prime Video, Fridays also on ESPN, Saturdays split between Prime Video and ABC, and Sundays highlighted by prime-time games on NBC.

This historic broadcast package boasts a nostalgic flair, featuring big-name personalities and a rich historical context.

NBC’s return to the NBA isn’t just a return; it’s a full-court press to recapture the magic of basketball’s golden broadcast era and usher in a new chapter for the league.