The NBA will return to NBC in October 2025, marking its first broadcasts on the network in over 20 years, featuring regular season games, playoffs, and the new Sunday Night Basketball starting in 2026. NBC Sports announced a revamped broadcast team, including Derek Fisher and Austin Rivers, to cover approximately 75 games per season on broadcast TV, a significant jump from the 15 games in the prior deal. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, on the “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash, proposed a new Best Offensive Player (OPOY) award, inspired by the NFL, to highlight individual offensive impact. The move by NBC and LeBron’s idea aim to boost the league’s reach and reshape how player contributions are recognized, with the season kicking off on October 21.
The return of NBC, which aired the NBA from 1990 to 2002, brings back the iconic “Roundball Rock” theme by John Tesh, blending nostalgia with modern broadcast approaches. LeBron’s OPOY proposal has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about refining individual award criteria.
- Key NBA updates for 2025:
- NBC to broadcast 75 games per season on TV.
- Sunday Night Basketball launches in 2026.
- LeBron James proposes OPOY award.
- Season starts on October 21, 2025.
NBC’s return to NBA coverage
The NBA’s renewed partnership with NBC is part of an 11-year, $76 billion media deal with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon. NBC will air about 75 games per season on broadcast TV, a major increase from the previous 15, focusing on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon matchups. Starting in 2026, Sunday Night Basketball will fill the slot left by the NFL’s Sunday Night Football, showcasing top NBA games.
NBC will also cover the NBA All-Star events, including Rising Stars and the All-Star Game, plus 28 playoff games in the first two rounds, with at least half on broadcast TV. The network will alternate with Amazon to air one conference final in six of the 11 contract years.
- Highlights of NBC’s coverage:
- 75 games per season on broadcast TV.
- Sunday Night Basketball debuts in 2026.
- NBA All-Star and playoff games included.
- Streaming available via Peacock.
New broadcast team
NBC Sports unveiled a refreshed broadcast crew, adding Michael Grady, Brad Daugherty, Derek Fisher, Robbie Hummel, and Austin Rivers, alongside Brian Scalabrine. The mix of former players and familiar voices aims to appeal to both longtime fans and younger audiences. The return of John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock” as the theme song adds a nostalgic touch, evoking memories of the NBA’s 1990s era on NBC.
Games will also stream on Peacock, with exclusive Monday night broadcasts and regional doubleheaders on Tuesdays. International coverage will extend to Europe via Sky Sports, the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa, expanding the NBA’s global footprint.
LeBron’s OPOY proposal
On the “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash, LeBron James suggested creating a Best Offensive Player (OPOY) award, modeled after the NFL’s equivalent. He argues the current MVP award mixes criteria like individual stats, leadership, and team success, often leading to debates. An OPOY would focus solely on offensive contributions, such as points, assists, and efficiency, regardless of team outcomes.
In the 2024-25 season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won MVP over Nikola Jokić, who averaged a triple-double, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. LeBron noted that an OPOY could have honored Jokić’s offensive dominance, while the MVP went to the leader of the championship-winning Oklahoma City Thunder.
- LeBron’s case for OPOY:
- Clarifies MVP criteria to reduce disputes.
- Rewards individual offensive impact.
- Draws inspiration from NFL’s OPOY award.
- Separates team success from personal performance.
Debate over NBA awards
LeBron’s proposal fuels ongoing discussions about how the NBA evaluates players. The MVP award weighs individual performance, stats, and team success, often sparking controversy. For instance, Jokić’s 2024-25 averages of 28.8 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 10.1 assists made him a strong MVP candidate, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder title clinched the award. An OPOY could highlight players like Jokić for their unique offensive contributions.
Existing awards, like Defensive Player of the Year and Sixth Man, already recognize specific roles. Adding an OPOY would align the NBA with the NFL’s approach, potentially celebrating a wider range of playing styles and reducing debates over MVP selections.
Expanding NBA’s reach
NBC’s return comes as the NBA seeks to grow its audience. Alongside broadcast TV, streaming on Peacock, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video ensures all national games are accessible digitally. The NBA App will serve as a hub for fans to follow games, enhancing user experience.
The deal also includes WNBA and USA Basketball coverage, strengthening NBC’s commitment to the sport. High-profile games, like Christmas Day matchups and the final day of the regular season, aim to draw massive viewership, especially with stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry still active.
- Broadcast innovations:
- NBA App as central hub for game access.
- Exclusive Monday night games on Peacock.
- WNBA and USA Basketball coverage included.
- 75 broadcast TV games per season.
