NBC Sports has made a significant announcement regarding its coverage of the NBA, revealing that veteran broadcaster

Mike Tirico will be taking on a prominent role as the lead play-by-play announcer for the network's NBA games starting in the 2025-26 season. 

This decision marks Tirico's return to NBA broadcasting after an absence of almost a decade, and it has generated considerable anticipation and excitement within the sports media industry.

The news was confirmed by NBC Sports president Rick Cordella in an interview with Richard Deitsch of The Athletic.

Cordella shared insights into the network's strategic plans for Tirico's involvement in NBA coverage, highlighting the significance of his experience and expertise in delivering compelling commentary and analysis to viewers.

Tirico's distinguished career in sports broadcasting includes a notable tenure as a play-by-play announcer for NBA games with ESPN/ABC from 2002 to 2016.

During this period, he established himself as a respected voice in basketball broadcasting, contributing to the network's comprehensive coverage of the league.

His previous role as the "B" play-by-play voice alongside renowned analyst Hubie Brown solidified his reputation as a versatile and accomplished broadcaster.

In addition to his play-by-play duties, Tirico also served as ABC's lead NBA studio host from 2003 to 2005, further showcasing his versatility and ability to engage audiences across various formats of sports programming.

His contributions extended to calling occasional NBA Finals for ESPN Radio, demonstrating his adaptability and proficiency in delivering high-quality commentary during key moments in the league's postseason.

Tirico's current role as the lead voice of NFL games on NBC has solidified his position as one of the premier broadcasters in sports media.

His extensive experience and proven track record in covering live sporting events have positioned him as a trusted and authoritative voice for viewers, enhancing the overall viewing experience for fans across different sports.

With NBC set to expand its NBA coverage to include a robust schedule featuring multiple games per week, Tirico's appointment as the lead NBA announcer reflects the network's commitment to delivering top-tier commentary and analysis to basketball enthusiasts.

The addition of a Peacock Monday doubleheader, along with NBC's Tuesday night games and the highly anticipated Sunday night window, underscores NBC's dedication to providing comprehensive and engaging NBA coverage throughout the season.

Tirico's dual responsibilities as the lead voice for both NFL and NBA games on NBC highlight his versatility and capability to seamlessly transition between different sports properties.

His presence as the lead announcer for NBC's "Sunday Night Basketball" slate following the conclusion of the

NFL season is poised to create a seamless transition for viewers, ensuring a consistent and high-quality viewing experience across both sports.

NBC's decision to entrust Tirico with the pivotal role of lead NBA announcer underscores the network's confidence in his ability to elevate the quality of its basketball coverage.

Tirico's return to NBA play-by-play represents a significant milestone in his career and is poised to enrich the viewing experience for fans, as he brings his expertise and passion for basketball back to the forefront of sports broadcasting.

As NBC prepares for its upcoming NBA coverage, the network is expected to leverage its deep bench of talented broadcasters to complement Tirico's role, ensuring comprehensive and diverse commentary across its extensive slate of games.

The inclusion of Noah Eagle as NBC's lead Olympic basketball voice further underscores the network's commitment to showcasing top-tier talent and providing compelling coverage of basketball at both the professional and international levels.

In reviving its NBA coverage with Tirico at the forefront, NBC Sports is poised to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience for basketball fans, leveraging his expertise and reputation to elevate the quality of its commentary and analysis.

With a dynamic lineup of games and a seasoned team of broadcasters, NBC is primed to captivate audiences with engaging and insightful NBA coverage, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in the network's sports media portfolio.