NBC is gearing up for the return of the NBA to its airwaves in the fall of 2025, marking a nostalgic comeback after more than two decades. The network has announced that it will use AI technology to bring back the voice of former narrator Jim Fagan, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 72, for its NBA coverage and promotion under a new 11-year media rights deal starting in October.
Fagan’s voice was a staple of NBC Sports’ NBA coverage from 1990 to 2002, bringing unparalleled excitement to the league’s biggest matchups and stars like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant. NBC Sports released a clip featuring Fagan’s AI-generated voice, showcasing the network’s commitment to honoring his legacy.
In a move to further evoke nostalgia, NBC has also brought back John Tesh’s iconic “Roundball Rock” theme, which was used during the network’s NBA coverage in the past. The network will utilize AI voice synthesis technology to recreate Fagan’s voice for select title sequences, show opens, and promos, complementing the work of other voiceover artists hired by NBC Sports.
This isn’t the first time NBC has used AI-generated voices, as they previously recreated sports announcer Al Michaels’ voice for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. NBC Sports president Rick Cordella expressed excitement about introducing Fagan’s voice to a new generation of fans, highlighting the significance of his contribution to NBA history.
Fagan’s daughters, Jana Silvia Joyce and Risa Silvia-Koonin, expressed gratitude for NBC Sports’ efforts to honor their father’s legacy, emphasizing the special connection his voice brings to basketball fans. Fagan’s background in voiceover work, coupled with his passion for the game, made him a perfect fit for NBC Sports’ NBA coverage.
The media-rights deal between NBCU and the NBA, announced in July 2024, solidifies NBC’s commitment to showcasing 100 regular-season games, the NBA All-Star Game, and exclusive first-round playoff games over an 11-year period. The package will also include WNBA games, further expanding NBC’s basketball coverage.
Peacock will stream exclusive national NBA games on Monday nights, while NBC and Peacock will present regional doubleheaders on Tuesday nights. The network plans to launch “Sunday Night Basketball” in 2026, featuring games across NBC and Peacock.
NBC Sports has also announced its lineup of analysts and announcers for NBA coverage, with Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, and Carmelo Anthony joining as analysts, and Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle serving as play-by-play announcers. Frank DiGraci has been appointed as the coordinating producer for NBC Sports’ NBA coverage, ensuring a seamless and engaging viewing experience for fans.
Overall, NBC’s nostalgic drive to bring back the NBA to its airwaves is set to captivate both new and longtime basketball enthusiasts, honoring the legacy of Jim Fagan and reigniting the excitement of the sport on NBC platforms.
