When did NBA on NBC first air?
NBA on NBC first aired on the 30th of October 1954, with a game between the Boston Celtics and the Rochester Royals played in Rochester. NBC's first tenure with the NBA ran until the 7th of April 1962.
Questions about NBA on NBC
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Why did NBC lose NBA broadcasting rights in 2002?
NBC lost the NBA rights in 2002 because Disney, via ABC, outbid it with a six-year deal worth $4 billion combined with ESPN and TNT. NBC had bid four years at $1.3 billion, and was also losing money on its existing contract, including a projected $200 million loss for the 2001-02 season alone.
What is the NBA on NBC theme song called?
The NBA on NBC theme song is called "Roundball Rock," composed by new-age artist John Tesh in 1990. NBC continued using the piece for its Olympic basketball coverage during the years it did not broadcast the NBA.
What was the highest-rated NBA Finals on NBC?
The 1998 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz set an all-time Finals ratings record with an 18.7 household rating. It was the last championship run by the Michael Jordan-led Bulls.
When did the NBA return to NBC after the 2002 departure?
The NBA returned to NBC for the 2025-26 season under an 11-year media rights deal valued at $2.5 billion per season. NBCUniversal confirmed the agreement on the 23rd of July 2024, marking a 23-year absence from the network.
Who called NBA games for NBC during the 1990s?
Marv Albert and Mike Fratello were NBC's primary broadcast team in the early 1990s, with Ahmad Rashad as sideline reporter and Bob Costas hosting the pre-game show. After Albert was fired before the 1997-98 season, Bob Costas moved to play-by-play alongside color commentator Isiah Thomas.