NBA Returns to NBC
This coming season marks the long-awaited return of the NBA to NBC after a hiatus exceeding twenty years, aiming to transform Sunday evenings into a premier viewing experience starting in February. In an exciting announcement made on Monday, the NBA revealed that renowned musician Lenny Kravitz, a four-time Grammy Award winner, will be the face of the show’s opening performance for the new Sunday Night Basketball. Set to premiere on February 1, 2026, the show will kick off with a spectacular doubleheader.
Excitement from NBC Sports
Tripp Dixon, NBC Sports Creative Director, expressed his enthusiasm about having Kravitz as part of their Sunday Night Basketball lineup, stating:
“Lenny embodies global appeal and flair that perfectly matches the vibrancy of our weekly game coverage. With him shaping our Sunday Night Basketball theme, we aim to encapsulate the dynamic essence of the NBA.”
Kravitz’s Enthusiasm
Kravitz, who has made a mark in the music industry with 12 studio albums and sales surpassing 50 million globally, shared his excitement about this opportunity:
“As a lifelong basketball enthusiast, I’m thrilled to collaborate with NBC Sports and the NBA. Their commitment to celebrating sports, music, and culture resonates deeply with me, and I eagerly anticipate this unique occasion.”
Inaugural Matchup
The inaugural Sunday Night Basketball doubleheader will showcase an epic matchup between historic teams—the Los Angeles Lakers visiting Madison Square Garden to play against the New York Knicks at 7:00 p.m. ET. Following this, the Denver Nuggets will face off against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Upcoming Season Details
Although the fans will have to wait until 2026 to experience the electrifying Sunday Night Basketball and Kravitz’s performance, the NBA season commences earlier on October 21 with a Tip-Off doubleheader. This season opener includes Kevin Durant’s debut with the Houston Rockets against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by a blockbuster game with the Golden State Warriors and LeBron James’ Lakers later that evening at 10:00 p.m. ET.
New Streaming Options
In conjunction with the regular season, NBC and its streaming service Peacock will launch “Peacock NBA Monday,” featuring live streams of up to three NBA games each Monday night starting October 27. The following day, fans can tune in for “Coast 2 Coast Tuesday,” which will provide exciting doubleheaders on Tuesday nights, accessible on both NBC and Peacock throughout the regular season.
