NBC Sports Expands Basketball Coverage
In a strategic move to bolster its basketball coverage, NBC Sports has announced the addition of Tracy McGrady as an NBA studio analyst for its platforms, including NBC and Peacock. The seven-time All-Star and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2017 will join a lineup that features fellow Hall of Famers Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter. They will work under the guidance of hosts Maria Taylor and Ahmed Fareed.
Special Contributions and Expanded Programming
Additionally, NBA legend Michael Jordan will be providing special contributions to NBC’s broadcasts this season. NBC’s decision to recruit prominent figures for its NBA studio comes as the network prepares for an expanded schedule of NBA programming, which is set to roll out in February 2024, featuring three consecutive nights dedicated to studio shows. A flexible approach to staffing will see analysts and hosts rotate, allowing for a varied viewer experience.
Notable Hires and Broadcasting Responsibilities
Other notable hires for NBC include basketball icons Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, and Grant Hill, with Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle assuming the primary play-by-play responsibilities.
Tracy McGrady’s Enthusiasm
McGrady, who has accumulated extensive broadcasting experience with ESPN and TNT, expressed his enthusiasm for joining the NBC team, stating:
“Basketball has given me everything, and I’ve always just tried to give that same energy back. I hope I can bring the same passion, insight and love for the game that’s driven me since I was a kid, to all who tune in to watch on NBC and Peacock. I couldn’t be more excited to join this team alongside so many others I admire.”
Future Broadcasting Plans
The move comes in the wake of a significant multi-year media rights agreement inked by the NBA in July 2024, which will see NBC/Peacock, ABC/ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video sharing broadcasting responsibilities starting in the 2025-26 season. NBC and Peacock are set to kick off their NBA coverage with a special night scheduled for October 21, featuring multiple Tuesday night games in their lineup. Notably, the network plans to broadcast up to 100 regular-season games, including stretches with back-to-back matchups on Sundays, which promises to be a strong addition to its sports programming repertoire after the conclusion of its “Sunday Night Football” broadcasts.
