The NBA on NBC is officially making its highly anticipated return next season, and the network is beginning to build out its on-air talent team. One of the most exciting developments is the addition of former NBA superstar and 2025 Hall of Fame nominee Carmelo Anthony, who will join the network as a studio analyst.
Anthony, a national champion at Syracuse and one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers, brings nearly two decades of professional basketball experience to NBC’s coverage. Over his 19-year career, he earned 10 All-Star selections, six All-NBA honors, and currently ranks 10th on the league’s all-time scoring list. His most impactful seasons came with the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, where he solidified his legacy as one of the top scorers of his generation.
According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Anthony’s hiring signals a fresh direction for NBC’s coverage, echoing a broader trend in sports broadcasting where networks bring in recently retired stars with direct knowledge of the modern game. Similar to Amazon’s addition of Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin, NBC is investing in relatable, contemporary voices who can speak to today’s players and fans alike.
Anthony is the first name confirmed for NBC’s studio team, but more familiar faces are expected to join him. Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, and Jamal Crawford are reportedly set to form the network’s lead broadcast trio, while Noah Eagle—who gained acclaim during the 2024 Summer Olympics—is likely to return in a top play-by-play role. His past chemistry with Dwyane Wade during Olympic coverage has fueled speculation that Wade could join the NBA on NBC team as well.
Maria Taylor, who currently anchors major NBC Sports events, is a strong candidate to serve as the studio host. Meanwhile, Jalen Rose, already hired by NBC to cover college basketball, could potentially transition into pro coverage to round out the network’s analyst bench.
With this mix of veteran broadcasters and recent NBA icons, NBC appears to be laying the foundation for a compelling and dynamic return to professional basketball coverage. The network’s revival of its iconic NBA brand promises a nostalgic yet forward-looking experience for basketball fans.