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Mike Tirico to Lead NBA Coverage on NBC/Peacock Beginning in October

matt webb mitovich
·2 min read

Let’s go, Orange!

S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications graduate Mike Tirico, who called NBA games for ESPN from 2002-16, is returning to NBA coverage as NBC Sports’ lead play-by-play voice, when NBC and Peacock’s coverage of pro hoops tips off this October.

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“I could not be more thrilled about returning courtside to call NBA games,” Tirico said in a statement. “My 15 years of chronicling the best basketball players in the world [on ESPN] still stands as one of the highlights of my career. Like so many others, my love of the league took hold during the unforgettable days of the NBA on NBC back in the ’90s. The chance to be a part of the team bringing that iconic partnership back to life has us incredibly excited.”

It was announced back in July that the NBA was returning to NBC for the first time in more than two decades, with the pro basketball league signing a multi-billion dollar media rights deal with Disney, NBC and Amazon. Peacock will stream a Monday night game, NBC and Peacock will show games on Tuesdays, and NBC and Peacock will host a Sunday Night Basketball program following the NFL season.

Tirico is expected to work one or more games per week once NBC Sports’ coverage of the NFL and Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games concludes in February 2026. Prior to that time, he will call select games including the NBA season opener in October.

“We are excited that Big Event Mike Tirico will be returning to his courtside seat as the NBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock,” NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood said in a statement. “From the Olympics to Sunday Night Football to major golf championships and now the NBA, Mike is the most versatile voice in sports.”

Tirico has extensive NBA experience, calling about 375 regular-season and playoff games from 2002-16 for ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Radio. Additionally, in 2007-2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015, he served as the play-by-play voice of the NBA Finals on ESPN Radio.

Tirico is a two-time recipient of the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host, and earlier this month he was elected to the National Sports Media Association’s (NSMA) Hall of Fame.

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