
NBA Legends Transition to Broadcasting as New Networks Join the League
With the arrival of new TV deals, several former NBA stars are stepping into broadcasting roles, including Michael Jordan and Carmelo Anthony.
The NBA’s new national TV broadcast rights deal goes into effect this fall, as the league will begin raking in billions from its three network partners – ESPN, NBC, and Amazon. While ESPN retained its rights from the previous deal, NBC is back in the mix and Amazon is a newcomer in the pro basketball space.
And while the new TV partners resulted in the exit of longtime partner TNT (the beloved “Inside the NBA” studio show is headed to ESPN), the involvement of two new networks created a number of opportunities for former players to take on analyst roles, both in studio and calling games. Current and future Hall of Famers are among those involved, as well as some familiar faces fans are accustomed to from ESPN and TNT.
Here’s the breakdown of the game and studio analysts for both of the NBA’s new network partners, along with one noteworthy “special contributor”:
Amazon
Studio analysts: Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, Udonis Haslem
Game / studio analysts: Candace Parker, Dwyane Wade, Steve Nash
Game analysts: Stan Van Gundy, Brent Barry, Dell Curry
Griffin and Nowitzki are the most exciting new additions due to their charisma and potential chemistry on-screen. They are joined by Udonis Haslem, who enhances his role as a regular on Amazon’s studio show.
NBC
Studio analysts: Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter
Special contributor: Michael Jordan
Game analysts: Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Austin Rivers, Derek Fisher, Brian Scalabrine, Robbie Hummel, Brad Daugherty
Anthony, who will make his TV debut as part of NBC’s studio show, is accompanied by Vince Carter, who brings experience from his time at TNT and NBA TV. Michael Jordan’s participation adds an element of excitement, although his specific involvement remains undefined.
The game coverage team for NBC features several players familiar with the audience, including Miller, Crawford, and Hill, maintaining a strong connection to basketball’s fanbase.