NBA Returns to NBC in Exciting Season Opener Next Week

STAMFORD, Conn. – Oct. 17, 2025 – The NBA is set to return to NBC for the first time in over 20 years, starting with a doubleheader on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The season kicks off with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Golden State Warriors at 10 p.m. ET.

Mike Tirico, NBC Sports’ play-by-play announcer, expressed his excitement about the return of NBA games to NBC. “We get front row seats for those of us who get to broadcast the games to watch the greatest athletes, and I could not be more excited for next Tuesday in Oklahoma City,” he said during a media conference call on Oct. 16.

The Thunder will raise their championship banner and receive their championship rings before their game against the Rockets. This game is particularly notable as it will mark Kevin Durant‘s debut with the Rockets after spending the first nine seasons of his career with Oklahoma City.

Reggie Miller, a Hall of Fame analyst, reminisced about his years with the network. “I had some of my best moments on this network, and the chance to come home and tell stories for the next generation, I’m a kid in a candy store,” he said.

In addition to Tirico and Miller, Jamal Crawford will also be joining the broadcasting team. Crawford highlighted his nostalgia for NBC’s former coverage, stating, “I literally remember NBC coming on and the production… It lit a fire in me, and never in a million years did I think I would be working with this great team.”

Sam Flood, the executive producer, explained NBC’s commitment to delivering an engaging viewing experience that honors past traditions. “Those who watched the NBA on NBC during those glory years will feel that familiar beat and that familiar look that made the NBA on NBC so special,” he said.

The league anticipates a robust season with up to 100 regular season games being aired by NBC Sports, including five games weekly at various times. Starting Oct. 27, viewers can tune in for Peacock NBA Monday, which will stream three games nationwide each Monday night.

With a focus on engaging a new audience while appealing to nostalgic fans, the NBA on NBC promises an exciting season ahead.