NBC Sports Plans to Revive Iconic NBA Intros for Sunday Games

NEW YORK, NY — NBC Sports is taking steps to revive the iconic player introductions that defined the NBA during the Michael Jordan era. In an interview with CNBC’s Alex Sherman on April 30, NBC Sports President Rick Cordella outlined the network’s ambitions as it prepares to air NBA games on Sunday nights next season.

Fans fondly remember the dramatic player introductions for the Chicago Bulls, featuring the legendary voice of PA announcer Ray Clay and the instrumental hit “Sirius” by The Alan Parsons Project. These moments are often cited as pivotal in creating an electric atmosphere for NBA games, a feeling that Cordella aims to recapture.

“Our goal at NBC Sports is to make big events feel big and be big,” Cordella said. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the viewing experience for audiences. “Let’s get in and show the atmosphere. Make this seem like a big game,” he stated, referring to the plan to feature on-site talent at arenas during Sunday night broadcasts.

Cordella pointed out that the success of the Bulls’ introductions was largely thanks to NBC’s decision to prominently feature them. “Very few people were actually in Chicago Stadium hearing that atmosphere. The reason why people remember it so well, is because NBC showed it. Let’s make the players stars again,” he added.

Experts believe that highlighting player introductions could significantly elevate the status of current NBA stars like Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Fans have noticed that modern broadcasts often rush through pre-game segments, diminishing opportunities for players to showcase their personalities and garner fan enthusiasm.

This quest to modernize the NBA viewing experience comes as the network gears up for a Senate hearing on May 6 to discuss the future of sports broadcasting. The hearing, chaired by Senator Ted Cruz, will address how traditional broadcasts are adapting to digital platforms and the growing concerns about accessibility for fans.

Cordella acknowledged the changing landscape of sports media and expressed hope that NBC’s revitalized approach to player introductions will help engage fans more deeply with the game.

As NBC prepares to launch its revamped NBA coverage, sports fans eagerly await the return of the game-day excitement reminiscent of the Bulls’ glory years.