NBC Sports is marking its return to NBA coverage by providing a first of its kind broadcast experience with analysis from behind the team’s benches.
Titled ‘On the Bench,’ one analyst will be dedicated to each team and will be positioned courtside with their respective teams. These “bench analysts” will provide insight on what they’re seeing and hearing from the team bench. There will be limits on what they can actually share.
Players and coaches occasionally get mic’d up for nationally televised games to provide some entertaining sounds of the game. ‘On the Bench’ will air exclusively on Peacock NBA Monday for 23 games.
“Each analyst will be dedicated to telling the story of the game through the lens of their team,” NBC Executive Producer Sam Flood explained. “At the same time, we will respect the sanctity of the inside information our analysts are able to hear but will always strive to give the audience unique insights that only this type of access can provide.
“We’re grateful to the NBA and its teams for their vision and faith in our ability to provide this first-of-its-kind coverage.”
The first game to feature this coverage will be Oct. 27 when the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Detroit Pistons. Noah Eagle will provide play-by-play commentary with Robbie Hummel and Austin Rivers as the “bench analysts.” Hummel is scheduled to work on the Pistons bench with Rivers on the Cavs’ side.
NBC Run Of Big Announcements Continues
NBC Sports will present 100 regular season games in 2025-26. It will also provide coverage of the All-Star Weekend and playoffs. There will be a 30-minute pre-game show for every game.
Reggie Miller, Grant Hill and Jamal Crawford are among the big names confirmed as game analysts. Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady have been announced as studio analysts.
There was no bigger announcement than when NBC confirmed Michael Jordan as a special contributor.
