New York, NY – The iconic “Roundball Rock” theme music isn’t the only familiar, yet fresh, element making its grand return with the NBA to NBC this fall. In a move that has been widely celebrated across the basketball world, ESPN has confirmed and NBC Sports has officially announced that Grant Hill, the distinguished former Duke star and seven-time NBA All-Star, will transition “from hardwood to headset” as the network’s lead game analyst for its highly anticipated NBA coverage. This appointment marks a significant addition to NBC’s burgeoning broadcast team, promising fans unparalleled insight and a touch of classic NBA elegance every time the ball tips off.
The NBA’s return to NBC and its streaming counterpart, Peacock, starting with the 2025-26 season, signals a new era for professional basketball broadcasting. After more than two decades away, NBC is pulling out all the stops, aiming to recapture the magic of its previous, highly popular NBA coverage. The decision to tap Hill for such a pivotal role underscores his widespread respect within the basketball community, his impressive broadcasting acumen, and his unique ability to connect with audiences across generations.
Grant Hill’s journey to this prominent broadcasting position is built on a foundation of sustained excellence. His playing career, though famously impacted by injuries, was nevertheless Hall of Fame worthy. A two-time NCAA Champion at Duke under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Hill was a versatile forward known for his uncanny athleticism, smooth offensive game, and remarkable passing vision. He captivated audiences with his all-around talent, often drawing comparisons to basketball greats for his ability to fill up the stat sheet.
Drafted third overall by the Detroit Pistons in 1994, Hill quickly became one of the NBA’s brightest stars. He earned NBA Co-Rookie of the Year honors in 1995, was selected to seven NBA All-Star games, and received five All-NBA selections, including a First Team nod in 1997. His grace on the court and his thoughtful demeanor off it made him a fan favorite and a marketable star. After six brilliant seasons with the Pistons, Hill’s career was tragically derailed by a severe ankle injury that led to multiple surgeries. However, in a testament to his perseverance, he reinvented himself later in his career with the Phoenix Suns, becoming a respected veteran and a key contributor on successful teams well into his late 30s. He ultimately retired in 2013 after 19 NBA seasons and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Since his retirement, Hill has seamlessly transitioned into the world of sports broadcasting, where his intelligence, articulate delivery, and deep understanding of the game have made him a highly respected analyst. He has been a consistent presence on TNT Sports and CBS Sports, notably calling the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, including the past 10 Final Fours. His experience spans both game analysis and studio work, having contributed to NBA TV’s “GameTime” and “NBA Inside Stuff.” This extensive background has prepared him perfectly for the demands of being a lead analyst for a major network.
“I’m incredibly excited to join NBC Sports as part of their NBA coverage,” Hill stated in the official announcement. “The NBA has been such a meaningful part of my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing the game I love with fans across the country. To be part of NBC’s return to the NBA — a network with such a rich basketball legacy — and its debut on Peacock is truly an honor. I can’t wait to get started this fall.”
NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing Hill’s comprehensive basketball resume and analytical prowess. “With an unparalleled basketball resume which includes Coach K calling him the best player to ever suit up for Duke, Grant will be a tremendous asset to our coverage,” Flood said. “He’s an accomplished broadcaster whose basketball IQ, insight, and intellect will continue to resonate with NBA fans across the country.”
Hill joins an already impressive roster of talent assembled by NBC for its renewed NBA coverage. The network has leaned heavily into nostalgia while also bringing in fresh voices. The iconic “Roundball Rock” theme song, composed by John Tesh, is indeed returning. The broadcast team will feature play-by-play veterans Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle. As for analysts, Hill will be joined by Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford, Carmelo Anthony (studio analyst), and Vince Carter (studio analyst). Perhaps the most buzz-worthy addition is NBA legend Michael Jordan, who will serve as a “special contributor,” promising occasional, exclusive insights.
This lineup suggests a multi-faceted approach to broadcasting, combining seasoned professionals with beloved former players who can offer unique perspectives from the highest levels of the game. Hill, with his articulate and analytical style, is expected to be a central figure, providing thoughtful commentary during high-profile regular season and playoff games. While Reggie Miller is also expected to be a prominent game analyst, the specific pairings for lead broadcast teams are still being finalized, but Hill’s role is clearly foundational.
The new 11-year agreement between NBCUniversal and the NBA will bring a robust schedule of games across NBC and Peacock. This includes approximately 100 national regular-season games, a significant portion of playoff games (including exclusive first-round matchups), and the NBA All-Star Game. Key programming windows will include:
- NBC/Peacock NBA Sunday Nights: Launching in 2026 after the NFL playoffs, this will be a primetime basketball showcase.
- Peacock Monday Night NBA: Approximately 50 exclusive regular-season and postseason games, including national Monday night games and doubleheaders, will be streamed on Peacock.
- NBC/Peacock NBA Tuesday Nights: A regular-season doubleheader, with games airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock, starting with opening night in October 2025.
The multi-platform approach, with a significant emphasis on Peacock, highlights NBCUniversal’s commitment to engaging fans across various digital avenues. Peacock will offer innovative features such as “Peacock ScoreCard” (a gamified viewing experience) and “Peacock Performance View” (real-time stats and insights integrated into the broadcast), aiming to provide an interactive and immersive experience for both avid and casual fans.
Beyond his broadcasting duties, Hill remains deeply entrenched in the basketball world. He currently serves as USA Basketball’s managing director for the U.S. Men’s National Team, a role that saw him help guide Team USA to a gold medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He is also a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks and has various other business ventures.
Grant Hill’s appointment as NBC’s lead NBA analyst is more than just a casting decision; it’s a statement of intent. It signals NBC’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, insightful, and engaging broadcast experience for the NBA’s grand return. For fans, it means welcoming a respected voice and a true ambassador of the game into their living rooms, ready to dissect the action, celebrate the triumphs, and illuminate the nuances of professional basketball for years to come
