NBC Returns to NBA Broadcasting with Iconic Roundball Rock Theme Revival

NBC is making a significant return to broadcasting NBA games for the 2025-2026 season after a 23-year hiatus, reacquiring the rights with a $2.5 billion annual investment. The network will revive its iconic 1990s theme song, “Roundball Rock,” composed by John Tesh, which has become synonymous with NBA broadcasts and evokes strong nostalgia among fans. NBC Sports president Rick Cordella highlighted this acquisition as one of the biggest since their NFL rights deal in 2006, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the comeback. The new NBA broadcast schedule features games on multiple nights across NBC and ESPN networks, with NBC airing Sunday primetime games, Coast 2 Coast Tuesday games, NBA All-Star Weekend, and select playoff matchups, while ABC retains exclusive coverage of the NBA Finals. John Tesh’s composition, inspired during his time in France and originally chosen over submissions from renowned composers, remains a central element of NBC’s NBA presentation, including a reimagined version in Tesh’s new album “Sports.” Grammy-winning artist Lenny Kravitz will also contribute by performing the opening theme for "Sunday Night Basketball," further enhancing the broadcast’s appeal.