What's Happening?
The NBA is set to return to NBC after more than two decades, with a new Sunday Night Basketball show premiering on February 1, 2026. The network has announced that Grammy Award-winning musician Lenny Kravitz will perform the opening theme for the show. This collaboration aims to bring a fresh and energetic vibe to the NBA's Sunday night coverage. The premiere will feature a doubleheader, including a matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks, followed by the Denver Nuggets facing the reigning NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The NBA season will kick off on October 21, 2025, with a Tip-Off doubleheader featuring the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder, as well as the Golden State Warriors against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Why It's Important?
The return of the NBA to NBC marks a significant shift in sports broadcasting, potentially attracting a broader audience to the network. Lenny Kravitz's involvement adds a cultural and musical dimension that could enhance viewer engagement. This move is part of NBC's strategy to revitalize its sports programming and compete with other networks for viewership. The collaboration with a high-profile artist like Kravitz underscores the network's commitment to blending sports with entertainment, which could set a new standard for sports broadcasts. The NBA's presence on NBC also provides the league with a platform to reach fans who may not have access to cable sports channels.
What's Next?
Fans can look forward to the NBA season starting on October 21, 2025, with the Tip-Off doubleheader. NBC and Peacock will also introduce 'Peacock NBA Monday,' streaming up to three games nationwide on Monday nights starting October 27, 2025. Additionally, 'Coast 2 Coast Tuesday' will air doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season. These initiatives are expected to increase the NBA's visibility and accessibility, potentially boosting viewership and fan engagement. The collaboration with Lenny Kravitz will debut in February 2026, setting the stage for a new era of NBA broadcasts on NBC.
