What's Happening?
NBC Sports has announced that Clayton Kershaw, who retired from Major League Baseball at the end of the 2025 season after an 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, will join their team as a pregame
analyst. This move is part of NBC's broader strategy for its 2026 baseball coverage, which includes a three-year deal with Major League Baseball. Kershaw will be joined by other recently retired stars, Joey Votto and Anthony Rizzo, as part of the analyst team. NBC Sports has acquired the rights to broadcast Sunday Night Baseball, including three games featuring the Dodgers, and will also cover the entire wild card round. The analysts are expected to appear on select pregame shows for Sunday Night Baseball games on NBC and Peacock, alongside hosts Bob Costas and Ahmed Fareed. The first game under this new arrangement will be broadcast from Dodger Stadium on March 26, featuring the Dodgers against the Diamondbacks.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of high-profile former players like Clayton Kershaw, Joey Votto, and Anthony Rizzo as analysts is significant for NBC Sports as it seeks to enhance its baseball coverage and attract a larger audience. This move could potentially increase viewership by leveraging the popularity and expertise of these former athletes. For fans, having insights from recently retired players who have firsthand experience of the game adds value to the broadcast. Additionally, NBC's acquisition of broadcasting rights for key games, including the wild card round, positions it as a major player in sports broadcasting, potentially impacting the competitive landscape of sports media. This could lead to increased competition among networks for sports broadcasting rights, influencing how baseball is consumed by audiences across the U.S.
What's Next?
As NBC Sports prepares for the 2026 baseball season, the network will likely focus on promoting its new analyst team and the upcoming broadcasts to maximize viewership. The involvement of Kershaw, Votto, and Rizzo could attract fans eager to hear their insights, potentially leading to increased ratings. NBC may also explore additional opportunities to expand its sports coverage, leveraging its new MLB deal. The success of this initiative could influence future negotiations for broadcasting rights and partnerships with other sports leagues. Fans can expect more announcements regarding the specific games and schedules that will feature the new analyst team as the season approaches.
