NBC Sports has selected Maria Taylor as lead studio host for their NBA coverage beginning with the 2025-26 season. The 38-year-old sportscaster will team up with analysts Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter for the network’s basketball programming. This announcement marks NBC’s return to NBA broadcasting after nearly two decades away from the league.
Taylor will host NBC’s studio shows on Sundays and Tuesdays as part of the network’s comprehensive basketball coverage. Additionally, she will cover select WNBA games when that season begins in 2026. The move represents a significant expansion of Taylor’s role within NBC Sports’ programming lineup.
NBC Sports Returns to NBA Broadcasting with 11-Year Partnership Deal
NBCUniversal and the NBA announced an 11-year agreement in July 2024 to broadcast regular-season and playoff games. The partnership officially begins with the 2025-26 basketball season later this year. This deal brings the NBA back to NBC Sports after the network lost broadcasting rights in 2002.
The agreement includes both NBA and WNBA games across NBC’s various platforms. NBC and Peacock will carry the games as part of the comprehensive media package. This marks a major investment by NBCUniversal in professional basketball programming.
The 11-year deal represents one of the most significant sports broadcasting partnerships in recent years. NBC’s return to NBA coverage aims to recapture the success of their previous basketball programming. The network previously hosted NBA games during the 1990s and early 2000s with considerable success.
Maria Taylor Brings Extensive Broadcasting Experience to NBA Coverage Role
Taylor joined NBC Sports in 2021 after leaving ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” program following workplace controversies. She currently hosts “Football Night in America” and contributes to the network’s Olympic coverage. Her experience spans multiple sports and high-profile broadcasting events.
“I’m deeply honored to be part of NBC Sports’ incredible legacy covering the NBA,” Taylor stated about her new role. She described returning to basketball coverage as “a full-circle moment” in her broadcasting career. Taylor specifically mentioned her excitement about covering women’s basketball again.
NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood praised Taylor’s leadership abilities and previous work with the network. “I’m excited to see her bring that same leadership and energy to this new team,” Flood said. He emphasized her proven track record with NBC’s high-profile sports programming.
Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter Join as NBA Studio Analysts
Former NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter will serve as studio analysts alongside Taylor. Both players bring extensive professional basketball experience to their broadcasting roles. Their combined NBA knowledge spans over three decades of elite-level competition.
Anthony retired from professional basketball in 2023 after a 19-year NBA career. He played for multiple teams including the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers. His scoring ability and basketball intelligence make him a valuable analyst for viewers.
Carter concluded his NBA career in 2020 after 22 seasons in the league. He played for eight different teams during his career and became known for his athleticism and longevity. Carter’s broadcasting experience and basketball insights complement the studio team’s expertise.
Sunday Night Basketball and Tuesday Doubleheaders Highlight New Programming
NBC Sports plans to launch “Sunday Night Basketball” as their premier NBA programming at 8 p.m. ET. The games will air on both NBC and Peacock streaming platform following one-hour pregame shows. This continues NBC’s tradition of premium Sunday night sports coverage.
Tuesday nights will feature unique NBA regular-season doubleheaders starting at 8 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. PT. The scheduling allows NBC to showcase games from both Eastern and Western Conference teams. This format maximizes viewership across different time zones.
The programming strategy positions NBC Sports to compete directly with other major sports broadcasters. Sunday and Tuesday games provide consistent weekly basketball content for viewers. The combination of traditional broadcast and streaming options expands audience reach significantly.
WNBA Coverage Expansion Reflects Growing Women’s Basketball Interest
Taylor will also cover select WNBA games beginning with the 2026 season as part of her expanded role. This addition reflects the growing popularity and media attention surrounding women’s professional basketball. NBC’s investment in WNBA coverage demonstrates commitment to comprehensive basketball programming.
“To know that I’ll spend the next five years with my NBC family telling the stories of… the WNBA Finals is more than a dream come true,” Taylor explained. Her background includes extensive women’s basketball coverage throughout her broadcasting career. The WNBA component adds another dimension to NBC’s basketball portfolio.
The inclusion of WNBA games alongside NBA coverage creates a more complete basketball viewing experience. Women’s basketball has experienced significant growth in viewership and fan engagement recently. NBC’s decision to feature both leagues shows recognition of basketball’s expanding audience base.
