When NBA basketball returns to NBC this fall for the first time in over two decades, it won’t just be the nostalgia of the iconic John Tesh “Roundball Rock” theme that sends chills down fans’ spines—it’ll be the voice of one of the game’s most respected legends, Grant Hill, guiding viewers through every play. As officially confirmed by ESPN and announced by NBC Sports, the seven-time NBA All-Star and basketball hall-of-famer will take on the role of lead NBA analyst, becoming the network’s face of basketball coverage for the league’s highly anticipated comeback to network television.
The appointment marks a monumental career shift for Hill, who has steadily evolved from a silky-smooth forward at Duke and in the NBA, to a sharp-minded executive and now one of the most prominent voices in basketball broadcasting. With NBC winning a major piece of the NBA’s new media rights deal set to begin in the 2025 season, the network is betting big on star power and credibility—and Hill delivers both in spades.
Hill’s transition from the hardwood to the headset has been years in the making. A thoughtful and articulate presence, he has earned praise during his tenure as a broadcaster on CBS and Turner Sports, providing insightful, calm, and intelligent commentary across NCAA and NBA coverage. Now, at NBC, Hill will be given an even broader platform as the network builds out a dream team of analysts and commentators for what promises to be a new golden age of NBA broadcasting.
This move comes at a time when the NBA is undergoing one of the most significant shifts in its modern media history. With the league signing a reported $76 billion broadcasting rights deal spread among Disney (ESPN/ABC), Amazon (Prime Video), and NBCUniversal (NBC/Peacock), the upcoming season is expected to redefine how fans consume basketball. NBC will now re-emerge as a marquee partner, rekindling a bond with basketball audiences that was last felt during the heyday of Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and the early 2000s dynasties.
For many fans, NBC’s NBA coverage is synonymous with an era of excellence and emotion. From the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty years to the unforgettable 2000 NBA Finals, the network crafted a legacy rooted in drama, storytelling, and style. Now, as the NBA comes full circle, Grant Hill represents the perfect bridge between eras. He was one of the faces of the NBA during its original NBC run in the 1990s—and now he’ll be the voice of its return.
According to industry insiders, Hill will serve as the centerpiece of NBC’s broadcast booth, anchoring marquee matchups and likely playing a major role in the network’s playoff and Finals coverage. While NBC has yet to unveil its full broadcast team, Hill’s early selection suggests the network’s clear desire to blend contemporary knowledge with historical gravitas.
The significance of this hire also extends beyond the court. Hill, a former co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks and a prominent voice in matters of race, equity, and education, brings a well-rounded worldview that matches the NBA’s cultural influence. NBC’s decision to bring him on board also reflects a deeper commitment to excellence in sports journalism and representation at the highest levels of commentary.
Hill’s resume speaks for itself. After a legendary college career under Coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, where he won two national championships and led one of the greatest teams in NCAA history, Hill entered the NBA in 1994 as the third overall pick. His early years with the Detroit Pistons were electric—he was a triple-double threat every night and one of the league’s most marketable stars. Though injuries shortened his prime, Hill reinvented himself and remained a steady veteran presence with the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers, ultimately carving out a 19-year NBA career marked by resilience, intelligence, and leadership.
Since retiring in 2013, Hill has remained deeply involved in the game. He’s worked as a broadcaster, investor, and executive—most notably as the managing director of USA Basketball’s men’s national team. His sharp basketball IQ, poise under pressure, and natural charisma have made him one of the most respected figures in the sport.
That reputation is what NBC is banking on as they reenter the NBA landscape in 2025 with regular-season games, weekend showdowns, playoff broadcasts, and full streaming integration through Peacock. Hill’s presence will be central to shaping the tone, feel, and credibility of the coverage—both for older fans who remember NBC’s heyday, and for younger audiences experiencing the network’s basketball magic for the first time.
NBCUniversal Chairman Mark Lazarus said in a statement, “Grant Hill is a consummate professional whose experience on the court and in front of the camera makes him the ideal voice for NBC’s return to the NBA. We are thrilled to welcome him and can’t wait for fans to hear his perspective on the game as it evolves into a new era.”
Fans can also expect to see Hill featured across multiple NBC Sports platforms—including pregame shows, digital content on Peacock, and even special segments that highlight the stories behind the athletes. NBC appears poised to bring storytelling back to the forefront of NBA broadcasting—an area where Hill’s empathetic voice and depth of experience could make a major impact.
Social media erupted with excitement after the news broke, with NBA fans, players, and media personalities praising the move. “Smart, smooth, and all class,” tweeted former teammate and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose. “NBC just made a power move with Grant Hill.”
This hire, paired with the historic media rights deal, sets the stage for a reimagined NBA viewing experience. With technology now allowing for alternate camera angles, real-time analytics, and seamless integration between linear TV and streaming platforms, NBC’s coverage will likely push boundaries in both presentation and analysis. Hill will be the steady, insightful voice at the center of it all.
As the NBA prepares to launch a new broadcast chapter, one that marries tradition with innovation, Grant Hill’s new role is more than symbolic—it’s foundational. In the same way he once quietly led on the court with elegance and effectiveness, Hill now takes center stage behind the microphone, ready to lead a new generation of fans through the next great era of basketball.
With his debut set for the tip-off of the 2025 season on NBC and Peacock, one thing is certain: the NBA is back home—and Grant Hill is ready to welcome us in.
