Nostalgic Wishes for Marquee Sports Network
When the Cubs introduced Marquee Sports Network five years ago, I advocated for airing a selection of games on WGN. This move would have served as a heartfelt acknowledgment of WGN’s role in the Cubs’ history and maintained a connection to a past era of television for many viewers, including myself.
NBC’s Retro Resurgence
Unfortunately, that idea never materialized. However, another network is tapping into that nostalgia. This fall, NBC will kick off an 11-year NBA broadcasting agreement, transporting viewers back to the 1990s, a golden era for the league led by Michael Jordan’s Bulls.
Return of Classic Themes
During its Kentucky Derby broadcast last Saturday, NBC unveiled a promo featuring its prominent figures, announcing the return of “Roundball Rock” as the theme for its NBA coverage. Viewers even enjoyed a performance from a silver-haired John Tesh, the song’s composer.
AI Voice for Enhancing Nostalgia
In a further nostalgic nod, NBC announced that it will incorporate an AI-generated version of former narrator Jim Fagan’s voice into its coverage. Fagan, known for saying “This is the NBA on NBC” during “Roundball Rock,” passed away in 2017, but his family has granted permission for the use of his recreated voice in promos and title sequences.
Nostalgia vs. Modern Appeal
While nostalgia can be appealing, NBC faces challenges as it departs from featuring legendary commentators like Marv Albert and Dick Enberg. The network aims to recreate the grand atmosphere of its ’90s broadcasts, which often started with dramatic scripted opens and player introductions—a rarity in today’s landscape.
New Broadcasting Strategies
The current agreement comprises 100 nationally televised regular-season games, including the new “Sunday Night Basketball” series and regional doubleheaders. Streaming platform Peacock will feature approximately half of these games on Monday nights. Yet, the network must find creative ways to make each game feel significant while appealing to a younger audience that primarily consumes highlights online.
The Future of NBA Coverage
Tasked with this responsibility is Frank DiGraci, NBC’s coordinating producer for NBA coverage, who brings significant experience from the YES Network. As the network enters this new era following the LeBron James-Stephen Curry period, it will need to capture the interest of emerging superstars to drive its success—and recognize that nostalgia has its limits.
