NBC Sports made the return of Roundball Rock official during an NBA on NBC and Peacock promo that aired during the 151st Kentucky Derby. The 60-second promo spot featured a number of NBA players and NBCUniversal personalities.

The iconic theme song is coming back with the return of the NBA on NBC. Created by music composer and television and radio personality John Tesh, Roundball Rock became synonymous with NBC Sports’ critically acclaimed coverage of the NBA from 1990-2002.

Tesh composed Roundball Rock in July 1989 for the opening season of the NBA on NBC in 1990, when he famously awoke in the middle of the night and had the idea for the score. Without any instruments or a tape recorder, Tesh left himself an a cappella message of the soundtrack on his answering machine so he wouldn’t forget it.

Memorable moments in basketball history that aired during the previous iteration of NBA on NBC included Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty; Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets’ back-to-back titles; unforgettable rivalries such as Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks against Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers; and Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a three-peat.

Starting in October, the legendary theme will be heard again across NBC and Peacock throughout the regular season and playoffs leading into matchups featuring modern day stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Victor Wembanyama, and many more. Roundball Rock will also be used in promotional campaigns leading up to and during the season.

“It’s a thrill to announce that Roundball Rock is coming home,” said NBC Sports President Rick Cordella. “Roundball Rock is one of the greatest pieces of theme music in sports history. Hearing it immediately conjures images of NBC Sports’ coverage of one of the golden ages of the NBA, from Magic to Michael to Kobe and many others. It was a pleasure working with John Tesh to bring Roundball Rock back to NBC, and we’re equally excited to hear its debut on Peacock. We couldn’t imagine beginning our coverage any other way.”

“I’m truly honored to be back with my friends at NBC Sports,” said Tesh. “From our first meeting, Rick Cordella had a powerful vision for bringing Roundball Rock back to its one true home. Along with millions of other fans, I’ll be front row center for the epic launch in the fall.”

The John Tesh tune wasn’t the only news NBA on NBC and Peacock news. It was also announced that Basketball Hall of Fame electee Carmelo Anthony will also be joining the NBC Sports team as a studio analyst when the NBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock.

“Watching the NBA on NBC growing up shaped my love for the game,” said Anthony while being interviewed by Ahmed Fareed at Churchill Downs. “Now, I’m thrilled to join the NBC Sports family. I’ve always used my platform to help grow the game, and I’m excited to bring fans a fresh perspective as we usher in a new era of NBA coverage and programming.”

The Hall of Famer is expected to be in studio one or more nights per week through the playoffs.

“As a Hall of Famer, a college national champion, and one of the most decorated basketball Olympians ever, Carmelo will bring a superstar perspective to our studio coverage,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports. “He competed against or was the teammate of many of the players we’ll be covering, allowing him to watch the game and observe league happenings through a fresh-off-the-court lens that will bring viewers closer to the action.”

In addition to Anthony, NBC Sports has already announced that Jamal Crawford and Reggie Miller will join its NBA on NBC coverage as game analysts and Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle will serve as play-by-play voices. Emmy Award-winning producer Frank DiGraci was announced in December 2024 as the coordinating producer for NBC Sports’ NBA coverage.

NBCUniversal reacquired the rights to the NBA last summer when they announced an 11-year agreement to present NBA and WNBA regular-season and playoff basketball games across numerous platforms beginning with the 2025-26 season. Peacock will livestream exclusive national Monday night games while NBC/Peacock will present national coverage of regional doubleheaders on Tuesday nights. NBC Sports will also launch Sunday Night Basketball in 2026 across NBC and Peacock.

The NBA on NBC and Peacock is coming this fall.

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