NBC answered the big question many had since regaining NBA broadcasting rights last July during its coverage of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. It aired a 60-second commercial featuring John Tesh’s famous theme song, “Roundball Rock.”
This song was part of NBC’s NBA coverage from 1990 to 2002, coinciding with the Chicago Bulls’ six NBA championships.
“Roundball Rock is one of the greatest pieces of theme music in sports history. Hearing it immediately brings to mind NBC Sports’ coverage during one of the golden ages of the NBA, from Magic to Michael to Kobe and others,” said NBC Sports president Rick Cordella. “It was a pleasure working with John Tesh to bring Roundball Rock back to NBC, and we’re excited to debut it on Peacock. We couldn’t imagine starting our coverage any other way.”
The commercial includes current NBA stars Luka Doncic, Donovan Mitchell, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as well as stars from NBC shows humming the theme. It ends with Tesh playing “Roundball Rock” on a keyboard at the Los Angeles Clippers’ Intuit Dome, followed by Tracy Morgan saying, “John Tesh still got it.”
Tesh has shared that he composed “Roundball Rock” in July 1989 after waking up with the melody in his mind. Without instruments or a tape recorder, he recorded an a cappella message on his answering machine to preserve the idea.
LeBron James (NBA)“I’m truly honored to be back with my friends at NBC Sports,” Tesh said in a statement. “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.”
Tesh created a social media buzz last year when he announced he was recording an updated version of “Roundball Rock” for NBC’s coverage of the Paris Olympics.
Even after NBC lost NBA rights, “Roundball Rock” remained popular. Fox Sports used it for college basketball coverage, and a 2013 skit with Jason Sudeikis as Tesh on “Saturday Night Live” became a fan favorite.
NBC’s 11-year agreement with the NBA and WNBA starts in October. Peacock will exclusively stream Monday night games, while NBC/Peacock will have regional doubleheaders on Tuesday. The networks will also introduce “Sunday Night Basketball” in January.
NBC revealed on Saturday that Carmelo Anthony will be part of its studio coverage.
