NBC is aiming to build on the success of its Sunday night NFL broadcasts by launching a new NBA programming partnership, bolstered by the involvement of a superstar athlete who won’t even be playing in the NBA game airing that evening. Starting February 1st, NBC Sports revealed that celebrated WNBA guard Caitlin Clark will join as a special contributor, debuting during the NBA pregame show, “Basketball Night in America,” which airs Sunday nights. Clark will serve as an analyst on the pregame show at 6 p.m. ET ahead of the matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, with the game tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.
The night’s second game features a playoff rematch between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets in Denver, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Clark will work alongside host Malia Taylor and a distinguished studio team that includes Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers Tracy McGrady, Carmelo Anthony, and Vince Carter to provide in-depth analysis.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Clark stated, “I’m really excited to be a part of the Basketball Night in America crew this season. Carmelo, Vince, and Tracy are legends in this game, and Malia is a true professional. It will be really fun to join them multiple times throughout the season.”
Clark is widely recognized as one of the prominent figures in women’s basketball. Her accolades include being a two-time WNBA All-Star, a 2024 All-WNBA First Team honoree, and a remarkable college career that stands out in both men’s and women’s basketball history. She was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and earned the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
During her tenure at the University of Iowa, Clark set numerous records, becoming the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history for both men and women with 3,951 points. She also earned back-to-back Naismith College Player of the Year awards (2023, 2024), two AP College Player of the Year honors (2023, 2024), was named AP Women’s Player of the Year in 2024, and was a unanimous All-American First Team selection in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Clark is set to return to the show live from Oklahoma City when the Thunder face off against the Knicks on Sunday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Analysis by Andrew Marchand
NBC’s decision to bring Caitlin Clark onboard as a special contributor for its NBA coverage is a shrewd and inspired move. In an era dominated by shows like “Inside the NBA,” breaking through the noise is challenging, and Clark’s fresh perspective offers a distinct edge.
While Michael Jordan’s addition to broadcasts was once considered a benchmark for star power, Clark’s rising prominence in basketball—even after dealing with injuries—could represent an even greater long-term asset. Building a strong relationship with a player who bridges the NBA and WNBA worlds is a strategic win for NBC.
What remains most intriguing is how Clark’s role with NBC will evolve in the future.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Fan Take:
Having Caitlin Clark, a groundbreaking talent in women’s basketball, integrated into NBA coverage is a game-changer for fans hungry for fresh insights and diverse perspectives. This move not only elevates the visibility of WNBA stars but also signals a more inclusive future for basketball broadcasting that celebrates excellence across genders.
