NBC Tips Off NBA Promotion During NFL Playoff Game

New NBA promo for NBC

NBC Sports used the big audience for its Sunday night NFL Wild Card Playoff Game to jump start promotion for its coverage of the NBA, which starts in October, when the 2025-26 season starts.

NBC last year won the rights to the NBA with a $2.5 billion per year bid that knocked Warner Bros. Discovery off the court after decades of carrying basketball.

A spot featuring Jack McBrayer from NBC’s 30 Rock shows him giving an NBC studio tour to a group that includes NBA stars Giannis Antetokoumpo, Jayson Tatum and Victor Wembanyama. 

“Is it true we’ll be streaming on Peacock?” the Greek Freak asks. “Oh yeah. Only the best stream on Peacock,” McBrayer earnestly replies.

The promo ends with the NBA, NBC and Peacock logos with the line Coming Fall 2025.

The spot will be running across NBCUniversal properties including the Today show, and Access Hollywood. The NBA and its teams will also show the promo on their platforms.

NBC Sports is also launching @NBAonNBC social media accounts on TikTok, Instagram, X and Threads.

“As the calendar turns to 2025, our strategy is to drive awareness and excitement for the NBA returning to NBC and debuting on Peacock this fall,” said Jenny Storms, CMO, entertainment and sports at NBCU. “It was so much fun to create this spot in partnership with the NBA as it winks at the nostalgia and legacy of NBC’s history, but also propels it forward by showcasing the stars of the game in an innovative and playful way. We’re also using this moment to launch our NBA social media accounts, which wi”ll engage with next-gen fans every day.” 

“So many fans of the game are happy to have the NBA back on NBC. I’m excited to be a part of the league’s return to the network and debut on Peacock,” added Tatum, who plays for the NBA Champion Boston Celtics.