Mike Tirico took over for the legendary Al Michaels as the play-by-play man for NBC's NFL coverage following the 2021 season.
The well-traveled Tirico has covered everything from basketball to football to the Olympics during his illustrious career, but took a break from the NBA after he left ESPN. He previously called basketball for the Worldwide Leader from 2002-2016 and his final game came when the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 100-99 en route to the Eastern Conference Finals.
After a nearly decade-long absence from the sport, Tirico is making his return to basketball.
In a statement released on Monday, NBC Sports revealed Tirico will serve as the play-by-play voice for two NBC Sports Regional Network games.
First up, he'll called a Monday night game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers at 7 p.m. ET.. He'll get a night off before calling a game between the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics and Trail Blazers on Wednesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. ET.
“What a fun opportunity to get a little run in before we get started next fall,” Tirico said in a statement. “I am thrilled to get back in the building and call a couple of games while working with our talented regional teams in Philadelphia and Boston. Sincere thanks to my friends Kate Scott and Drew Carter for letting me sit in their chair for an evening.”
.@miketirico to call two NBA games this week on NBC Sports Regional Networks
— NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) March 3, 2025
Trail Blazers-76ers tonight at 7 p.m. ET on @NBCSPhilly
Trail Blazers-Celtics on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET on @NBCSBoston
Details:https://t.co/x96ymjrowo
The move comes just a few months before NBC kicks off its 11-year agreement with the NBA to present both NBA and WNBA regular season and playoff games during the 2025-26 season.
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