NBC Sports is beginning to build its talent roster as the network is set to begin the first season of an 11-year media rights deal with the NBA next season. Just days after adding Reggie Miller to the roster as a lead analyst for broadcasts and Jamal Crawford earlier in the month, former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas mentioned on his YouTube stream last night that he’s in talks with the network as well.
“I had a meeting with NBC,” said Arenas on a live stream earlier this week. “They’re still auditioning and interviewing other guests that could be a part of the show. So I had my meeting, and the perspective that they’re coming from is crazy.”
Arenas has been a fixture in NBA media since retiring from the league in 2012. The former NBA guard owns his own No Chill Productions podcast, titled No Chill Podcast, and in 2023 launched another highly successful podcast called Gil’s Arena in partnership with Underdog Fantasy Sports, which he hosts with Josiah Johnson, Brandon Jennings, Rashad McCants, Lexie Brown, and Kenyon Martin.
He continued to reveal his personal concerns about joining the NBC broadcast team while balancing his own brand’s schedule. Arenas notes he’s appreciative of the conversation and looks forward to seeing if he’ll be selected.
“It’s a good crazy that people want me, and I’m very thankful for just the opportunities that I put myself back in position to be wanted,” said Arenas. “Even if I don’t get the job, the fact that I’m even in the running—somebody brought me up to the point where they’re sitting down having 8 o’clock meetings. I’m really grateful for that.”
NBC has reportedly been looking to add former NBA forward Carmelo Anthony to the roster as a studio analyst in recent weeks. It has already been announced that Mike Tirico will serve as the lead play-by-play voice of the property, and Frank DiGraci has been named the coordinating producer for the coverage as well.
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