The NBA returns to NBC next season as the network kicks off the first season of an 11-year broadcast rights agreement with the NBA. Less than 24 hours following the conclusion of the NBA Finals, the network has tabbed Maria Taylor as the lead studio host first reported by a report in The New York Times. Taylor will be named the lead NBA and WNBA studio host of the network’s upcoming coverage on NBC and Peacock.
Furthermore, Taylor reportedly will be hosting NBA studio programs for Sunday and Tuesday nights, while also hosting select WNBA games on NBC and Peacock when the network begins coverage of the WNBA in 2026.
“I’m deeply honored to be part of NBC Sports’ incredible legacy covering the NBA and to return to the game that first captured my heart, women’s basketball,” said Taylor. “To know that I’ll spend the next five years with my NBC family telling the stories of the Super Bowl, the Olympics, the NBA Playoffs, and the WNBA Finals is more than a dream come true — it’s a full-circle moment.”
Currently, Taylor serves as the first female full-time host of Football Night in America on NBC. In addition, she hosts the Big Ten College Countdown studio show leading into NBC Sports’ primetime Big Ten Football on Saturday nights. She has also lent her broadcast acumen to the network’s coverage of the NFL Draft, the NBA Finals, the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Super Bowl, and the Winter Olympics in Beijing. Most recently, Taylor served as the host for NBC’s late night coverage of the Paris Olympics during her summer 2024 Olympic assignment.
As a result of her NBA duties, Taylor will no longer host Big Ten College Countdown. A new host will be announced soon.
“As the host of Football Night in America and our high-profile programs, Maria has proven that she has the special ability to make her teammates better,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports. “I’m excited to see her bring that same leadership and energy to this new team with Carmelo and Vince, as they build chemistry and set the stage for primetime NBA basketball each week, and the WNBA beginning next year.”
Moreover, Taylor is expected to host alongside former NBA superstars Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter on NBC, following her signing of a multi-year contract extension with the network that reportedly will last deep into the 2020s.
Previously, Taylor covered both the NBA Finals and hosted NBA Countdown at ESPN over her seven years with the network. She also contributed to ESPN’s coverage of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Looking ahead, NBC will begin airing regular season NBA basketball games in October on Tuesday nights. Upon the conclusion of the NFL season, the network will also carry games on Sundays across both NBC and Peacock.
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