NBC Sports has named Ahmed Fareed the new host of Monday Night NBA coverage on Peacock, launching this fall as part of NBCUniversal’s high-profile return to NBA broadcasting. In addition to his basketball responsibilities, Fareed will also anchor Big Ten College Countdown, the network’s weekly Saturday night primetime college football studio show. The program returns this August as part of NBC’s expanding college football slate
Fareed’s appointment marks another significant step for the versatile host, who has become a fixture across NBC Sports’ biggest events. His resume includes the Olympics (Paris, Beijing, Tokyo, PyeongChang, and Rio), Premier League soccer, Major League Baseball, college football and basketball, horse racing, and the Paralympics.
“College football under the lights is sacred, and we’ve got the crew to match its energy,” Fareed said in a statement. “Plus, helping shape our NBA coverage in its return to NBC Sports? I can’t wait to start. I’m thankful to be trusted with these roles. I’m even more motivated by the responsibility that comes with them.”
Fareed drew national recognition in May when he stepped in for Mike Tirico to host the 151st Kentucky Derby. NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood echoed the sentiment. “Ahmed has repeatedly demonstrated his passion for storytelling, love of college football, and ability to meet the big moments,” Flood said. “He’s a wonderful teammate who makes every event he touches feel bigger and forms an instant connection with his analysts.”
Fareed will take over for Maria Taylor, who hosted Big Ten College Countdown the past two seasons. Taylor is shifting to a new NBA role and will anchor Sunday Night Basketball and Tuesday Night NBA on NBC and Peacock beginning in 2026. Fareed brings previous NBA experience to the table, having hosted coverage of the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings on NBC Sports Bay Area from 2013 to 2018, a period that included three Warriors titles and five playoff appearances.
Fareed, who recently won a Sports Emmy for his work on the Paris Olympics, now steps into two of NBC Sports’ premier on-air roles—ready to lead coverage for both the Big Ten and the NBA’s much-anticipated homecoming.
As part of NBCUniversal’s new 11-year media rights deal with the NBA, Peacock will stream exclusive national Monday Night NBA games starting in 2025. Doubleheaders on Tuesday nights will air on NBC and Peacock beginning this October. After Sunday Night Football concludes in January 2026, Sunday Night Basketball will debut February 1 across NBC platforms.
The network is assembling an all-star cast for its NBA coverage. Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, and Grant Hill will serve as game analysts, while Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter join as studio analysts. Taylor will host Sunday and Tuesday nights, with Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle on play-by-play. NBA legend Michael Jordan has been named a special contributor, and Emmy-winning producer Frank DiGraci will coordinate coverage. NBC is also reviving the iconic Roundball Rock theme and will feature an AI-generated voice of the late Jim Fagan, the longtime voice behind NBC’s classic NBA coverage.
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