NBC Sports Announces Roster Addition of NBA Courtside Reporters & Insider

"Our reporting roster is loaded with former captains and leaders who are lifelong hoopers and who understand the game from the inside out"

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NBC Sports has announced the addition of four new voices to its NBA broadcast team as it prepares to reenter the league’s media landscape in the upcoming 2025–26 season. Jordan Cornette, Ashley ShahAhmadi, and Zora Stephenson will serve as courtside reporters, while Grant Liffmann joins as an NBA Insider specializing in front office news.

The hires reflect NBC’s commitment to combining credible experience with on-air versatility as it builds a fresh approach to NBA storytelling across linear and streaming platforms.

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“Our reporting roster is loaded with former captains and leaders who are lifelong hoopers and who understand the game from the inside out,” said Sam Flood, NBC Sports Executive Producer. “With Grant, we’ve got a voice fresh out of the front office. He can break down not just what’s happening, but why it’s happening when the news drops.”

Stephenson, who has been with NBC Sports since 2021, brings a multi-platform résumé to the courtside role. She has covered Big Ten football and basketball on Peacock, served as a play-by-play voice, and contributed to NBC’s Olympic coverage during both the Beijing Winter and Paris Summer Games. Before NBC, she worked as a sideline reporter for the Milwaukee Bucks, where she made history in 2021 as the first woman to call a Bucks game. A former basketball team captain at Elon University, Stephenson adds both on-court credibility and media polish.

Cornette continues his upward trajectory at NBC Sports after establishing himself as a reliable presence on Big Ten College Countdown. A former Notre Dame standout and team captain, Cornette still holds the school’s all-time record for blocks. His past work at ESPN included appearances on Get Up, First Take, and NFL Live. At NBC, he’s also taken on studio and field roles with GOLF Channel, showcasing his versatility.

ShahAhmadi joins NBC following stints with Bally Sports South and TNT Sports, where she contributed to NBA and college football coverage. She’s been a sideline reporter for the Charlotte Hornets and served in multiple roles across ESPN Radio and SEC Network. Her on-air presence and knowledge of the game have made her a rising star in sports media.

Liffmann brings a rare dual perspective as both a former team executive and media personality. He spent the past three seasons with the Atlanta Hawks’ front office, most recently as VP of Pro Personnel, overseeing scouting operations. Prior to that, he was a familiar face to Golden State Warriors fans, co-hosting Warriors Outsiders on NBC Sports Bay Area. At NBC, Liffmann will serve as an insider with a focus on front office strategy and league-wide transactions.

NBC and Peacock will debut their NBA coverage on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The network plans to air up to 100 regular season games, as well as playoff and All-Star Weekend coverage. Sunday Night Basketball will launch in 2026 following the NFL season.

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