However, not everyone is sold on “On The Bench” concept coming this fall from NBC Sports. ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson, who played 17 seasons in the NBA and has been a visible presence on ESPN’s studio shows, shared a candid reaction on the Road Trippin’ podcast when asked about NBC’s move.
“Terrible,” Jefferson said flatly when first hearing the description of “On The Bench.”
NBC Sports announced the new wrinkle to its NBA coverage this fall with the launch of “On The Bench,” a feature that will put select analysts courtside on Peacock for a handful of games. The idea is to enhance the viewing experience by bringing fans closer to the action and creating new avenues of storytelling.
But Jefferson’s initial criticism came with important clarification. While he doesn’t have an issue with giving fans a peek inside certain elements of game action, he is skeptical about how far the networks should go.
“Access to huddle and sit on the bench … the access to huddle that stuff is fine, right? I’m not saying you can’t come and listen to the huddle,” Jefferson explained.
What NBC Sports termed an industry first. “On the Bench” will be used exclusively for the 23 Peacock NBA Monday games this season. Rather than sitting next to the play-by-play voice. The analysts will be positioned near the assistant coaches of their assigned team during the action. Listening in on huddles and timeouts, and delivering information straight from the bench. Each analyst will also be immersed with their team leading up to the game. Spending time at shootarounds, and speaking with players and coaches during pregame locker room availability.
As networks like ESPN and NBC Sports continue to push for more behind-the-scenes access, hoping to give fans unique insights that differentiate live broadcasts from social media clips or league-produced content. Analysts like Jefferson believe there’s a balance between information and intrusion.
As the conversation continued, Jefferson admitted there was upside to NBC’s approach — particularly when it comes to helping broadcasters share insights in real time.
“Sitting on the bench, that’s a great idea. I think that’s a great idea, yes,” he said. “There’s always going to be a push and pull, but the goal is to inform the viewer. And the more information that you’re able to get … you can convey us information that we get to convey to the viewer. So it’s beneficial.”
Still, Jefferson cautioned that adding cameras and microphones to previously private spaces risks crossing a line. He pointed out that the league and its media partners have to consider how much access is too much.
“We have to make sure in an effort of trying to give more access, keep the integrity of the two sides, right? We don’t need to bring the viewer in too much,” Jefferson said. “It’s like now you have access to the showers. No. There is a space where you can stop access. I like innovation … but as players, you might not always want someone right there basically to gather information.”
This is the first year of an 11-year media rights deal between the NBA and NBCUniversal. Networks like NBC are eager to stand out in a crowded media landscape, while analysts who once wore the jersey are quick to remind everyone that athletes are still human beings navigating pressure, frustration, and mental battles in real time.
“On the Bench” will debut on Peacock NBA Monday beginning October 27.
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