ESPN has added Jason Kidd and Jeremy Lin to its NBA coverage team this season. Both former NBA champions arrive as the network opens its 25th straight season of NBA games.
What We Know: Kidd, a Hall of Famer and NBA champion, earned 10 All-Star nods and five All-NBA First Team selections. Now, he will call games and join NBA Countdown alongside host Malika Andrews. Lin, meanwhile, won an NBA title and previously contributed to ESPN’s 2026 NBA Finals and Summer League coverage. This season, he will appear across ESPN’s studio shows, including NBA Today.
What’s At Stake: Coming off an impressive season of viewership, ESPN is adding more tools to the arsenal around the NBA. Kidd and Lin on a full time basis will add additional insight and analysis from those who excelled on the court. Also, adding in five additional scheduled airings of Inside the NBA with Charles Barkley announcing this will be his final season will also draw more interest.
What Remains Unclear: Still, ESPN did not say how many games Kidd or Lin will call this season. Furthermore, Lin’s exact appearance schedule on NBA Today remains unknown.
What It Means: Ultimately, ESPN is leaning on star power as it marks 25 years of NBA coverage. Kidd brings Hall of Fame credibility to both the booth and the studio. Meanwhile, Lin adds a familiar voice already tested on the network’s biggest stage. Together, they help round out a deep roster for ESPN and ABC.
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