Over the past couple months, it has looked increasingly possible that NBA broadcasting rights could leave TNT for the first time in 40 years and return to NBC. And the execs over at NBC are apparently so confident about the rights acquisition that plans are already in place to revive one of the most iconic musical intros in American sports.
When the NBA left NBC back in 2002, it effectively ended “Roundball Rock” in sports television. Fox Sports has used it in college hoops coverage, but otherwise it has been a relic of basketball nostalgia.
Well, the song’s composer, John Tesh, revealed how that could change very soon.
BREAKING: NBC has contacted John Tesh about reviving the iconic NBA on NBC theme song 'Roundball Rock' amid NBA rights dealnegotiations.
"At the end of June, we're heading to Nashville, we've got a full orchestra on hold & we're going to re-record it."https://t.co/J2Tb1XxPY9 pic.twitter.com/F6YUXSRpk4
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) May 21, 2024
In an interview with Dan Le Batard, Tesh said that NBC has full plans in place to re-record the song. It also has orchestra on hold to get that process started once (or if) the deal becomes official.
Now, the fact that NBC is already thinking about plans for the theme song sure makes the deal seem all but certain. But reports as of Tuesday have pointed to a last-minute push from Warner Bros. Discovery to retain the rights and save programming like TNT’s Inside the NBA.
We’ll have to see how the negotiations play out, but a return of “Roundball Rock” will definitely be welcomed.
It’s so good.