Key Highlights
- NBC Universal re-acquired the rights to broadcast NBA games after a 20-year absence.
- “Roundball Rock,” an iconic theme song created by John Tesh, is making a comeback for Sunday Night Basketball broadcasts.
- Lenny Kravitz will perform “Roundball Rock” during the opening of the “Sunday Night Basketball” episodes.
- John Tesh discusses how he composed the theme and its significance in sports broadcasting history.
The Return of Roundball Rock: NBC’s NBA Broadcasts Get an Iconic Upgrade
NBC Universal recently announced that it has re-acquired the rights to broadcast National Basketball Association (NBA) games after a 20-year hiatus. This acquisition brings back not only the league but also a piece of sports broadcasting history—“Roundball Rock.”
The iconic theme, known for its pulsating beats and memorable introduction, was created by six-time Emmy Award-winning musician John Tesh in 1990. Tesh’s work perfectly captured the essence of NBA games, making it a staple during broadcasts that included play-by-play voices from Bob Costas or Marv Albert.
Revisiting an Iconic Era
“Roundball Rock” was a product of the transition between CBS and NBC broadcasting rights in 1990. After losing the NBA to NBC, CBS needed something distinctive to represent their new package, leading them to Tesh for a solution. The theme song’s creation is as unique as its composition, with Tesh waking up at 2 a.m. one night during his coverage of the Tour de France and composing the iconic tune on the spot.
“The idea came to me in my sleep,” Tesh explains. “I woke up, wrote down the theme, and then recorded it immediately when I got back home.” Tesh’s initial version was a bit slow, but after incorporating highlights of Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan into the tempo, NBC agreed to use it.
John Tesh and His Musical Legacy
Tesh, who also co-hosted “Entertainment Tonight,” has seen his music career evolve over the years. He released a new album in September 2024 called “Sports,” featuring a reimagined version of “Roundball Rock.” Despite its age, Tesh believes the theme still resonates with fans and is proud to see it return.
“It’s hard to imagine the NBA on NBC without that song,” says Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports. The network plans to prominently feature “Roundball Rock” in their broadcasts, including performances by Grammy-winning musician Lenny Kravitz for the opening theme during Sunday Night Basketball episodes.
The Future of Sports Broadcasting
With the re-acquisition of NBA rights, NBC Universal is investing heavily in its coverage. The network is reportedly paying $2.5 billion annually for these rights, marking one of the largest acquisitions since 2006 when they gained NFL broadcasting rights. “Roundball Rock” and Jim Fagan’s narration will be key elements in bringing fans back to their screens each Sunday night.
John Tesh reflects on his legacy, stating that with modern technology like YouTube and Facebook, he can maintain a lasting impact. His recent diagnosis of prostate cancer only strengthened his resolve. “I was always looking for songs to keep my body still during chemo,” he says, adding that the Rocky 4 theme song became his baseline.
From its creation in 1990 to its return after two decades, “Roundball Rock” has become more than just a theme; it’s an emblem of basketball history. Its resurgence on NBC signals not only a nostalgic return but also a commitment to preserving the essence of what made NBA broadcasts so memorable.
