NBC Sports is gearing up for a potential return of NBA games to its network, and one iconic element is set to make a comeback along with it. The beloved theme song “Roundball Rock,” composed by John Tesh, may once again be heard during NBA broadcasts on NBC.
Tesh revealed on a recent radio show appearance that NBC has reached out to him about re-licensing the song for future use. He mentioned plans to re-record the song with a full orchestra in Nashville next month, with a potential debut during the 2024 Paris Olympics in July.
The news comes as the NBA is finalizing new TV rights deals, with NBC Sports making an aggressive bid for a package of games. Current rightsholder Warner Bros. Discovery is still in talks with the league, but NBC’s offer has reportedly been more than double what WBD is currently paying for fewer games.
While the negotiations continue, the return of “Roundball Rock” to NBC has sparked excitement among fans who fondly remember the song from its original run on The NBA on NBC from 1990 to 2002. The potential revival of the iconic theme music adds an extra layer of anticipation for the upcoming NBA season and the possibility of its return to NBC and the streaming platform Peacock.