Lenny Kravitz to Star in NBC’s ‘Sunday Night Basketball’ Opening

October 9, 2025

Lenny Kravitz will star in the opening segment for NBC's "Sunday Night Basketball" coverage, as announced by the network on Monday. The four-time Grammy winner's opening segment will debut on February 1 before a doubleheader featuring the Lakers vs. Knicks and Oklahoma City vs.

Who is affected

NBA viewers and basketball fans
NBC Sports viewers
Lenny Kravitz
NBA teams featured in the broadcasts (Lakers, Knicks, Oklahoma City, Denver)
NBC Sports production team
Tripp Dixon (NBC sports creative director)

What action is being taken

NBC is implementing a new opening segment for their "Sunday Night Basketball" coverage featuring Lenny Kravitz
NBC is returning to NBA game broadcasts after a long absence
An hourlong, on-site studio program is being created to precede the games
NBC is preparing to launch its NBA coverage with a season-opening doubleheader on October 21

Why it matters

This marks NBC's return to NBA broadcasting after more than 20 years (since the 2001-02 season)
The opening segment follows the successful format used for "Sunday Night Football" with Carrie Underwood
The initiative represents a significant investment in NBA coverage with 11 "Sunday Night Basketball" games planned
The broadcast will feature high-profile teams including the defending champion Oklahoma City

What's next

The opening segment will debut on February 1, 2024
NBC's NBA coverage will begin with the season-opening doubleheader on October 21
11 "Sunday Night Basketball" games will be broadcast during the season
Each game will be preceded by an hourlong, on-site studio program

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint