NBC is cranking up the nostalgia for its NBA comeback by using AI to resurrect the legendary Jim Fagan’s voice for 2025 broadcasts. Yes, you’ll hear his signature inflections hyping up “Roundball Rock” once again—all thanks to clever tech and a thumbs-up from the Fagan family. Don’t worry, the robots aren’t calling the game; human hosts like Carmelo Anthony are still in charge. If you’re curious about ethical debates and retro soundtracks, stick around—this rabbit hole goes deep.
Some voices just refuse to stay in the past—especially when artificial intelligence gets involved. For NBA fans of the 1990s, Jim Fagan‘s booming baritone was the sound of “NBA on NBC.” Now, in a move that feels ripped straight from a Black Mirror episode (minus the existential dread), NBC is bringing Fagan’s voice back for the 2025 NBA season. Yes, you read that right: Jim Fagan, who last introduced Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to millions, is making a comeback, courtesy of AI.
Let’s get this out of the way—nobody’s summoning ghosts. Instead, NBC has inked a partnership with Fagan’s family, using AI voice synthesis tech to resurrect the iconic sound that once set the stage for Shaq-versus-Hakeem showdowns. The technology isn’t just some “Siri with a deeper voice” trick, either. It’s designed to *accurately* mimic Fagan’s inflections and energy, and will roll out in select show opens, promos, and title sequences. So, if you get goosebumps hearing “The NBA on NBC,” don’t panic—you’re not alone. The new NBA media rights agreement kicks off in October 2025, ushering in a new era of coverage for both the NBA and WNBA.
NBC’s AI brings back Jim Fagan’s legendary NBA voice, reviving the nostalgia of classic basketball showdowns for a new generation.
This isn’t NBC’s first AI rodeo, either. The network recently recreated Al Michaels’ voice for Olympic recaps. Apparently, when it comes to nostalgia, NBC knows what the people want—cue the “Roundball Rock” theme. The twist? Fagan’s AI voice won’t be replacing live announcers. It’s more like a well-placed seasoning, not the whole meal. Human hosts (hello, Carmelo Anthony) will still carry the show. While innovative, this approach raises important transparency concerns about whether viewers should be informed when they’re hearing artificially generated voices versus real ones.
Why now? Well, nostalgia is a powerful drug, and NBC is looking to bottle it as they return to NBA coverage under a fresh media rights deal. This return marks the first time the NBA will air on NBC since 2002, as part of a new 11-year broadcasting agreement. Plus, AI-generated voices are trending in sports media—custom recaps, on-demand highlights, you name it. With Fagan’s AI voice, NBC is betting on *enhanced viewer engagement* and a seamless blend of old and new.
And who knows? This partnership with Fagan’s family might just pave the way for more “back-from-the-past” moments in broadcasting. If only they could AI-resurrect the Bulls’ dynasty, too.
