Maybe it was the nostalgia kicking in, but Tuesday felt bigger than usual for the NBA as it returned to NBC for the first time since 2002.

NBC resumed NBA broadcasts with a nostalgic, high-profile doubleheader for opening night. Audio issues, including loud static and broken mics, disrupted the “NBA Showtime” pregame show. Fans criticized the broadcast’s rocky start, but praised the nostalgic presentation and crew’s handling.

It’s been 23 long years since we saw the silhouette of Jerry West emblazoned alongside the rainbow peacock, since we heard John Tesh’s funky groove, since we saw those electric pregame intros live on-air.

NBA on NBC debut reviews: The best and worst reactions to 2025-26 opening night, from Carmelo Anthony to Michael Jordan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. For the first NBA season since 2001-02, the league has returned to NBC airwaves.

Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady headline NBC’s NBA coverage, which tips off October 21 with Rockets–Thunder and Warriors–Lakers.

The NBA returned to NBC on Tuesday after a 23-year hiatus, but there were definitely some bumps in the road as the show went on the air. NBC's panel of

Cut the network some slack. The NBA returned to NBC after 23 years, complete with Roundball Rock, the peacock logo, and ’90s nostalgia, except for one glitch: audio issues hit right away. NBC’s

Michael Jordan revealed on Tuesday night just before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season that he no longer plays basketball -- not even occasionally in a random gym or driveway.