NBC is making a bold move to launch its new NBA Sunday night coverage - and they’re doing it with a superstar who doesn’t even play in the league. Caitlin Clark, one of the most recognizable names in basketball today, will join NBC Sports as a special contributor for the debut of Basketball Night in America on February 1.
The pregame show, which kicks off at 6 p.m. ET, leads into a marquee matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
That’s followed by a Western Conference showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and defending champion Denver Nuggets at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Clark will be part of a high-profile studio team that includes host Maria Taylor and three Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers: Tracy McGrady, Carmelo Anthony, and Vince Carter. It’s a lineup packed with basketball IQ and star power - and now, it’s getting a fresh perspective from one of the brightest young talents in the sport.
“I’m really excited to be part of the Basketball Night in America crew this season,” Clark said in a statement. “Carmelo, Vince and Tracy are legends of the game, and Maria is a true professional. It will be really fun to join them a few times this season.”
This isn’t just a guest appearance. Clark is scheduled to return to the show on March 29, when the Thunder host the Knicks in Oklahoma City - a game that could carry serious playoff implications for both teams.
For NBC, the addition of Clark is a savvy play. She’s more than just a rising star - she’s already one of the most influential figures in basketball. A two-time WNBA All-Star, 2024 All-WNBA First Team selection, and the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, Clark hit the ground running after being drafted No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever.
Her college résumé? One for the ages.
Clark rewrote the NCAA record books at Iowa, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Division I history - men’s or women’s - with 3,951 points. She earned back-to-back Naismith and AP College Player of the Year honors in 2023 and 2024, was named AP Female Athlete of the Year in 2024, and was a three-time unanimous First Team All-American.
The move to bring her into the NBA broadcast fold is more than just a ratings play - it’s a strategic investment in the future of basketball coverage. Clark brings a fresh voice, deep understanding of the game, and cross-league appeal that few can match. And for NBC, which holds broadcast rights to both the NBA and WNBA, this is a natural synergy.
In a media landscape where NBA pregame shows are often defined by legacy brands and familiar faces, Clark offers something different - a new perspective, a new energy, and a connection to a growing fan base that spans across both men’s and women’s basketball.
The question now isn’t just what Clark will bring to Basketball Night in America - it’s where this partnership could lead. With her on-air presence and on-court credentials, NBC may have just found a long-term difference-maker for its basketball coverage.