NBC and Peacock are leaning all the way into the nostalgia playbook for their return to NBA broadcasting-and now they’re adding a West Coast icon to the mix. Snoop Dogg, the legendary rapper and cultural mainstay, is set to join the broadcast team for the Jan. 5 matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers. According to reports, Snoop will attend pregame meetings and call the second half of the game live on Peacock.
That’s right-Snoop Dogg is stepping into the booth. And while it might sound like an unexpected move, it’s really just the latest chapter in a career that’s become increasingly intertwined with the sports world.
Snoop’s Sports Resume Runs Deep
This won’t be Snoop’s first rodeo with NBC Sports. He was a breakout hit as a “special correspondent” during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he brought his signature humor and laid-back charisma to everything from track and field to swimming with Michael Phelps. He co-hosted a highlight show alongside Kevin Hart and is already locked in to reprise a similar role for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan.
But NBC isn’t the only network tapping into Snoop’s unique crossover appeal. He’s lent his voice to ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” intro, is hosting a holiday halftime show on Netflix during the Lions-Vikings Christmas Day game, and was a centerpiece of the Emmy-winning Super Bowl LVI halftime show-also on NBC. That’s not to mention his appearance at the 2017 NHL All-Star Skills Competition or the fact that he’s been repping hockey jerseys since his “Gin and Juice” days.
Point is, Snoop’s no stranger to the sports stage. Whether it’s football, hockey, or Olympic equestrian events with Martha Stewart, he’s shown he can hold his own in just about any arena. Now he’s adding NBA color commentary to the list.
Why This Move Matters for NBC-and the NBA
This season marks a big shift in the NBA’s media landscape. With games now airing on NBC/Peacock and Amazon Prime instead of TNT, the league is clearly banking on fresh energy and broader accessibility. And early returns look promising-viewership is reportedly up 89% compared to last season, with over 87 million people tuning in so far.
NBC, for its part, is doing more than just airing games. They’re actively building a vibe.
From reviving John Tesh’s iconic “Roundball Rock” to bringing in cultural figures like Michael Jordan and now Snoop Dogg, the network is blending hoops with heritage and entertainment. It’s not just about the X’s and O’s-it’s about making basketball feel like an event again.
Snoop’s inclusion is also a savvy move for cross-promotion. He’s a judge on “The Voice,” another NBC property, and he’ll be front and center during Olympic coverage. But beyond the branding synergy, this is a strategic attempt to reach new audiences-especially those who might not tune in for traditional analysis but will absolutely show up for Snoop’s take on a Steph Curry step-back or a Kawhi Leonard midrange dagger.
What to Expect on Jan. 5
Don’t expect Snoop to break down pick-and-roll coverages with a telestrator. That’s not the lane he’s driving in.
But what he brings is cultural credibility, comedic timing, and a genuine love for the game. He’s been courtside for years, he knows the players, and he’s got the charisma to make even a blowout feel like must-see TV.
Whether he’s riffing on Draymond Green’s intensity or vibing with Clippers fans about their playoff hopes, Snoop’s presence in the booth promises to bring a different energy-one that’s less about traditional commentary and more about connecting the game to the culture.
And let’s be honest: in a league that thrives on personality, flash, and storytelling, Snoop Dogg calling an NBA game just feels right.
The next chapter of Snoop’s broadcasting journey kicks off Jan. 5. Don’t be surprised if it’s just the beginning.