Caitlin Clark Joins NBC’s Basketball Night in America as Special Contributor
Caitlin Clark is stepping into a new spotlight-this time, not on the hardwood, but in front of the camera. NBC Sports has announced that the Indiana Fever star will serve as a special contributor for the debut of Basketball Night in America, the network’s new on-site NBA studio show launching February 1 from Madison Square Garden.
The timing? Prime.
The stage? Massive.
Clark will be part of the pregame coverage starting at 6 p.m. ET, leading into a heavyweight matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks at 7 p.m.
ET. That’s followed by a second marquee game featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Denver Nuggets at 9:30 p.m.
ET-all airing across NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo.
A New Role Alongside NBA Royalty
Clark won’t be easing into this opportunity-she’s diving in with some of the biggest names in the game. She’ll join host Maria Taylor and a trio of Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers: Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady. It’s a lineup that blends insight, personality, and plenty of star power-now with one of the brightest young faces in basketball adding her voice to the mix.
“I’m really excited to be part of the Basketball Night in America crew this season,” Clark said. “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.”
NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood echoed that excitement, calling Clark “one of the most captivating players and dynamic scorers in basketball.” Her presence, he said, adds another layer of energy and perspective to the network’s new NBA coverage.
A Natural Fit for the Spotlight
This marks Clark’s first-ever TV analyst role, but it’s hardly unfamiliar territory. She’s been a household name since her days at Iowa, where she rewrote the record books and redefined what dominance looks like in the college game. Now, after a breakout rookie campaign in the WNBA-where she was the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, led the league in assists, earned All-WNBA First Team honors, and took home Rookie of the Year-Clark is adding a new chapter to her already remarkable basketball journey.
She’ll return to the studio on March 29, when Basketball Night in America broadcasts from Oklahoma City ahead of the Thunder’s matchup with the Knicks. Expect more of the same: high-profile games, big-name talent, and Clark offering her perspective from the unique vantage point of a current superstar who’s still in the thick of her playing prime.
From Court Vision to Studio Vision
Clark’s on-court vision has always been elite-threading passes through tight windows, pulling up from the logo, and making split-second reads that leave defenders frozen. That same basketball IQ should translate seamlessly to the studio, where she’ll have the chance to break down plays, offer insight from a player’s perspective, and connect with fans in a new way.
And she won’t be alone. The Basketball Night in America team is built to entertain and inform, with a strong mix of personalities and deep basketball knowledge. With Clark joining the fold, NBC is clearly betting on a blend of generational talent and fresh perspective to help launch its new NBA broadcast package.
What’s Next for Sunday Night Basketball
Basketball Night in America will air every Sunday night from February 1 through April 5, featuring 11 total games-including three doubleheaders. The one-hour studio show will lead directly into game coverage each week, giving fans a full night of basketball content anchored by some of the sport’s most recognizable voices.
There will be a brief pause in programming on February 8 and 15, as NBC shifts focus to Super Bowl LX, the NBA All-Star Game, and the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. But once the action resumes, expect Clark to be back in the mix, offering the same sharp reads and confident delivery that made her a star on the court.
For fans of the game, this is must-watch TV. And for Caitlin Clark, it’s just another way to leave her mark on basketball-this time, from the analyst’s chair.