NBC Sports to Hype Return of NBA With AI-Generated Voice of Announcer Jim Fagan, Who Died in 2017

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NBC is eagerly promoting the comeback of the NBA on their TV channels in the autumn of 2025, marking a return after over twenty years. This promotion is filled with a sense of nostalgia.

NBC Sports has revealed a significant change: they will utilize an artificially intelligent voice that mimics Jim Fagan, a former narrator who passed away in 2017 at 72, for their NBA broadcasts and promotions when their new 11-year media deal commences in October. The network explained that they are leveraging AI technology with the cooperation of Fagan’s family.

Fagan’s voice was famously associated with NBC Sports’ highly praised NBA coverage from 1990-2002. His exceptional storytelling sparked unprecedented enthusiasm for the league’s most significant games and stars, such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Hakeem Olajuwon, and numerous others.

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Fagan’s voice was synonymous with top-notch NBA coverage by NBC Sports from 1990-2002. His extraordinary narration generated unrivaled excitement for the league’s key matchups and stars like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Hakeem Olajuwon, and many more.

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Fagan’s voice became a symbol of exceptional NBA coverage by NBC Sports between 1990-2002. His remarkable commentary fueled an unmatched level of excitement for the league’s pivotal games and stars, such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Hakeem Olajuwon, and a host of others.

NBC Sports released a short clip featuring Fagan’s AI-generated voice:

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Last week, NBC brought back a piece of its past from its NBA days, as they officially announced that John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock,” which was the theme music for their NBA coverage from 1990-2002, will be returning. During their Kentucky Derby broadcast, they aired a promotional spot for “Roundball Rock.

For its upcoming NBA coverage, NBC Sports plans to utilize AI voice technology to mimic Fagan’s voice in specific title sequences, show introductions, and promotional materials. They mentioned that the AI-created voice of Fagan will complement, rather than replace, the voiceover work done by other artists employed by NBC Sports.

On previous occasions, the broadcaster has employed AI-generated voices. For instance, during the Olympic Games Paris 2024, NBC utilized artificial intelligence technology to recreate sports announcer Al Michaels’ voice for the “Your Daily Olympic Recap” on Peacock.

Many basketball enthusiasts associate Jim’s distinctive voice with a cherished era in the NBA, as it beautifully encapsulated the grandeur of significant matchups and players that he announced. It has been delightful collaborating with Jim’s family to reproduce his voice and preserve his legacy. I am thrilled that we can now share his voice with a fresh batch of basketball fans.

Jim’s daughters, Jana Silvia Joyce and Risa Silvia-Koonin, expressed their heartfelt gratitude in a statement through the network. They mentioned that NBC Sports’ decision to honor their father’s legacy in such a significant manner was truly meaningful to them. They recalled how much pride their father took in his work with NBC Sports, particularly in contributing to some of the most iconic moments in NBA history. Knowing that his voice would once again resonate in the sport he cherished, and that a fresh wave of fans would have the opportunity to hear it, was an exceptional joy for their family. They stated that their father would be overjoyed and proud to be associated with this project. Working on this endeavor with NBC Sports had been a delightful experience for them.

Born and raised in Windber, Pennsylvania – a town known for coal mining – Fagan spent his childhood with his teacher mother and coal miner father. He was later awarded a football scholarship at West Virginia University, a school he remained fond of throughout his life. NBC Sports reports that his passion for acting eventually propelled him into a successful voiceover career, particularly at NBC Sports where he became a well-known narrator for various programs, notably the NBA.

In July 2024, it was announced that NBCUniversal (NBCU) signed a media rights contract with the National Basketball Association (NBA), reportedly spending over $2.4 billion annually for an 11-year period. This deal gives NBCU the rights to broadcast 100 regular season games, the NBA All-Star Game, and a selection of first-round playoff games exclusive to them. Additionally, WNBA games will be included in this package.

On Mondays, only Peacock will broadcast unique NBA games that are nationally televised. Meanwhile, both NBC and Peacock will air national coverage for regional doubleheaders on Tuesdays. Starting from 2026, “Sunday Night Basketball” will be available across NBC and Peacock.

Previously, it was announced that Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, and Carmelo Anthony would take on roles as game analysts, studio analyst respectively, within NBC Sports’ NBA coverage. Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle were also named as play-by-play announcers. Later in December 2024, Frank DiGraci was announced as the coordinating producer for NBC Sports’ NBA programming.

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2025-05-06 19:15