NEW YORK, February 8, 2026
Baseball Returns to NBC with Star-Studded Analyst Team
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NBC is bringing baseball back to its airwaves with a splash, tapping recently retired stars Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, adn Joey Votto as analysts.
- Clayton kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, joins NBC after retiring from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Anthony Rizzo, who famously broke the Cubs’ 108-year World Series drought, will also contribute to NBC’s coverage.
- Joey votto, a former NL MVP with the Cincinnati Reds, rounds out the trio of new analysts.
- NBC’s baseball coverage begins with an Opening Day doubleheader on March 26.
Baseball fans rejoice! NBC is swinging for the fences with its return to Major League Baseball broadcasting, and they’re doing it with some serious star power. The network announced Sunday, during the Super Bowl pregame show, that recently retired players Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, and Joey Votto will serve as analysts throughout the season. This move signals NBC’s commitment to providing fresh insights and engaging commentary as it re-enters the world of baseball broadcasting.
NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood said, “We’re excited to welcome Clayton, Anthony and Joey, three stars right off the field who can provide fresh viewpoint on the players, teams, and everything that makes baseball special.”
A Return to the Diamond
NBC has a storied history with baseball, broadcasting games from 1939 through 1989. The network was also involved with the Baseball Network alongside ABC in 1994-95 and aired playoff games from 1996 through 2000. This return marks a meaningful chapter in the network’s relationship with America’s pastime.
Bob Costas will host the “Sunday Night Baseball” pregame show, alongside Ahmed Fareed. The network has yet to announce its play-by-play announcers and game analysts.
Opening Day and Beyond
NBC will kick off its baseball coverage with an Opening Day doubleheader on March 26. The first game will feature reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates against Juan Soto and the New York Mets at 1 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Later that evening, at 8 p.m. ET, the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers will host the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“Sunday Night Baseball” will debut on Peacock and NBCSN on March 29 with a matchup between the AL Central champion Cleveland Guardians and the AL West champion Seattle Mariners. The first Sunday night game on NBC itself will be on April 12, when the Guardians visit the Atlanta Braves. NBC will air Sunday night games from May 31 through Sept. 6, following six weeks of coverage on Peacock and NBCSN.
Uzma Rawn Dowler, MLB’s chief marketing officer and senior vice president of global corporate partnerships, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Our new partnership with NBC and Peacock is off to an unbelievable start. They are promoting one of our top stars in a new spot, integrating popular NBC talent, and airing it in highly viewed programming. NBC’s promotional plans for MLB have been creative and demonstrate they are bringing great energy to promoting baseball.” NBC debuted a spot featuring New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge during the Super Bowl pregame show, and it will also air during the network’s coverage of the Winter Olympics.
