When the NBA returns to NBC next season, one of the network’s signature voices will be back – sort of.
NBC announced former narrator Jim Fagan will be used as part of its coverage and promotion of the league for the 2025-26 season. While the name may not sound familiar, perhaps his voice does: Fagan was the voice of NBC’s NBA coverage from 1990-2002, hyping up games featuring stars like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
However, there is a catch with the return of Fagan. He actually died in 2017, so NBC will be using AI voice synthesis technology to re-create his voice and use it for title sequences, show opens and promotions.
The network shared a preview of what it will sound like hearing Fagan’s voice again.
How is NBC using Jim Fagan’s voice?
Fagan’s voice will be used thanks to a partnership with his family. The use of AI comes after NBC did something similar for the 2024 Paris Olympics, when Al Michaels’ voice was used for its ‘Your Daily Olympic Recap on Peacock’ feature.
‘We’re deeply grateful that NBC Sports had the vision to honor our father’s legacy in such a meaningful way,’ his daughters Jana Silvia Joyce and Risa Silvia-Koonin said in a statement. ‘He took great pride in his work with NBC Sports, especially in helping set the stage for some of the most memorable moments in NBA history. Knowing that his voice will once again be part of the game he loved − and that a new generation of fans will get to experience it − is incredibly special for our family. He would be so thrilled and proud to be a part of this. It’s been a true pleasure working with NBC Sports on this project.’
The use of Fagan’s voice adds another element of nostalgia to NBC’s production when professional basketball returns to the network. The network previously announced the iconic ‘Roundball Rock’ NBA anthem will be used for games.
While a nice blast from the past, the news of Fagan’s voice being used drew some mixed reactions. NBC said Fagan’s voice will ‘supplement traditional voiceover work’ from other artists NBC features.
NBC’s coverage on the NBA begins in October as it is part of the 11-year, $76 billion deal alongside Disney (ABC/ESPN) and Amazon.