NBC Sports is celebrating a slam dunk first season back in the NBA broadcast game, and they're already planning to double down on one of their biggest innovations. Executive producer Sam Flood, reflecting on the year, highlighted the success of "On The Bench"—a fresh broadcast format that's changing how fans experience the game.
The concept is as straightforward as a fast break: an analyst is positioned right on (or next to) each team's bench for the entire game, offering unprecedented, ground-level insight. Initially planned for Monday nights, its popularity led to a Sunday night addition, with Flood noting enthusiastic cooperation from the teams involved.
While sideline reporting isn't new, this immersive, persistent bench-level perspective in the NBA is a genuine innovation. Flood called it a highlight that "redefined how you can consume a basketball game," and confirmed plans to expand it to more games next season.
The format has delivered unique moments, from capturing raw player reactions to providing a new platform for assistant coaches. Play-by-play legend Mike Tirico, who called one of these games in Miami, reportedly "loved it" and found it a refreshingly different kind of broadcast.
Beyond the bench, NBC's return season was marked by star power, seamlessly blending basketball's past and present. The network brought iconic voices like Michael Jordan and cultural figures such as Snoop Dogg, Caitlin Clark, and Lenny Kravitz into the broadcast mix, creating must-see moments for fans.
As the NBA playoffs tip off, the success of this first year signals an exciting new chapter in sports broadcasting. For fans, it means more immersive, innovative, and star-studded ways to connect with the game they love.