Latest news with #RoundballRock
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Late announcer Jim Fagan's voice will return with the NBA to NBC, courtesy of AI
Many people remember the late Jim Fagan as the rugged voice that proudly informed 1990s and early-2000s basketball fans that they were watching the NBA on NBC. The distinct sound of Fagan's voiceovers, with John Tesh's rousing "Roundball Rock" playing in the background, will be forever linked to the era when Michael Jordan dominated the sport and players like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan were just starting to build their legacies. Advertisement Fagan died in 2017 at age 72 after battling Parkinson's disease. His voice, however, will soon be more than just a fond memory for basketball fans. Read more: Charles Barkley rips 'idiots' at ESPN, future home of 'Inside the NBA,' for saying 'Lakers saved the NBA' NBC Sports announced Tuesday that through the use of AI voice synthesis technology — and through a partnership with Fagan's family — the announcer's voice will be heard on "select title sequences, show opens, and promos" when the NBA returns to the network this fall after more than two decades. Fagan's voice will be used to "supplement traditional voiceover work by other artists hired by NBC Sports," the network said in a news release. That announcement came days after NBC Sports revealed that it was bringing back "Roundball Rock" as its NBA anthem. On Tuesday, the network dropped a promo video featuring both the classic song and Fagan's AI-generated voice. Any nostalgic vibes felt by old-school NBA fans definitely were not coincidental. 'For many basketball fans, Jim's unique and recognizable voice immediately conjures a deep sense of nostalgia for a special time in NBA history,' NBC Sports president Rick Cordella said in the news release. 'His voice perfectly captured the magnitude of the heavyweight matchups and stars that he was introducing. It's been a joy to work with Jim's family to recreate his voice and honor his legacy. I'm excited we're able to introduce his voice to a whole new generation of fans.' Advertisement Four hours after the promo video was posted on YouTube, it had received 25 comments, most of which criticized the decision to use AI to generate the voice of someone who is no longer alive. But Fagan's daughters, Jana Silvia Joyce and Risa Silvia-Koonin, said in NBC's news release that their father would have been "thrilled." Read more: LeBron James begs off attending the Met Gala, where he is the honorary co-chairman 'We're deeply grateful that NBC Sports had the vision to honor our father's legacy in such a meaningful way," Silvia Joyce and Silvia-Koonin stated. "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.' Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Fox Sports
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Pacers vs. Knicks odds, predictions: Can underdog Indiana spoil New York-OKC?
As a Chicago kid who grew up rooting for MJ's Bulls throughout the 1990s, I witnessed some battles between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. Patrick Ewing and Pat Riley. Reggie Miller and Larry Bird. Mark Jackson both ways. You're humming "Roundball Rock," aren't you? Here we are, decades later, as the Knicks and Pacers meet for a chance to reach the 2025 NBA Finals. The main characters and supporting cast are much, much different, but the rivalry remains very real. And these fan bases hate each other. The first Las Vegas sportsbook to hang a series price was the Westgate SuperBook. It opened New York -145 ($145 wins $100), which felt fair. You knew the Knicks would be favored, with home court and their near 40-point beatdown of big, bad Boston to eliminate the Celtics being the cherry on top. Within 10 minutes, the SuperBook was at Knicks -160. The betting market has bounced around over the last four days and the current consensus price is sitting around Knicks -150. That gives New York a 40-cent edge because Game 7 is at Madison Square Garden. "There was some disagreement in the room," SuperBook's VP of Race and Sports John Murray told FOX Sports. "One of our guys has been anti-Knicks all the way, and now they're favored in the conference final. "We did take a Pacers' bet from a very sharp player on Monday night. It was $10,000 to win $14,000 in the series market. That got our attention." One of my NBA wise guys likes Indiana, too. "The Pacers have more players, more versatility," he said via text. "It might not be fair to this current Knicks group, but the [Tom] Thibodeau factor is real. His teams always burn out, especially his old teams back in Chicago. "I have this series much closer to a pick 'em." No matter which side you like, please shop around. You can save yourself plenty of vigorish just by making your bet at the appropriate sportsbook. Pacers-Knicks series prices: FanDuel: Knicks -144, Pacers +122DraftKings: Knicks -145, Pacers +125Caesars: Knicks -150, Pacers +125BetMGM: Knicks -155, Pacers +130SuperBook: Knicks -155, Pacers +135 Circa: Knicks -160, Pacers +140 The budding rivalry between star players Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton should make for exciting television. The crowd shots will not disappoint, either. In one corner, you've got my fellow corn-fed Midwesterners. In "celebrity corner," it's Spike Lee and Timothée Chalamet. Choose your fighters wisely. I do respect the positions from the aforementioned wise guys on the Pacers. Brunson is the best player, but I believe Indiana is the better team. And let's not discount head coach Rick Carlisle's championship experience. I'll be betting the underdog early and often. "I would rather see New York win," Murray admitted. "It would be better for business in the next round. Oklahoma City and New York will draw." Sorry John, you can't always get what you want. PICK: Pacers (+140) win series Sam Panayotovich is a sports betting analyst for FOX Sports and the BetMGM Network. He previously worked for WGN Radio, NBC Sports and VSiN. Follow him on Twitter @spshoot. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Michael Jordan's mysterious NBA return sparks intrigue as his new role remains cloaked in uncertainty
In a surprising move, Michael Jordan is joining NBC Sports as a special contributor to its NBA coverage when the 2025-26 season begins. NBC also confirmed it has hired Michael Jordan to contribute to its NBA coverage, which tips off later this year. NBC made the announcement on Monday morning during its upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall previewing the networks offerings during the upcoming television season. 'I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,' Jordan said during a video message. 'The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I'm excited about being a special contributor to the project. I'm looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 세계 1위 수면시간, 핀란드인들이 먹는 XXXX주스? 수면연구원 김민재 더 알아보기 Undo Michael Jordan's comeback at NBC NBC announced Jordan's involvement during its upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall, highlighting the network's renewed 11-year, $76 billion deal with the NBA and WNBA. Jordan expressed enthusiasm about the NBA's return to NBC, recalling the network's significance during his playing career, particularly when NBC held rights from 1990 to 2002 and covered all six of his championship wins with the Chicago Bulls. Live Events ALSO READ: Hundreds of Voice of America contractors face mass job losses in Trump's latest crackdown NBC's new broadcasting agreement includes exclusive streaming of Monday night games on Peacock, regional Tuesday doubleheaders, and the launch of "Sunday Night Basketball" in January. The network also plans to revive the iconic "Roundball Rock" theme song by John Tesh, adding a nostalgic touch to its coverage. Jordan's addition to NBC's team, which already features NBA legend Carmelo Anthony as an in-studio analyst and commentators like Mike Tirico, Noah Eagle, Jamal Crawford, and Reggie Miller, is expected to significantly boost viewership and engagement for NBA broadcasts. NBC is returning to NBA coverage after a 23-year hiatus. The network previously held NBA broadcasting rights from 1990 to 2002, airing all six of Michael Jordan's championship victories with the Chicago Bulls. This marks the first time Jordan is formally partnering with a network. His impactful appearances and candid remarks in the 2020 documentary The Last Dance, which chronicled his career and the Bulls' final championship run in 1998, generated widespread attention. 'Michael's legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself,' said NBC Sports President Rick Cordella. 'We're incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.' ALSO READ: Justin Bieber breaks silence on if he was a Sean Diddy victim amid latter's bombshell sex trafficking trial NBC's new 11-year deal with the NBA and WNBA kicks off in October. As part of the agreement, Peacock will exclusively stream Monday night games. NBC and Peacock will team up for regional doubleheaders on Tuesdays, and will debut Sunday Night Basketball starting in January. A mysterious absence Jordan's move into this new role remains cloaked in uncertainty. The basketball legend—renowned for his elusive public presence and mysterious aura—was conspicuously missing from NBC's first informal team meeting. His absence has fueled curiosity and speculation about the scope of his involvement and how he'll navigate the demands of day-to-day sports broadcasting. By choosing to forgo the initial gathering, Jordan has left many questioning what his participation will truly look like and how his iconic status will fit into this unfamiliar territory. (With AP inputs)
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michael Jordan's role on NBC's NBA coverage reportedly remains unclear, might start as just taped segments
Michael Jordan will be a part of NBC's NBC coverage when the league returns to the network next season. We're still not sure exactly what that will look like. NBC only described Jordan's role as a "special contributor" in its announcement, with few other details. CNBC's Alex Sherman provided a little more clarity Thursday, reporting the initial plan is for Jordan to provide analysis in taped segments that will air during pregame and halftime shows, while leaving the door open for the role to evolve. CNBC also noted the deal with Jordan was arranged by NBC Sports executive Jon Miller, a longtime friend of Jordan's who helped the Hall of Famer get Ryder Cup tickets in the past. NBC broadcaster Mike Tirico, who will be part of the NBA coverage, also addressed Jordan's role on Thursday during an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show," saying he didn't know much beyond the "special contributor" title and that he's "excited that [Jordan] would even consider doing it." Tirico's pitch for Jordan as a broadcaster: "From time in management and ownership, and obviously an unbelievable playing career, and the way the game has evolved, I think there's a unique space there to hear from Michael where the game is, where it's going. I'm curious what he thinks about a 3-on-1 and guys run to the 3-point line. I'm curious what he thinks, as a guy who wanted to play so often, about the amount of play guys have, and the style of the way the game is played now on both ends of the floor. "You don't want Michael sitting at the desk trading opinions of the moment on this or not. I'd like to hear that at a high level. How that manifests itself, I don't know. I hope I get to be involved a little bit, but look, any chance to hear Michael Jordan talk basketball, I'm signing up." Patrick concurred and made a suggestion Jordan could follow the lead of "Detail: Kobe Bryant," in which the late Los Angeles Lakers star would sit and break down tape of modern NBA and WNBA stars, often with the help of a co-host. Whatever Jordan ends up doing, people will still likely be interested, which is the point. Bringing on Jordan is also one component of a clear nostalgia play by NBC, which has also acquired the rights to its old "Roundball Rock" anthem and even revealed it will use AI to recreate the voice of late announcer Jim Fagan. NBC Sports president Rick Cordella has said the network will air pregame player introductions, a portion of the game that is rarely shown on modern broadcasts after being a staple of Jordan's prime in the '90s. As for the rest of the broadcast, Tirico and Noah Eagle will handle play-by play duties, Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford, both coming from TNT, will be color commentators. Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter are also joining the network as studio analysts.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michael Jordan's role on NBC's NBA coverage reportedly remains unclear, might start as just taped segments
Michael Jordan will be a part of NBC's NBC coverage when the league returns to the network next season. We're still not sure exactly what that will look like. NBC only described Jordan's role as a "special contributor" in its announcement, with few other details. CNBC's Alex Sherman provided a little more clarity Thursday, reporting the initial plan is for Jordan to provide analysis in taped segments that will air during pregame and halftime shows, while leaving the door open for the role to evolve. CNBC also noted the deal with Jordan was arranged by NBC Sports executive Jon Miller, a longtime friend of Jordan's who helped the Hall of Famer get Ryder Cup tickets in the past. NBC broadcaster Mike Tirico, who will be part of the NBA coverage, also addressed Jordan's role on Thursday during an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show," saying he didn't know much beyond the "special contributor" title and that he's "excited that [Jordan] would even consider doing it." Tirico's pitch for Jordan as a broadcaster: "From time in management and ownership, and obviously an unbelievable playing career, and the way the game has evolved, I think there's a unique space there to hear from Michael where the game is, where it's going. I'm curious what he thinks about a 3-on-1 and guys run to the 3-point line. I'm curious what he thinks, as a guy who wanted to play so often, about the amount of play guys have, and the style of the way the game is played now on both ends of the floor. "You don't want Michael sitting at the desk trading opinions of the moment on this or not. I'd like to hear that at a high level. How that manifests itself, I don't know. I hope I get to be involved a little bit, but look, any chance to hear Michael Jordan talk basketball, I'm signing up." Patrick concurred and made a suggestion Jordan could follow the lead of "Detail: Kobe Bryant," in which the late Los Angeles Lakers star would sit and break down tape of modern NBA and WNBA stars, often with the help of a co-host. Whatever Jordan ends up doing, people will still likely be interested, which is the point. Bringing on Jordan is also one component of a clear nostalgia play by NBC, which has also acquired the rights to its old "Roundball Rock" anthem and even revealed it will use AI to recreate the voice of late announcer Jim Fagan. NBC Sports president Rick Cordella has said the network will air pregame player introductions, a portion of the game that is rarely shown on modern broadcasts after being a staple of Jordan's prime in the '90s. As for the rest of the broadcast, Tirico and Noah Eagle will handle play-by play duties, Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford, both coming from TNT, will be color commentators. Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter are also joining the network as studio analysts.
