'I’m incredibly excited to join NBC Sports as part of their NBA coverage. The NBA has been such a meaningful part of my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing the game I love with fans across the country.'
NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill has taken a role as a sports analyst for NBC Sports for the upcoming NBA season.
The network announced the hiring of the Detroit Pistons legend, who will be joining other NBA legends on the broadcast team later this year when the NBA season starts. NBC Sports previously announced the addition of game analysts Jamal Crawford and Reggie Miller, and studio analysts Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter. For the first time, the legendary Michael Jordan will be a special contributor.
“I’m incredibly excited to join NBC Sports as part of their NBA coverage. The NBA has been such a meaningful part of my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing the game I love with fans across the country. To be part of NBC’s return to the NBA — a network with such a rich basketball legacy — and its debut on Peacock is truly an honor. I can’t wait to get started this fall.”
Naismith Hall of Famer, 7-Time All-Star, and now NBA on NBC and Peacock Game Analyst.
Currently, Hill is USA Basketball’s managing director of the U.S. Men’s National Team, as well as a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks and co-owner of MLS (Major League Soccer)’s Orlando City SC and NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League)’s Orlando Pride, and is also part of MLB (Major League Baseball)’s Baltimore Orioles’ ownership group.
Before embarking on an 18-year career in the NBA, Hill helped Duke University win two consecutive NCAA championships as a starter on the college squad. Although he never won an NBA championship, he was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-NBA selection, NBA Co-Rookie of the Year in 1995, a gold medalist with Team USA at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and a three-time NBA Sportsmanship Award winner.
He played with the Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers before untying his sneakers for good. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Kyrie Irving To Opt Out Contract To Sign 3 Year Extension With Dallas Mavericks
The point guard is reportedly inking a 3 year $119 million contract extension
A rumored report states that Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will decline a $43 million player option with the team so he can sign a three-year extension.
According to a social media post by ESPN NBA insider, Shams Charania, the New Jersey-bred basketball player will ink a three-year $119 million contract extension when he does opt out of his player option.
ESPN story on Dallas Mavericks All-Star Kyrie Irving intending to sign a three-year, $119 million contract to stay with the franchise: https://t.co/hXXubJ6tVz
Charania stated in an ESPN report that Irving’s stepmother and sports agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, negotiated the latest contract with the Mavericks. The new deal will keep the point guard in Dallas for an additional three years when he can activate a player option for the 2027-28 season, according to sources. Irving is currently nursing an ACL injury suffered during the last NBA season.
Before the season-ending injury occurred, Irving, who tore his ACL in his left knee in March, was averaging 24.7 points, pulling down 4.8 rebounds, and handing out 4.6 assists. He, along with current Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic, led the Mavericks to the NBA championship, where they fell flat against the Boston Celtics in 2024. Doncic was traded midseason for former Lakers center Anthony Davis, increasing Irving’s value to the team.
The Mavericks with the number one draft pick (taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, June 25) are expected to take Cooper Flagg, who declared for the NBA Draft after playing his collegiate career with Duke University. They also just negotiated a three-year contract extension with their center, Daniel Gafford. With Davis, who now plays his more natural position at the forward spot, the team has high expectations of returning to the NBA championship as soon as the upcoming season. However, Irving is not expected to be ready to start the season with his current injury.
Zohran Mamdani Could Be NYC’s First Muslim Mayor After Securing Democratic Primary: ‘We Made History’
After 93% of the votes were counted, Mamdani walked away with 43.5% of the vote in comparison to Cuomo’s 36.4%.
In a stunning upset, Zohran Mamdani declared victory in the Democratic primary race, clearing a path to potentially become New York City’s first Muslim mayor, The Guardian reports.
While the final result is still unknown for the race held June 24, if confirmed, Mamdani will be labeled the frontrunner for the Nov. 4 mayoral election in the Big Apple, known for its massive Democratic demographic. In his victory speech, Mamdani quoted former South African president Nelson Mandela, claiming that history was made. “In the words of Nelson Mandela, it always seems impossible until it is done,” the 33-year-old Democratic socialist said, met with cheers.
“My friends, we have done it. I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City.”
“Tonight, we made history … I will be your democratic nominee for mayor of New York City” – Zohran Mamdani pic.twitter.com/qTnhuGbi63
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was a popular candidate despite stepping out of the political spotlight due to allegations of sexual misconduct, conceded to Mamdani and congratulated him on his win. During a campaign rally, he said Mamdani ran a “really smart and good and impactful campaign.” “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won,” the former governor said.
After 93% of the votes were counted, the New York State Assembly member representing the 36th district walked away with 43.5% of the vote compared to Cuomo’s 36.4%. However, not all hope is lost for Cuomo, who said there may be a chance he may still run in the November mayoral election as an Independent.
And he won’t be the only one. Mamdami still has to overcome the hurdle known as Mayor Eric Adams, the incumbent mayor who denounced the Democratic Party in early 2025 and vowed to run his re-election bid as an Independent candidate.
Adams has an approval rating floating around 20%, according to USA Today, due to his 2024 criminal indictment on federal corruption charges. Following the allegations, many of his staff resigned, and some supporters left his side after he buddied up to President Donald Trump.
Mamdani became a favorite based on some of his campaign promises, including a commitment to freeze rent and make bus rides free throughout the city. He also appeared as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, appearing on the popular TikTok show Gaydar, hosted by influencer Anania.
Check out these communities that support Black men’s health
Thankfully, there’s a wave of podcasts that focus on the voices, stories, and experiences of Black men in a media landscape that frequently neglects their health and wellness needs. The platforms to be featured are prioritizing these concerns through podcasts that deliver in-depth explorations of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness for Black men. Check out BLACK ENTERPRISE’s curated list of digital storytellers and communities who utilize their platforms to support Black men in achieving holistic health.
Just Heal Bro
Just Heal Bro represents a healing-centered movement with Jay Barnett hosting its national tour and activities. The podcast acts as a tour extension by presenting panel discussions and keynote reflections that focus on healing Black men from systemic, familial, and personal trauma. Just Heal Bro brings unique storytelling combined with community healing elements and creates an engaging experience for the brothers.
The Pivot Podcast
Since 2022, The Pivot Podcast, hosted by ex-NFL stars Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor, has gained popularity. The Pivot Podcast extends its discussion beyond sports topics to explore mental health issues, personal identity struggles, and life after celebrity status. Conversations challenge traditional Black masculinity while encouraging men to embrace vulnerability.
Black Men Sundays
The podcast Black Men Sundays, featuring Corie Murray, has been in operation since 2021. The podcast maintains its wealth-building emphasis while connecting financial literacy to mental health by claiming that true prosperity encompasses emotional and spiritual well-being. Black Men Sundays features men and women who achieve career progression while maintaining physical and mental well-being to redefine holistic success.
Real Health Black Men
Real Health Black Men debuted in 2025. Grantley Martelly started this insightful podcast that illuminates significant health topics like prostate cancer, fitness wellness, and healthcare access. The show encourages Black men to take control of their health journey through straight to the point discussions. Each episode presents brief educational sections which combine real personal accounts with practical advice.
Better Black Health Podcast
The Better Black Health Podcast, hosted by Dr. Greg Hall, began around 2021. What sets it apart is his physician’s perspective. In the podcast, Dr. Hall investigates numerous health subjects such as vitamin D deficiency and cancer prevention, as well as diabetes and hypertension, while emphasizing specialized healthcare approaches for Black bodies. Expert-driven, research-based insights focused on Black men’s physiology and preventive strategies make the podcast a valuable health improvement resource for Black men.
Man to Man: A Wellness Series
David Wasicki of the Black Love Podcast Network has hosted Man to Man: A Wellness Series as a weekly roundtable since 2021. Black men from various sectors such as entrepreneurship, sports, and those who are public figures, engage in conversations around fitness, nutrition, self-care, mental strength, emotional resilience, mindfulness, personal growth, and more. Listeners can engage in authentic vulnerability and build community, while gaining wellness wisdom across every aspect of men’s health.
All Black Men Need Therapy
All Black Men Need Therapy, presented by Chief, Bell, and Prentice, began broadcasting in 2020 and now boasts a total of 139 episodes. This podcast explores essential topics including systemic stress, relationships, identity, and cultural pressures. Programming offers Black men a space for self-reflection and personal development. Through its extensive series of almost 150 open dialogues, this platform has evolved into a safe environment where Black men can make therapy commonplace and examine their emotional experiences.
Let’s Talk, Bruh
Though no longer active, from 2018-2024 Let’s Talk, Bruh served as a positive platform for Black men. The podcast initiated open discussions on Black masculinity and mental health. The topics explored were therapy, emotional vulnerability, toxic masculinity, and self-awareness. Every episode functions as a reflective space for Black men to examine their wellness while gaining essential knowledge.
New Orleans Financial Collab Gets $1M Grant To Invest In Local Start-Ups
The Financial Wellness Collaborative received the $1 million grant to help small businesses manage their financial health and scale-up.
JPMorgan Chase has committed $1 million to help three New Orleans non-profit organizations.
The Financial Wellness Collaborative received funds to help bolster its overall mission of providing small businesses with hands-on tools to manage their financial health. Financial Wellness Collaborative consists of nonprofit Propeller, Thrive New Orleans, and Fund 17, NOLA reported. Launching in 2022, JPMorgan Chase has given the collaborative its most significant investment to date.
Victoria Adams Phipps, Vice President of Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase, spoke at the June 24 ceremony. Phipps praised the work that the Financial Wellness Collaborative has already accomplished. She noted that the Propeller team was proactive in its pursuit of JPMorgan Chase’s investment, and it has paid off.
“We supported that initial pilot of the work back in 2022, and we were thrilled to see that the model worked,” she said.
Phipps also noted that the ability to obtain capital for scaling up has been a consistent issue in the community. She is confident in the tools offered by the Financial Wellness Collaborative, and “building relationships over time” was the missing key for many of New Orleans’ small businesses. With the support of Propeller, Thrive New Orleans, Fund 17, and JPMorgan Chase, over 400 businesses have taken the next step in their growth.
“Many of the companies they were in conversation with were lacking critical inputs that were necessary to facilitate growth,” she said. “That might have been access to networks, expertise or customers. But for many of them, it was access to capital that was hindering their progress.”
The grant enables the Financial Wellness Collaborative to continue offering services to entrepreneurs, including financial coaching, credit counseling, loan package preparation, accounting assistance, and support for obtaining credentials.
Former recipient of the program, Travis Williams of Nola Steele, spoke highly of the services provided. According to Steele, he was able to organize his operations and secure funding after gaining assistance.
“We have great credit scores, and we have great relationships with other banks, yet we weren’t able to get the financial backing that we needed until we brought it up with Propeller and Thrive,” he said.
Deserving Has Nothing To Do With It: Why Negotiation Is The Real Superpower
“You don’t get what you deserve. You get what you negotiate.”
By Damali Peterman
“You don’t get what you deserve. You get what you negotiate.”
That line from Apple TV’s hit show Your Friends and Neighbors hits hard — because it’s true. In a world where Black excellence is often overlooked, undervalued, or underpaid, waiting to be recognized isn’t a strategy. It’s a stall.
I once worked with a brilliant Black woman who was up for a leadership role. She had the experience, the results, and the loyalty. But instead of making a clear ask, she said, “They know I deserve it.” She was right, but guess what? They promoted someone else.
I’ve also seen entrepreneurs spend months building a product or service, only to undersell it because they were afraid to ask for more. One client nearly gave away equity in her company just to “keep the peace” — until she paused, reset, and negotiated a deal that respected both her vision and her value.
The truth? Deserve is emotional. Negotiation is strategic. And strategy wins.
Here’s how to shift your mindset and use negotiation as your everyday superpower:
Lead with Logic. Let Emotion Inform, Not Control.
We often walk into negotiations carrying emotion — frustration, exhaustion, pride, fear. That’s human. But feelings should inform your strategy, not derail it.
Ask yourself: What do I feel? Why? And how can I translate that into what I want?
For example: Anger might mean your value has been dismissed. Use that insight to frame a clear ask. “Here’s the impact I’ve made — and what I need moving forward.” Emotional intelligence isn’t about shutting down how you feel. It’s about leveraging it with discipline.
Master the Foundational Five: Know Your Power Before You Speak
Before you walk into any negotiation, you need to know five things. I call them the Foundational Five — they’re essential to every successful negotiation:
1. Know what you want
2. Know what you need
3. Know how to actively listen
4. Know how to communicate
5. Know when to close
These five elements keep your approach grounded and focused. If you don’t know what you want, how can you ask for it? If you don’t know how to listen, how can you discover what matters to the other side? And if you don’t know when to close, you risk losing the deal you already earned.
You don’t have to be the loudest or the most experienced. You just have to be prepared. The Foundational Five will get you there.
Practice in Small Places So You’re Ready for Big Ones
Negotiation is not a once-a-year event. It’s a daily habit. You negotiate when you ask your child to take a break from the screens. When you say “I need 10 minutes” before jumping into another conference call. When you ask for support instead of silently carrying the load.
These small moments build muscle memory. So when it’s time to ask for a raise, pitch your business, or push back on bias — you’ve already trained for it.
Final Word: Your Power Is in the Ask
Negotiation is not manipulation. It’s alignment. It’s advocacy. It’s how you close the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
So let go of waiting for what’s fair. Let go of hoping someone sees your value. Let go of “deserve.”
And remember this instead: You get what you ask for. You get what you prepare for. You get what you negotiate.
Under Armour Extends Partnership With CIAA Conference To Dress HBCU Athletes In Their Game Day Best
The partnership will keep Under Armour's outfits, equipment, and footwear in these HBCU athletic departments.
Under Armour will keep players within CIAA Conference dressed to win as the two parties extend their partnership through 2029.
The deal will ensure the schools keep access to Under Armour’s styles, campaigns, and equipment for years to come.
According to HBCU GameDay, the partnership has remained ongoing since 2018. The revolutionary deal replaced their previous apparel partnership with Russell Athletic, as the brand closed its chapter on collegiate uniforms. Now, Under Armour intends to grow its place within HBCU sports to showcase the community and culture behind it.
“Under Armour continues to be a powerful partner in our journey, elevating the look, feel, and performance of our student-athletes while reinforcing our identity across the national stage,” said CIAA Commissioner, Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “We are proud to move forward together with a shared commitment to innovation and impact.”
Beyond supplying apparel and footwear that meet the Under Armour performance standard, the brand has capitalized on the storied histories of these diverse institutions. With HBCU customs in mind, they recently launched a “Sisterhood in Style” campaign. The photo shoot highlighted the colors and culture of Divine 9 sororities, particularly Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
The campaign not only showcased real members of the first Black women’s sorority, but also set the photoshoot on the campuses of Bowie State and Morgan State. With the show-stopper being a pink and green sneaker, the effort displayed an embrace of HBCU tradition.
The partnership aligns even further as CIAA’s new hosting city also serves as Under Armour’s headquarters. Alongside this announcement of their deal extension, the CIAA announced that they will continue hosting their basketball tournament in Baltimore.
Under Armour already has its roots connected to other Baltimore HBCUs, such as Morgan State University. Now, they will strengthen the ties to the CIAA conference with Baltimore being the breeding ground for innovation and community. Founded in 1912, the CIAA remains standing as the oldest conference for HBCUs. It includes schools such as Virginia State, Claflin, and Bowie State, which play at the Division II level.
Now, the two parties can further their mission to amplify HBCU athletics through fashion and cultural resonance, while staying in a city with a vibrant Black community.
Food Truck vs. Brick-and-Mortar: Which Restaurant Model Works Best?
The key is knowing what works for your grind
Black food entrepreneurs have always done more with less: flipping recipes, reclaiming space, and serving culture one plate at a time. Whether you’re pulling up curbside with a food truck or locking in the keys to your first storefront, the question stays the same: what model sets you up to win your way?
As Chef Erick Williams of Virtue says, “This work is not just about feeding people; it’s about feeding purpose.” That purpose shows up in how you build your kitchen, how you scale your business, and even what kind of deep fryer or commercial dishwasher you trust to keep up with demand.
Here, we will help you weigh both options, stay grounded in your goals, and build something that lasts.
Food Truck Business
Photo by Hunter Curtis: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-customer-receiving-his-order-11117849/
For many Black chefs and food creators, the mobile food truck is where the vision starts. It’s more than a business; it’s mobility, creativity, and community all rolled into one. Just look at Trap Kitchen: two friends, one idea, and now a brand that moves through cities feeding the culture.
So what’s it really like running mobile food businesses? Here’s the real breakdown: what works, and what’ll test your patience.
✅Lower Start-up Costs
Food trucks cost way less to launch than a sit-down spot, especially if you’re buying used or leasing. The average food truck costs $50K to $200K, depending on setup, gear, and permits. That lower barrier makes it real for folks without deep pockets to still build something powerful.
✅Mobility
You can pull up where the people are: festivals, breweries, neighborhoods, and campuses. That flexibility lets you chase foot traffic, follow events, and stay visible. In the mobile food industry, being able to move with the moment is major.
✅Market Testing
Food trucks let you test recipes, pricing, and branding without the overhead. You get instant feedback from real customers, not focus groups. Going into the food truck industry is one of the smartest ways to build your brand before going bigger.
But it’s not all smooth streets and sold-out weekends. There are some real challenges that come with running a food truck, too.
⚠️Limited Space
Working in a mobile food truck is tight; think fast moves, hot grills, and nowhere to stretch out. Storage is minimal, and prep gets creative real quick. If you’re used to working in a full commercial kitchen or simply not organized, the pressure builds fast.
⚠️Weather Dependency
Rain, snow, or extreme heat can crush your sales days. If you don’t have catering or indoor contracts to fall back on, you’re at the mercy of the forecast. Seasonal slumps are real in the food truck industry.
⚠️Permitting Challenges
You’ll need health permits, business licenses, parking approvals, food handler certifications, and more. Rules vary by city and change often. Some places are food truck–friendly, while others require you to jump through hoops. For Black entrepreneurs, navigating that red tape without inside connections can take time, patience, and a thick skin.
Brick and Mortar Restaurant
(Photo: Valeria Boltneva/Pexels)
Opening a traditional brick spot is a whole different kind of play (there’s food, space, presence, and a clear restaurant concept rooted in culture and community). For some restaurant owners, this is the dream: your name on the door, your story on the walls. Take The Busy Bee Cafe in Atlanta, for example, a legacy restaurant that’s been serving soul food and history since 1947, showing how a neighborhood spot can become a cultural institution.
Let’s break down the real wins and real work that come with running a full-service, traditional restaurant.
✅Established Presence
A physical location signals stability and staying power; it says you’re here to build, not just hustle. People remember where they sat, who they came with, and how your place made them feel. That kind of rooted presence is why established restaurants often become cultural landmarks.
✅Greater Revenue Potential
With more seating, longer hours, and liquor sales, brick-and-mortar can bring in bigger numbers. You’re not limited by how many meals fit in a food truck window or which menu items travel well. If the business plan is tight and demand is strong, the ceiling is much higher.
✅Enhanced Experience
In your own space, you control everything: ambience, plating, music, scent, story. It’s not just a meal; it’s the full vibe. That freedom to shape the guest experience doesn’t exist outside a traditional restaurant setting.
Of course, for all the benefits, a brick-and-mortar restaurant grind comes with its own set of struggles you’ll want to be ready for.
⚠️High Startup & Operating Costs
Rent, utilities, cooking equipment, and payroll; restaurant costs stack up fast. You’re looking at six figures minimum before the first plate even drops. And once you’re open, operational expenses stay high month after month.
⚠️Longer Setup Time
Finding the right space, passing inspections, and buying gear all take time. You can’t flip the switch and open on a weekend. Especially if you’re dealing with permits, contractors, or expensive real estate, expect months of planning before you serve your first guest.
⚠️Higher Risk
If business slows down, those fixed costs don’t wait. A bad month can hit harder when a significant portion of your income is tied to rent, payroll, and utilities. That’s why funding, consistency, and a sharp eye on your margins are non-negotiable in this game.
The Best of Both Hustles
Photo Credit: E Vitka/Unsplash
A hybrid restaurant model blends a food truck with a brick-and-mortar space. Some folks start mobile to build buzz and test their cuisine, then open a traditional location when the brand is strong. Others run both at once, using the truck to hit different locations and attract new customers, while the storefront offers consistency and a neighborhood base.
This approach has range. You get the mobility of a truck, the stability of a restaurant, and more ways to drive revenue, especially if you’re sharp with social media marketing. But it also demands more: more essential equipment, a commercial kitchen that can handle scale, tighter systems, more time, and a bigger initial investment, especially if you’re funding growth out of your own life savings.
One business that’s made this model work is World Famous House of Mac in Miami. Chef Teach started with a food truck serving soulful comfort food, then expanded into brick-and-mortar while still tapping into mobile events and pop-ups. His hybrid model proves that growing at a moderate rate, with smart risks and strong branding, can turn a small setup into a serious player in fast food restaurant sales.
This path isn’t for everyone, but if you’re feeling the stretch, it might be time to move. You might be ready for the hybrid model if:
You’ve maxed out your food truck’s potential and need more space to grow.
Customers keep asking where they can find you every day, rain or shine.
You’ve built a loyal following that shows up consistently.
Your team is strong, and you’re confident delegating.
Your systems, inventory, prep, and finances can scale with growth.
You’re ready for longevity, not just mobility.
You’ve got a clear vision, and the grind to match it.
Real Talk Before You Decide
Whether you’re rolling with a food truck, opening a storefront, or juggling both, the key is knowing what works for your grind. Don’t let hype rush your moves; build with intention, protect your margins, and use tools like restaurant software to track costs, staff, and sales from the jump. This game is tough, but when it’s rooted in purpose, community, and smart systems, it can feed more than just plates.
Diddy Defense Team Take 20 Minutes To Rest Its Case, Closing Arguments Slated For June 26
Jury expected to get case next week
After all the salacious and surprising testimony presented by the prosecution in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) trial, the entertainer’s defense team took 20 minutes to speak to the courtroom before ending their defense.
According to NBC News, after the government took more than a month to present its case against the entertainment mogul, attorneys for Diddy initially stated that it might take two weeks to present their side, but they informed the court that it would likely be several days. It took even less time as his lawyers took approximately 20 minutes to rest.
With the defense unexpectedly resting its case in such a swift manner, closing arguments will start June 26.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian asked Diddy if it was his decision not to testify on his behalf, and the former Bad Boy executive assured the judge by responding that it was “totally” his decision. Defense attorneys asked the judge to dismiss the case, as they felt that the government had not proven that Diddy was guilty of the crimes he’s been charged with.
Diddy’s attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, told the judge that although the prosecution presented evidence of events, his actions were related to “his personal life and his girlfriends.” The people who worked for him ran errands and made travel arrangements for the No Way Out producer, but prosecutors failed to show that they criminally conspired with him.
Subramanian did not immediately rule on the defense’s request but stated he would reserve ruling on the matter.
The 55-year-old, who has been imprisoned since being arrested and charged in September, has pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He is looking at possibly facing life in jail if convicted on the charges.
Maria Taylor To Lead NBA Coverage As NBC Sports Begins 11-Year Partnership With The League
Taylor will join analysts Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter as she leads NBC Sports' NBA coverage for the 2025-26 season.
As fans await the tip-off of the 2025-26 basketball season, NBC Sports has tapped Maria Taylor as lead studio host to cover forthcoming NBA games.
Taylor, who already works with the network as host of “Football Night in America” and a contributor to the network’s Olympic coverage, will join analysts Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter to host NBC’s studio shows on Sundays and Tuesdays. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 38-year-old sportscaster will also cover select WNBA games when the season begins in 2026.
“I’m deeply honored to be part of NBC Sports’ incredible legacy covering the NBA and to return to the game that first captured my heart, women’s basketball,” said Taylor. “To know that I’ll spend the next five years with my NBC family telling the stories of the Super Bowl, the Olympics, the NBA Playoffs, and the WNBA Finals is more than a dream come true — it’s a full-circle moment.”
Taylor joined NBC in 2021 after she left ESPN’s “NBA Countdown.” As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, ESPN offered the sportscaster a raise worth millions in 2021 following an incident with a white colleague who allegedly stated the sports channel only hired Taylor due to pressure surrounding its “crappy longtime record on diversity.” NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood said Taylor has proven her ability to lead through her previous work with the network’s high-profile programs. “I’m excited to see her bring that same leadership and energy to this new team with Carmelo and Vince, as they build chemistry and set the stage for primetime NBA basketball each week, and the WNBA beginning next year,” said Flood.
The announcement comes in the wake of NBCUniversal’s return as an NBA partner. In July 2024, NBCUniversal and the NBA announced an 11-year agreement to present NBA and WNBA regular-season and playoff basketball games starting later this year. As the NBA returns to the NBC Sports family, the network plans to continue its nearly two-decade tradition of premium Sunday night sports coverage with a new Sunday Night Basketball NBA series scheduled at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Each tip-off will premiere following a one-hour pregame show. The media and entertainment company stated that Tuesday nights will feature a “unique NBA regular-season doubleheader” at 8 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. PT.
