Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson, right, blocks a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) near Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) and center Alperen Sengun, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Oklahoma City. FE
The NBA’s grand return to NBC after 24 years sparked waves of excitement, nostalgia, and even a little frustration. As the 2025–26 season tipped off, fans flooded social media with reactions that blended humor, sentiment, and pure basketball passion.
NBA Returns to NBC After 24 Years
Basketball fans were in for a treat as the NBA made its long-awaited comeback to NBC screens. The defending champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, hosted the Houston Rockets at the Paycom Centre, marking the start of a new season. Later that night, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors in the marquee matchup.
The season opener was set to air live on NBC at 7:30 p.m. ET, reigniting the classic NBA-on-NBC era that defined the 1990s. Social media quickly lit up with excitement, nostalgia, and memes as basketball finally reclaimed its primetime spotlight.
Josh Hart Calls Out NBA’s Signature Delay
While fans celebrated the return, some couldn’t ignore one familiar annoyance — late tip-offs. New York Knicks forward Josh Hart, known for his humor online, perfectly captured the mood.
“It’s 7:42 pm and the 7:30 pm game hasn’t started yet. The NBA is so back,” Hart posted on X (formerly Twitter).
His tongue-in-cheek remark went viral, drawing over a million views and sparking debates about the league’s timing habits. Hart didn’t play in the opener due to lumbar spasms, but his postgame humor quickly stole the show.
Fans and analysts joined the conversation. Sports reporter Kyle Levy compared NBA scheduling to European soccer, where games start precisely on time. “They say 7:30 and the ball kicks off at 7:30. It’s glorious,” he wrote. Another fan page questioned, “Why does the NBA insist on doing this?”
Despite the lighthearted complaints, Hart’s viral post reminded everyone — quirks and all — that the NBA is truly back.
“Roundball Rock” Returns: A Nostalgic Slam Dunk
Beyond the games, one sound dominated the night — the legendary “Roundball Rock” theme. The iconic NBC anthem, composed by John Tesh, made a powerful return, giving fans instant chills.
The tune, which originally ran from 1990 to 2002, played thousands of times during NBC’s coverage of the NBA’s golden era. To mark its comeback, Tesh performed the anthem live on NBC’s TODAY show, officially ushering in a new season filled with old-school vibes.
The NBA on NBC page celebrated the moment with a post reading, “ABSOLUTE CHILLS. Cue up Roundball Rock…the NBA is BACK on NBC and Peacock.” Fans across generations echoed the sentiment, calling it the “soundtrack of basketball childhoods.”
Fans Relive the Golden Era of Basketball
For many, hearing “Roundball Rock” was more than nostalgia — it was a trip back in time. “‘90s kids are losing it right now,” one user wrote. Another fan said it was only right for NBC to broadcast the NBA Finals this season.
James Young, host of Betting Above the Rim, summed it up perfectly:
“For anyone my age, that music takes me back to childhood. Having it on NBC makes everything feel right in the basketball world again.”
The emotion was clear — basketball wasn’t just returning to television screens; it was coming home.
A Perfect Blend of Past and Present
The NBA’s return to NBC wasn’t just a broadcast change. It was a celebration of history, a revival of culture, and a reminder of how deeply basketball connects fans across generations.
From Josh Hart’s viral humor to John Tesh’s timeless anthem, the 2025–26 season opener had it all — laughter, memories, and the unmistakable feeling that the NBA is truly back.
