At a glance: Caitlin Clark will appear on NBC’s “Sunday Night Basketball” as a special contributor. She will join host Maria Taylor and analysts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady for two games. Clark’s debut comes amid a WNBA labor dispute that could delay her next playing appearance.
Caitlin Clark is headed to the NBA, at least for a couple of nights. NBC announced Tuesday that the Indiana Fever star will join the network’s pre-game coverage for its debut of “Sunday Night Basketball” this weekend when the Los Angeles Lakers play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The two-night gig will also include a March 29 appearance when the Knicks visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.
NBC is calling Clark “a special contributor” who will sit in the “Basketball Night in America” studio with host Maria Taylor and Hall-of-Fame analysts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. “I’m really excited to be part of the Basketball Night in America crew this season,” Clark said in a statement released by NBC. “Carmelo, Vince, and Tracy are legends of the game and Maria is a true professional. It will be really fun to join them a few times this season.”
Sam Flood, executive producer for NBC Sports, told Ethan R. Coleman that “there’s no more iconic figure in basketball in the women’s game right now, or the game in general.” He added, “So, we said, ‘let’s have a bigger conversation.'” Flood believes Clark’s on-camera presence will resonate with viewers: “She’s had cameras pointed at her for years, and she’s certainly always put on a show with a basketball in her hand. And after a game, she’s always ready to talk about performance. Her comfort in a studio is a new angle for the broadcast.”
Clark’s background in basketball gives her a natural voice on the air. She has appeared on the court for the Lakers vs. Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. Clark’s cameo on SNL was announced in the same year as her Xfinity partnership. John Tesh will discuss the NBA on NBC theme during the broadcast. Clark’s viral play-by-play attempt with the Phillies earned rave reviews. Clark’s marketing partnership with Xfinity aligns her with Comcast. Clark’s injury limited her to 13 games last season. Clark returned to the court in December for a USA Basketball camp. Clark’s comments about labor talks were reported last month. The labor dispute could delay the 2026 season. Flood teased that Clark will be seen with a basketball. Clark’s comfort in a basketball arena is highlighted by Flood’s remarks.
Clark is the all-time leading scorer with 3,951 points. Her ability to engage viewers stems from her on-court presence. Her broadcasting experience includes a cameo on SNL and a viral play-by-play attempt with the Phillies.
Clark’s future playing schedule remains uncertain. The labor dispute continues to shape the league’s future schedule. Her media role will proceed regardless of her playing status.
Clark’s media debut is a milestone for her career and for the visibility of women’s basketball. Fans and analysts alike will watch to see how she navigates the studio environment. Her involvement with NBC underscores the growing partnership between the WNBA and national broadcasters. Her presence on Sunday Night Basketball could attract new viewers to the league. The labor dispute continues to shape the league’s future schedule. Clark’s media role will proceed regardless of her playing status.
