Caitlin Clark is set to make her NBA debut not on the court but in the broadcast booth, as NBC announced Tuesday that Clark will join the network’s pregame coverage for the debut of “Sunday Night Basketball” on Feb. 1, when LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers face Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
The appearance is expected to be a two-night stint for Clark, who is also scheduled to return to NBC in another pregame role on March 29 when the Knicks visit the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, a move that has fans buzzing.
Fans Elated as Caitlin Clark Set to Feature As Analyst For Massive NBA Games
According to NBC, Clark will serve as “a special contributor,” joining the “Basketball Night in America” studio show alongside host Maria Taylor and Hall of Fame analysts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.
Fans on X shared their excitement about the move.
“Lakers and 🐐CC! I will be sat,” one said.
“Smart by NBC the viewership will go through the roof with CC fans tuning in and Caitlin will be a natural with her basketball knowledge and her personality and finally you will have the hate watchers tuning in hoping she fails but unfortunately for them they will be crying again,” another said.
“Such a great move by NBC – I have no idea how good she will be on TV (or exactly what her role will be), but I’ll tune in simply to find out,” another added.
Here are other fan reactions.
“Female Michael Jordan,” one said.
“Alright!!! Gonna tune in for Caitlin,” another commented.
“The ratings gonna go thru the roof,” another added.
Clark also shared her enthusiasm for stepping into the broadcasting role.
“I’m really excited to be part of the Basketball Night in America crew this season,” Clark said, per an NBC Sports press release. “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.”
Clark is a two-time WNBA All-Star, a 2024 All-WNBA First Team selection, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, the 2024 WNBA assists leader and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Her influence on league viewership has been unmistakable, with Sportscasting.com reporting that games featuring Clark see a 105% increase in attendance compared to those she misses, while road games involving her Indiana Fever generate an 87% boost in home crowds.
