Costas-Thomas No. 1 at NBC
NBC announced Tuesday that Bob Costas and Isiah Thomas will make up its No. 1 announcing team on the NBA this season. They make their debut on a Miami-Chicago game on Christmas. NBC begins regular Sunday coverage Jan. 18.
The hiring of Thomas by NBC comes as no surprise, since he had given that as a reason for resigning as general manager and part-owner of the Toronto Raptors last week. But it’s surprising he was made the No. 1 commentator, considering his lack of experience.
Dick Ebersol, NBC president, said Thomas was given a two-year contract. Thomas, who will also do sports business reporting for CNBC, reportedly will make $600,000 a year. He was making $900,000 with the Raptors.
Costas replaces Marv Albert, who was fired by NBC after he pleaded guilty to sex-abuse charges.
Greg Gumbel, Bill Walton and Steve Jones will be the No. 2 team, with Tom Hammond, Dan Issel and Matt Guokas on the third team. Guokas, NBC’s No. 1 commentator the last four seasons, will also at times be used on NBC’s pregame show. Hannah Storm will replace Costas as the main host of the pregame show.
More to Read
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.