In a significant move for sports broadcasting, veteran reporter Bob Costas is returning to NBC to host the network's "Sunday Night Baseball" pregame show. This marks a homecoming for Costas, who spent 39 illustrious years with NBC before his departure in 2019.
A Major Broadcasting Return
Costas's first assignment will see him front coverage of the season opener on Thursday, March 26, as the two-time defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. The veteran broadcaster expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating in an official release that NBC has always been his true broadcasting home.
NBC Sports President Emphasises Significance
NBC Sports President Rick Cordella underscored the importance of Costas's return, telling The Associated Press: "We're trying to make 'Sunday Night Baseball' feel big. There's no bigger name associated with baseball than Bob and also great to have him back in the NBC fold." Cordella added that bringing Costas back "as he sort of winds down his career is the right thing to do. And when we got baseball back, it made a lot of sense."
Costas's Illustrious Career
A 29-time Sports Emmy winner, Costas's remarkable career at NBC included hosting 12 Olympic Games, 11 as the primetime anchor, and seven Super Bowls. He also played significant roles in 10 NBA Finals and seven World Series broadcasts. Baseball has always been his favoured sport, having called games for NBC from 1982-89 and again from 1994-2000, including the 1995 World Series and main play-by-play for the 1997 and 1999 Fall Classics.
Beyond NBC: A Broadcasting Fixture
Beyond his NBC work, Costas has been a fixture at TBS and the MLB Network since its inception in 2009. He was honoured with the Hall's Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence in 2018, recognising his outstanding contributions to baseball broadcasting. Costas recently announced his retirement from play-by-play duties after the 2024 American League Division Series between the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees.
Current and Future Roles
In his statement about the return, Costas said: "As appreciative as I am of other aspects of my career, especially HBO and the MLB Network, for 40 years, my true broadcasting home was NBC. So many great moments, memories, and friendships. Now, I am very grateful to Rick Cordella and Sam Flood for inviting me back in an emeritus role to conclude my career where so much of it played out."
Costas is also contributing to NBC's NBA coverage this season, narrating opening teases, with additional details about his expanded role expected to be announced in the coming weeks. This return represents a fitting chapter for one of broadcasting's most respected voices as he approaches the conclusion of his remarkable career.
