Legendary broadcaster Bob Costas is making a triumphant return to NBC Sports, the network he once called his true broadcasting home after nearly four decades of iconic work. Announced on January 22, 2026, Costas will serve as the host of the pregame show for NBC’s new primetime MLB package, specifically leading into Sunday Night Baseball games broadcast on NBC and simulcast on Peacock.
Costas’ debut is set for Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Dodger Stadium, where the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers will host the Arizona Diamondbacks. This marks the only primetime game on MLB’s Opening Day, with coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
The role fits perfectly as an emeritus position, allowing the 73-year-old Hall of Famer to contribute his unparalleled expertise without the demands of full-time play-by-play duties.
Costas returns to NBC
NBC Sports President Rick Cordella expressed enthusiasm about the reunion: “We’re excited that Bob has agreed to come home to NBC Sports, where he helped make baseball an iconic brand earlier in his career for so many years. There is no more knowledgeable, authoritative and passionate voice on baseball than Bob Costas.”
Costas himself reflected warmly on the opportunity: “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.”
In the years following his 2019 departure from NBC—stemming in part from his vocal criticism of the NFL’s handling of player concussions, which led to his removal from the Super Bowl LII broadcast—Costas remained active in media. He joined MLB Network from its 2009 launch, hosting and calling games, including postseason work on the network and TBS. However, his final play-by-play assignments came during the 2024 postseason, notably the ALDS between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals on TBS.
That series drew widespread criticism from fans and media for Costas’ performance: multiple botched calls (including misidentifying routine outs and plays), perceived lack of energy, rambling commentary that detracted from the action, and accusations of bias (some toward the Yankees, others against). The backlash was intense on social media and in reports, with some calling the broadcasts “painful” or “infuriating.”
Where has Costas been?
Following the 2024 season, Costas announced his retirement from MLB play-by-play duties after more than four decades in the booth, a decision he had reportedly planned before the campaign began (coinciding with the end of his contract). He emphasized it was time to step away from that high-pressure role while continuing as a contributor and analyst at MLB Network.
Costas also took on a contributor role at CNN starting in mid-2020, where he offered commentary on the intersection of sports and society, often extending into broader cultural and political discussions. As a contributor, he frequently appeared on the network, pushing his liberal views and delivering pointed criticisms of President Trump, whom he described in various segments as among the most disgraceful figures in modern presidential history and unfit for office. These appearances highlighted his willingness to engage beyond pure sports.
Baseball has always been Costas’ favorite sport, and many observers note he excels more as a host and storyteller than as a traditional play-by-play announcer—strengths this pregame role leverages through insightful analysis, historical context, and passionate narration, making it a fitting capstone.
Costas is also rejoining NBC for their NBA coverage revival. He has narrated multiple opening teases, including the debut of NBA Coast 2 Coast on October 28, and will continue contributing as the season progresses, with more details to come.
A 2018 recipient of the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford Frick Award, Costas anchored NBC’s MLB coverage for 15 seasons (1982-89; 1994-2000) and hosted their NBA broadcasts for all 12 seasons from 1990-2002. His NBC tenure included hosting 12 Olympic Games (a U.S. TV record of 11 primetime assignments), seven Super Bowls, 10 NBA Finals, seven World Series, and events like the Kentucky Derby, U.S. Open, and the 2015 Belmont Stakes.
A 29-time Sports Emmy winner, Costas is the only broadcaster to earn Emmys in sports, news, and entertainment (for Later… with Bob Costas). His versatility earned recognition across play-by-play, hosting, interviewing, writing, feature reporting, and commentary.
This homecoming reconnects fans with one of sports broadcasting’s most enduring voices. In a fast-evolving media landscape, Costas’ return to NBC—after recent challenges in play-by-play—underscores the lasting appeal of seasoned expertise, storytelling passion, and the genuine pull of “coming home” for a true legend.
