At a Glance
- Caitlin Clark will appear on NBC’s Sunday Night Basketball this weekend and again on March 29.
- She will work alongside host Maria Taylor and Hall-of-Fame analysts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.
- Clark’s WNBA and college accolades include being a two-time All-Star, rookie of the year and all-time NCAA Division I scorer with 3,951 points.
- Why it matters: Clark’s crossover into broadcast signals growing visibility for women in basketball and offers fans a fresh perspective on the game.
Caitlin Clark is headed to the NBA, at least for a couple of nights. NBC announced Tuesday that the Indiana Fever star is joining the network’s pre-game coverage for the debut of Sunday Night Basketball this weekend when the Los Angeles Lakers play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. It’s a two-night gig, with Clark returning for another pre-game role on March 29 when the Knicks visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Role on NBC
NBC calls Clark a “special contributor” who will join the Basketball Night in America studio team. The team features host Maria Taylor and analysts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, all Basketball Hall of Famers.
> “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.”
Executive producer Sam Flood said the network chose Clark because she is “the biggest icon in women’s basketball right now, and the game in general.”
> “There’s no more iconic figure in basketball in the women’s game right now, or the game in general,” Flood told Caleb R. Anderson. “So, we said, ‘let’s have a bigger conversation.'”
Flood added that Clark’s experience in front of cameras and her thoughtful interview style make her a good fit.
> “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 ends, she’s always a great interview.”
Caitlin Clark’s Basketball Journey
Clark’s resume is stellar:
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| WNBA All-Star | Two-time |
| All-WNBA First Team | 2024 |
| Rookie of the Year | 2024 |
| Draft Position | No. 1 pick, 2024 |
| NCAA Division I Scoring | 3,951 points – all-time leader |
| AP College Player of the Year | Twice |
| AP Female Athlete of the Year | 2024 |
She also entered a marketing relationship with Xfinity in March 2024 and made a cameo on NBC’s Saturday Night Live in April 2024. Earlier this season, Clark attempted a play-by-play segment while watching the Philadelphia Phillies, which went viral when teammate Lexie Hull secretly recorded her. The Phillies praised her effort and invited her to try it for real.
> “We’re confident she’ll thrive, because a basketball court is her second home.”
Upcoming Games
The first appearance will be at Madison Square Garden, where Clark will be surrounded by a “great team of talent.” The second appearance is scheduled for March 29, coinciding with the Knicks’ visit to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The games are part of NBC’s new Sunday Night Basketball series, a pre-game show that will feature analysis and interviews before each game.
Labor Dispute Context
Clark was limited to 13 games last season because of injury. The Fever reached the WNBA semifinals before falling to the eventual champion Las Vegas Aces. She returned to the court in December and participated in a camp with USA Basketball’s senior women’s national team.
The WNBA and its players are in a labor dispute that could threaten the 2026 season. Clark said last month that the talks are “the biggest moment” for the league and that “there has to be compromise on both sides” to strike the right deal.
It is unclear whether Clark will address labor matters during her Sunday appearance. Flood teased:
> “We’re hoping to have Caitlin with a basketball in her hand.”
Key Takeaways
- Clark’s broadcast debut highlights NBC’s commitment to featuring prominent women athletes.
- Her extensive playing resume and media experience position her well for on-air analysis.
- The WNBA labor dispute remains a significant storyline that may intersect with Clark’s future playing schedule.
- The two-night NBC role provides fans a new lens on the NBA and WNBA games.
About the Network
NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, is expanding its sports coverage with Sunday Night Basketball. The network’s partnership with Xfinity aligns with Clark’s marketing deal and underscores the growing synergy between media and sports brands.
—
