Caitlin Clark Joins NBC's 'Sunday Night Basketball' Pregame Show

The Indiana Fever star will contribute to NBC's coverage of the Lakers-Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:23pm

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NBC has announced that Caitlin Clark, the star player for the Indiana Fever, will join the network's pregame coverage for its debut of 'Sunday Night Basketball' this weekend when the Los Angeles Lakers play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Clark, who has a large following in the basketball world, will be a 'special contributor' to the 'Basketball Night in America' studio team for the pregame show.

Why it matters

Caitlin Clark is one of the most recognizable and talented players in women's basketball, and her addition to NBC's pregame coverage represents a significant step in elevating the visibility of the WNBA and women's basketball on a national stage. This move also highlights NBC's commitment to diversifying its sports commentary and analysis.

The details

Clark, who was the WNBA's No. 1 draft pick in 2024 and won Rookie of the Year, will join the 'Basketball Night in America' studio team of host Maria Taylor and analysts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady. She has previously done some television work, including a cameo on 'Saturday Night Live' in 2024. NBC is confident that Clark's experience and comfort in front of the camera will allow her to thrive in this new role.

  • Clark will join NBC's pregame coverage for the Lakers-Knicks game on Sunday, January 26, 2026.
  • Clark is also scheduled to return to NBC's pregame coverage on March 29, 2026, when the Knicks visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The players

Caitlin Clark

A star player for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, Clark is the league's No. 1 draft pick in 2024 and the 2024 Rookie of the Year. She is also the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history and a two-time AP college player of the year.

Maria Taylor

The host of NBC's 'Basketball Night in America' studio coverage.

Carmelo Anthony

A Basketball Hall of Famer and analyst for NBC's 'Basketball Night in America' coverage.

Vince Carter

A Basketball Hall of Famer and analyst for NBC's 'Basketball Night in America' coverage.

Tracy McGrady

A Basketball Hall of Famer and analyst for NBC's 'Basketball Night in America' coverage.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really excited to be part of the Basketball Night in America crew this season. 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.”

— Caitlin Clark (NBC)

“There's no more iconic figure in basketball in the women's game right now, or the game in general. So, we said, 'let's have a bigger conversation.'”

— Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports (The Associated Press)

What’s next

Clark is scheduled to return to NBC's pregame coverage on March 29, 2026, when the Knicks visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The takeaway

Caitlin Clark's addition to NBC's 'Sunday Night Basketball' pregame show represents a significant step forward in elevating the visibility and prominence of women's basketball on national television. Her star power and on-air presence will help bring more attention and recognition to the WNBA and its talented players.