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NBC Sports is turning back to one of the most recognizable voices in American sports television as it prepares to relaunch its Major League Baseball coverage. The network announced Thursday that Bob Costas will host Sunday Night Baseball and anchor NBC’s Opening Day broadcast on March 26, marking a high-profile reunion nearly seven years after his departure from the company.
Costas, who spent four decades as a central figure in NBC’s sports identity, will open the season covering the Dodgers-Diamondbacks matchup. While the assignment brings familiarity for longtime viewers, both sides stressed the relationship extends beyond a one-off nostalgia appearance.
During a conference call, Costas hinted that the partnership is expected to last beyond the upcoming season.
“We’ll see what happens,” Costas said. “I think I’ll be a contributor. As long as I’m upright and haven’t lost my fastball completely. I’ll be a contributor as long as I have something to contribute.”
Costas acknowledged that his focus has shifted in recent years, particularly after stepping away from play-by-play duties after the 2024 postseason. In addition to baseball, Costas will also contribute to the network’s NBA coverage.
He made a brief on-air appearance earlier this season when NBA games returned to NBC. The moment signaled discussions between both sides had been underway well before the MLB announcement became public.
“While I’ve been gone from NBC since 2019, we have been in nearly constant contact since shortly after that. Just waiting for the right time and the lineup of the right circumstances to come together for me to return. And now those circumstances have perfectly come together,” Costas added.
Importantly, Costas stressed that his presence is not intended to overshadow NBC’s current on-air talent.
“Nothing that I will do will overlap with what others are doing. Others are in the primes of their careers. I’m an icing on the cake guy now. A contributor, a role player, and I look forward to it. Especially just because it’s under the NBC umbrella,” said Costas.
For NBC, the reunion offers a chance to reintroduce a familiar voice while launching a new chapter in its MLB coverage. For Costas, it provides an opportunity to close his broadcasting career on more deliberate terms, focused on quality contributions rather than ceremony.
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