Veteran broadcaster Bob Costas is rejoining NBC Sports after nearly four decades away, taking on the role of host for the Sunday Night Baseball pregame show. The 73-year-old will debut on March 26, 2026, ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers' Opening Day game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Costas will also contribute to NBC's NBA coverage.
Bob Costas, a legendary figure in sports broadcasting, returned to NBC Sports on January 22, 2026, as announced in an official press release from Stamford, Connecticut. The 73-year-old broadcaster, who spent nearly four decades with the network earlier in his career, will host the pregame show for NBC's new primetime MLB package, titled Sunday Night Baseball, which airs on NBC and streams on Peacock.
Costas's debut comes on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Dodger Stadium, where the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers will host the Arizona Diamondbacks in MLB's only primetime Opening Day game, starting at 8 p.m. ET. This marks NBC's return to Sunday night MLB telecasts after ESPN's 36-year run, with broadcasts primarily on Peacock during overlaps with NBA and NFL seasons but shifting to NBC through the summer.
“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,” said Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports. “There is no more knowledgeable, authoritative and passionate voice on baseball than Bob Costas.”
Costas, a 2018 recipient of the Baseball Hall of Fame's Ford Frick Award, previously served as play-by-play voice and host for NBC's MLB coverage over 15 seasons from 1982-1989 and 1994-2000. He teamed with Tony Kubek on the Game of the Week, called multiple American League Championship Series, and handled World Series coverage, including the full 1997 and 1999 Fall Classics alongside Joe Morgan.
Since leaving NBC in 2019 and stepping away from play-by-play after 2024's ALDS on TBS, Costas has been with MLB Network since 2009. He described the role as an "emeritus" position to wind down his career: “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.”
Additionally, Costas has already contributed to NBC's revived NBA coverage this season, narrating opening teases since the league's October return to the network. A 29-time Sports Emmy winner, he previously hosted NBA coverage from 1990-2002 and has covered 12 Olympic Games, seven Super Bowls, and numerous other marquee events.
NBC is still assembling its broadcast team, with reports indicating interest in Detroit Tigers announcer Jason Benetti for play-by-play and retired Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw for studio work.