NBC to use AI voice of late narrator on NBA coverage

  • NBC begins broadcasting the NBA next season 
  • Currently, 8 teams remain in the NBA Playoffs
  • Jim Fagan died in 2017
A close up of a Wilson brand official NBA game ball basketball on the court.

A close up of a Wilson brand official NBA game ball basketball on the court.

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(NewsNation) — NBC Sports will be bringing some history to its upcoming NBA broadcasts.

Ahead of its rights deal beginning at the onset of the next NBA season, NBC announced the return of legendary — and deceased — announcer Jim Fagan.

The famed narrator died in 2017. Before his death, Fagan was a beloved figure of NBC’s NBA broadcasts from 1990 to 2002.

Fagan’s voice will be used after approval from his family.

“For many basketball fans, Jim’s unique and recognizable voice immediately conjures a deep sense of nostalgia for a special time in NBA history,” NBC Sports President Rick Cordella said in a release.

“His voice perfectly captured the magnitude of the heavyweight matchups and stars that he was introducing. It’s been a joy to work with Jim’s family to recreate his voice and honor his legacy. I’m excited we’re able to introduce his voice to a whole new generation of fans,” Cordella added.

Currently, the NBA season is still ongoing with the conference semifinals underway. Golden State, Minnesota, Denver and Oklahoma City are battling it out for the Western Conference title. In the Eastern Conference, New York, Boston, Indiana and Cleveland remain.

The NBA Finals is scheduled to begin June 5, with ABC the host broadcaster as in previous years.

Sports

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