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Key Takeaways
- NBC is looking to dominate Sunday nights with its NBA and MLB packages, in addition to its existing NFL slate
- The network will air a range of high-profile sports events, including the Winter Olympics, Super Bowl, and NBA All-Star Weekend
- NBC’s sports coverage will feature top-notch production and talent, with a focus on creating a big-game atmosphere
- The network’s goal is to make Sunday nights appointment viewing, with a consistent schedule of high-quality sports programming
- NBC’s NFL coverage, including "Sunday Night Football," continues to be a ratings powerhouse, with an average viewership of 23.5 million this season
Introduction to NBC’s Sunday Night Takeover
Those of a certain age surely remember "Must See TV," NBC’s prime-time block of sitcoms and dramas that dominated Thursday nights in the 1990s. Today, NBC is looking to own another night of the week, with a focus on sports programming. As quoted by NBC Sports president Rick Cordella, "Having a big market like Chicago be engaged is great and good for ratings… And how they play, the fact that they’re the cardiac kids, even if they’re down by a couple touchdowns in the fourth quarter, I don’t think people are going to tune out on Sunday." With its NBA and MLB packages joining its longstanding NFL slate, NBC is poised to make Sunday nights a destination for sports fans.
The NFL’s Role in NBC’s Sunday Night Plans
The NFL has blessed NBC with a highly anticipated playoff game between the Rams and Bears, which will provide a massive audience for the network to promote its Sunday night schedule. As Cordella noted, "When we did the NFL deal, we matched up our Winter Olympics with the Super Bowl… That’s partly around ad sales and control of the ad market. As opposed to conflicting with each other, let’s try to put it together." With the NFL continuing to be a ratings powerhouse, including "Sunday Night Football" being on pace to be the top-ranked prime-time show for a 15th consecutive year, NBC is well-positioned to leverage this audience to promote its other sports programming.
NBC’s Sports Schedule and Production
NBC’s sports schedule is packed with high-profile events, including the first "Sunday Night Basketball" game between the Lakers and Knicks on February 1, Winter Olympics coverage beginning with the opening ceremony on February 6, and the Super Bowl on February 8. As Cordella said, "It’s getting people to understand on Sunday night, they get ready for a work week, that they know that NBC, with the three biggest professional leagues in America, is going to have the best matchups, the best athletes, the best storylines, with fantastic production… You may not be a local fan, but you know you’re going to get an experience." NBC’s early coverage of the NBA has earned rave reviews for its nostalgic appeal and high-quality production, and the network plans to bring this same level of excellence to its baseball coverage.
The Future of NBC’s Sports Programming
With its commitment to year-round sports programming on Sunday nights, NBC is poised to become the go-to destination for sports fans. As Cordella noted, "We’re going to have all-star talent… This is a big broadcast brand, and we’re going to have the appropriate level of talent around the telecast." With its top-notch production and talent, NBC’s sports programming is sure to provide an exciting and engaging experience for viewers. Whether you’re a local fan or just a fan of great sports storytelling, NBC’s Sunday night schedule is sure to have something for everyone.
Conclusion: NBC’s Ambitions for Sunday Night
In conclusion, NBC is making a bold bid to dominate Sunday nights with its sports programming. With its NFL, NBA, and MLB packages, the network is poised to provide a consistent schedule of high-quality sports programming that will appeal to a wide range of viewers. As Cordella said, "Sunday Night Football" is on pace to be the top-ranked prime-time show for a 15th consecutive year, and the network’s early coverage of the NBA has earned rave reviews. With its focus on creating a big-game atmosphere and providing top-notch production and talent, NBC is well-positioned to make Sunday nights a destination for sports fans. As the network continues to promote its Sunday night schedule, it will be exciting to see how its ambitions play out in the coming months.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports-media/2026/01/15/nbc-sports-sunday-night-football-basketball-baseball-rams-bears-must-see-tv-rick-cordella-nfl-nba-mlb-winter-olympics-super-bowl
