The NBA is coming back to NBC, and the league chose a classic showdown for the LeBron vs Steph Opening Night 2025. LeBron James and Stephen Curry on the same court, again, to start the 2025-26 season, in Los Angeles, with NBC carrying the broadcast. Before that, the Thunder raise their banner against the Rockets in Oklahoma City. It is a true TV event and a nostalgia hit at the same time.
NBC’s first NBA night in more than two decades is a doubleheader and part of a larger, 100-game slate across NBC and Peacock this season. The network has built out new studio and game teams to mark the return.
NBC is back, and the moment feels big
The sounds are coming back too. NBC confirmed that John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock” is officially the theme once again, bringing back the soundtrack of many fans’ basketball memories.
“We’ve felt the excitement growing for the NBA’s return to NBC.”
— Rick Cordella, President, NBC Sports
Expect prime-time polish. NBC has positioned Opening Night as a showcase, with a second game in OKC before the late window in Los Angeles, and veteran voices like Mike Tirico leading coverage this season.
Why LeBron vs Steph still grips us
This matchup always brings a little extra. LeBron and Steph have met in Finals, playoffs, a play-in, and many regular-season classics. History says it is tight and tense, even when one team looks stronger on paper. The rivalry spans teams and eras, from Cleveland vs Golden State to Lakers vs Warriors. Their styles clash in a way fans understand at a glance: LeBron’s power and vision against Steph’s movement and shot-making.
Los Angeles gets the first look with home fans. Golden State begins on the road, which adds urgency to their opening week. Both clubs drew heavy national-TV slots again, highlighting how much the league still revolves around these two stars.
LeBron James vs Stephen Curry: Past Head-to-Head Record
(through the end of 2024-25)
| Category | Curry Wins | LeBron Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 13 | 14 |
| Playoffs | 17 | 11 |
| Play-In | 0 | 1 |
| Overall | 30 | 26 |
What to watch on Opening Night
Pace and space will decide a lot. If the Warriors get Steph into early rhythm, the Lakers must answer with size, glass work, and free throws. If the Lakers slow the half court, Golden State needs transition threes and backside cuts to loosen the paint. Simple basketball, high stakes.
NBC’s cameras will lean into the theater. The banner night in OKC sets the stage, then the late window shifts to Hollywood for LeBron vs Steph with the theme that once defined spring Sundays. For fans who grew up with NBC basketball, it will feel like a reunion. For new fans, it’s a clean entry point to the season.
However the standings shake out later, the opener is about a feeling. The league picked the most reliable drama it has: two legends who know exactly how to lift a night. When the notes of “Roundball Rock” hit and the building hums, it will finally feel like the NBA is back on NBC.
