NBC Sports has named Maria Taylor the lead studio host for its forthcoming NBA coverage.

NBC Sports will regain rights to the NBA when the new season tips off later this year. Taylor will host NBC’s studio shows on Sundays and Tuesdays, joined by analysts Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter. She will also host select WNBA games beginning in 2026.

The move has been expected, with Taylor already hosting NBC’s Football Night in America, as well as contributing to NBC Olympics coverage. Taylor has been a rising star at NBC Sports since joining from ESPN in 2021.

At ESPN, Taylor was the host of NBA Countdown.

“I’m deeply honored to be part of NBC Sports’ incredible legacy covering the NBA and to return to the game that first captured my heart, women’s basketball,” said Taylor. “To know that I’ll spend the next five years with my NBC family telling the stories of the Super Bowl, the Olympics, the NBA Playoffs, and the WNBA Finals is more than a dream come true — it’s a full-circle moment.”

“As the host of Football Night in America and our high-profile programs, Maria has proven that she has the special ability to make her teammates better,” added Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports. “I’m excited to see her bring that same leadership and energy to this new team with Carmelo and Vince, as they build chemistry and set the stage for primetime NBA basketball each week, and the WNBA beginning next year.”