John Tesh on NBC Calling Him to Revive NBA on NBC Theme Song and the Creation of Roundball Rock

John Tesh is the genius behind "Roundball Rock," the NBA on NBC theme, and joins us to share the story of writing the song via voicemail, finding the song's Wikipedia page, his work on Entertainment Tonight, being in a rivalry with Billy Joel as a youngster, SNL's take on his song, and a potential remake in the works.
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[@paulwilliams5500]

The 90s NBA on NBC theme is THE reason to get excited about this new TV deal

[@Michael-gu5kl]

I wonder how that will work with FOX since they have the rights to it now?

[@jerryalexander8803]

Marv Albert and Bob Costas is not walking through the door

[@matthewd84]

@@jerryalexander8803 exactly

[@Mari000]

Or Steve “Snapper” Jones, Doug Collins, Bill Walton, Tom Hammond.

[@kawaiiafangirl]

John Tesh's song will not be enough to replace Inside the NBA. You're seriously a 30 second song over all of Inside the NBA???

[@DJ_BROBOT]

people forget this man is a legend...he was the host of Entertainment Tonight for like 20 years, he is an world acclaimed musician, voice actor and held down a nationally syndicated radio show for decades. This man makes it happen.

[@miamidolphinsfan]

He was also the host of NFL pre-game show for years too...NBC?

[@gerrydooley951]

he's not a legend, give me a break

[@Mastabuilda212]

​@gerrydooley951 you had to have been born in 2003

[@barry6768]

John Teen is the Johnny Sins of the entertainment industry

[@WaltGekko]

I actually remember when before ET he was a news anchor locally in New York on WCBS-TV (Channel 2).

[@colonialstraits1069]

Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-basketball, Gimme-gimme-gimme the ball because I’m gonna dunk it!

[@anthonyscrima8900]

Cant believe he snubbed his brother dave here. That song started as one of Dave's poems!

[@antuanjones6248]

Saturday three NBA games on NBC was dope growing up

[@peaceandsolepodcasthost6922]

And I'd be SHOCKED if NBA on NBC Triple-Headers aren't part of this new deal a few times a season.

[@pauldeveaux1517]

John Tesh must be sitting on a pile of a money bigger than a mountain. I had forgotten how absurdly popular his music was

[@gkniffen]

You can't bring back the NBA on NBC without "Roundball Rock." You can't. It's perfect. 🔥

[@toorop111]

It is coming back they mention it!

[@prodbyjuneg]

right if they dont bring that theme back whats the point

[@theamazingDrBob]

This guy still hosts the national radio show on adult contemporary stations. Intelligence for your life. He still doing it.

[@moeskeetz5473]

This theme song literally was the song of my childhood.

[@michaelraymond4685]

That was Michael Jordan's theme song🏀

[@Marley11st]

The NBA on NBC theme is GOATED, I always wished for it to come back, I LOVED when Tony Khan brought it back for the AEW Tag Team Best of 7 series

[@SCPKenpachi]

It can't back for college basketball for a season or two. I'm not sure which channel though

[@herecomesdatrain]

Fs1 ​@@SCPKenpachi

[@marcus813]

@@herecomesdatrain It's for the whole FOX Sports Media Group (FS1, FS2 and FOX), but the rights are non-exclusive.

[@TheSarcasmIsFree]

Can't believe they didn't know the difference between the first version (the shorter, simpler version that is used in clips and non-NBC videos) and the 2nd version, which is the full tv broadcast version from the NBA on NBC. The elaborate part before the actual song was when the dramatic intro reading would end and the NBC peacock would appear slowly and then the BAM of Roundball Rock would start with NBA clips. NBC needs to bring back this WHOLE intro and not just the shortened stuff that people have seen in clips.

[@cyaros44]

100% NBC Sports' production always felt epic and this full intro is the reason why. The lead in narrative from either Bob Costas or Marv Albert about the game and then the full laser NBA on NBC logo is to this day the best sports into of all time. Hopefully NBC knows this and keeps it the same when the begin to broadcast games.

[@ifyjoanna]

​@@cyaros44I'm willing to bet money nbc messes this up. They can do the whole 90s graphics but with current players and it will still be great

[@rockvilleraven]

@@ifyjoanna I’d even like this version of Roundball Rock m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ7dZKOMd99jbck&pp=ygUSbmJhIHJldHVybnMgdG8gbmJj

[@cyaros44]

@@ifyjoanna Hopefully they think three steps ahead of talk to the family of Jim Fagan who did the: "This is the NBA on NBC" They could use AI technology to use his voice moving forward to keep every detail from the glory days in place.

[@peaceandsolepodcasthost6922]

I mean they're talking to a wide audience of viewers, but yes for us sports and tv theme nerds, fair point.

[@tomcannizzaro5765]

what a voice for radio

[@antoniosantiago6490]

He is every night on his on show

[@at1212b]

​@@antoniosantiago6490yea he's been in radio for a long time. Has all these great life tips and advice.

[@adingdingdiiing6740]

I'd take hearing this weekly over inside the NBA any day! NBA on NBC is back!!!

[@geoffreykruszynski8103]

He also wrote GRIDIRON DREAMS which was the theme song of the NFL on NBC during the late 80s. Also a masterpiece. Check it out on youtube.

[@marcus813]

That's my favorite NFL theme from NBC Sports. I don't hear much about it like I hear about "Roundball Rock" due to not lasting very long, but it's awesome.

[@savirsblacktop4069]

Lakers vs Spurs was the first game played on NBC!

[@zozetamad3022]

No one can rock a waistcoat like John Tesh!

[@DiabloBiscuit]

I did not know it was debuted during a SPURS GAME!!!!! Love it!!

[@TRJ2241987]

Yep there were only two NBA on NBC games in 1990. Lakers/Spurs and Pistons/Bulls, both announced by Marv Albert & Mike Fratello. David Robinson scored the first ever points on the NBA on NBC, and Mitch Richmond scored the last basket ever in 2002.

[@benjaminniemczyk]

The story never gets old!!!! Such a great genesis for a legendary person and piece.

[@adewoleabioye8540]

I am really excited to hear this. As a '90's kid who loved basketball, that theme song was everything. I loved hearing it come on and seeing the players warm-up prior to the game. I also associate Jordan and the Bulls with that track. I was sad when the NBA left NBC but I am happy it is being revived again. A great human story on never giving up. Thanks, John for your perseverance and relentlessness on staying true to your purpose. Cheers.

[@peaceandsolepodcasthost6922]

Sad if TNT''S coverage ends but also excited to see the NBA on NBC back him where it has been missed, with that classic theme music re-vamped

[@mikejanacone8328]

That’s the best intro music of all time I’m rooting for NBC to get the NBA right just so I can hear roundball rock again

[@PatrickMobileHomes]

I literally just saw that SNL clip last week for the first time and then it comes out that he is reviving the Round Rock today. I found out John Tesh wrote it from that sketch on SNL too.

[@MegaMan-bs3oy]

I didn't know it was on NBA 2k 24 and I swear when it hit I choked up. So many memories as a kid watching the JAZZ and BULLS with my mom back in 97 98

[@qcman2000]

Dan must’ve been watching games on mute since he was a kid. The Roundball Rock intro he hadn’t heard came on before most big games after the Bob Costas essay building up the game. Then after you’d hear the announcer guy say “This is the NBA on NBC. The 1996 NBA Finals” (or whatever). I’m honestly surprised that theme doesn’t ring a bell for him.

[@toorop111]

It would be a treat to hear Jim Fagan introduce it again!

[@CommonSense8421]

@@toorop111 sadly he’s dead.

[@toorop111]

@@CommonSense8421 i know. Who knows maybe ai can reconstruct his voice.

[@jayscott4990]

The second one was the actual NBC intro. I remember that one whenever the finals came on. Either version is Goated.

[@wolverinethad]

Roundball Rock was the jam. I just wish it'd come around a season sooner. My Bad Boys got swept by the Bulls that first year on NBC.

[@aznpikachu215]

It's not just the theme itself, it's the voice over behind it, Jim Fagan was so hyping each matchup (RIP).

[@Yakivegas]

Great segment!!

[@DanNguyen-ey5tw]

Dave needs to be credited here. It was one of his gosh darn poems!

[@realestatejunkie0414]

He’s the real genius of the family

[@DavidBruceMurray]

Wow. I can remember a time when talk shows used to research their guests BEFORE they got them on the show. Evidently that ship has sailed. It's even sadder that there were multiple people in the room who only had a vague idea who they were talking to.

[@peaceandsolepodcasthost6922]

John was a true pro, gently explaining all the granualar details when he didn't have to

[@jeremyhemp8241]

The NBA theme I grew up with! Yes!

[@rxpro19]

prior to ET he started as a news anchor at CBS IN nyc

[@JohnHillRSNStudios]

And after he was done at WCBS as an anchor and reporter, he worked for CBS Sports before going to ET. The man is insanely talented!

[@JohnHillRSNStudios]

He actually composed the music for his Tour de France coverage when he was at CBS Sports.

[@bradpreston7779]

Will the great Dave Tesh be updating the lyrics?

[@michaelcharlesthearchangel]

If only we could get an NBA on NBC and NBA on TNT-TBS combo like we did in the 90s, out of this deal. No Amazon, just no.

[@trustnoone3007]

NBA on TBS was the bomb. I think it came on Wednesdays. Those were the days and I forgot it used to air on TBS.

[@kenyattamiles4751]

💯

[@peaceandsolepodcasthost6922]

iF Turner is kicked out we can only hope most or all of their crew transfers over to Amazon - remember, money talks, so even if Ernie Johnson stays at Turner, all of TNT's announcers could in theory just call Amazon and would have a decent shot at being hired. I'm sure NBC will make very tempting offers to them too (Kevin Harlan, Brian Anderson, Ian Eagle, Reggie Miller, etc.)

[@simply-tom]

I hope they keep the tune the same!!! Roundball Rock is soooo iconic. The beat and rhythm is unmatched in any sporting even or movies in general. When I hear this song with the fancy NBA overlays, I get goosebumps literally. Sometimes tears comes out. Well, maybe not really but that's just how great that theme song is!!! Don't change it.

[@WaltGekko]

That is too established now as the theme for College Basketball on FOX. I would use the classic 1980's CBS theme.

[@peaceandsolepodcasthost6922]

@@WaltGekko I would think Tesh and NBC can yank that away from FOX's coverage but who knows, maybe it can be the theme for both since FOX is a college hoops deal and NBC is for the pro ranks

[@darkdante9]

I like both versions, but the second one is iconic.

[@rockspectacle]

Buh buh buh buh basketball gimmie gimmie that ball cuz im finna dunk it

[@TheDomainGPCE]

This and “Sirius” by The Alan Parsons Project are without a doubt two of the most legendary sports songs of all time.

[@glenhatchell5635]

That was awesome

[@joelv92]

I’m bittersweet than we are losing NBA on TNT but I’m a bit excited hearing the roundball rock theme!

[@bucksdiaryfan]

I was always partial to the CBS NBA theme from the 1970s with the cheap animation and what sounded like "Up with People" singing "So you're on the floor and you're ready to score, and may the best team win, the time is now, the name of the action you'll see the best in basketball..." its so corny but it hits my nostalgia button hard

[@bigsnap5]

Good to know I was not the only person obssesed with this theme song in the 90's

[@tnawcwvictoria]

John Tesh gave us the theme to Bobby's World with Howie Mandel of St. Elsewhere and Deal or No Deal and the greatest Sports Theme in the World The NBA on NBC God Bless This Man Mary Hart & John Tesh were the best duo on Entertainment Tonight and let's not forget about LeeZa Gibbons, she was amazing, too Plus, he had 2 Talk Shows on NBC Daytime and he even did an updated version of ET as well

[@marcus813]

I never heard Tesh associated with the Bobby's World theme, but given how great it is, it makes sense. I wish the FOX affiliate and the next station in my DMA that aired FOX Kids when Bobby's World was current broadcast in stereo because I couldn't hear it as it should've been heard back then.

[@TO8]

The younger generation doesn't understand how epic it was during the 90s to turn on the tv on a Sunday afternoon, hear the NBA on NBC theme song with the Bulls vs Knicks playing at Madison Square Garden. Even into the early 2000s with rising new stars like Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, Chris Webber, Kobe/Shaq and others ushering in a new era. By the looks of it, seems like the NBA on TNT is over which is a bummer. I think the way it should is the way the NBA had broadcasting rights 25-30 years ago. NBC, ESPN and TNT, where every network aired games. But the NBA on NBC is special and Tesh confirming he is in contact with NBC and they will use it for the Olympics indicates this is a done deal and that the NBA on TNT is over. I just don't want to see the NBA on ABC anymore. RIP to Bill Walton and Steve 'Snapper' Jones, part of the great NBA on NBC commentating team.

[@ericcarson342]

'Ohh! A spectacular move by Michael Jordan!' 90s B-ball man.

[@MCKBeats]

Whole time im just hoping they bring up the snl version.

[@arlichar11]

i havent watched nba or nbc long time to know they didnt still have games on nbc sometimes .. but the 90s was special.. its not the same anymore

[@robertaranaz5626]

Pleeeassseeee yyeeeesss, put it into my veins!

[@bucksdiaryfan]

He's wearing the same vest and has the same beard as the actors in the SNL skit (where his brother tried to add lyrics to the song and NBC hated it)

[@williamchappell9858]

That's was such a dope theme song never knew the title and the artist

[@veerchasm1]

Oh man, the John Tesh theme song kicks ass

[@ryanabbeyseon]

15:02 Juju 😂😂😂😂😂 I need this as a GIF immediately

[@Joel-zy2zw]

In the 80s the theme for the NBA on CBS was also great.

[@peaceandsolepodcasthost6922]

Yes it was, sadly not as beloved as Tesh's NBC theme because in the mid 80's Jordan had just started playing in the NBA

[@dreamcage1801]

Happy that Roundball rock is coming back to NBC which was our hoop dreams as kids but disappointed that NBA on TNT is coming to an end but at the same time cable tv has been decaying for quite a while now and gotten more expensive.

[@evanwilliams6406]

Also commentated gymnastics at the Olympic games from 1992 and 1996, that is what I remember Jon Tesh for. But I also know that he is a good musician too.

[@Asshat237]

YES!!! ROUNDBALL ROCK FOREVER

[@brandonlewis5135]

2nd song played was the nbc broadcast theme to start the show.

[@jasonvoss6559]

It is!

[@markmark8156]

MNF Theme is right up their

[@ShadeedKelly329]

It was used during the summer Olympics for men's basketball.

[@ClaudiusPGreen]

Yeah, I know Fox keeps playing “Roundball Rock” for college hoops every Big East season.

[@RSW725]

Guy Has A Great Radio Voice

[@chitzzz1384]

Everytime i hear that tune its time to get dad beer

[@peaceandsolepodcasthost6922]

🤣🤣💗💗

[@JohnSmith-zw8vp]

You mean NBC finally got back NBA coverage so they CAN get this opportunity again?

[@curtisjoseph]

Roundball Rock foreverrrrrrr

[@SomeChink]

Easily the best sports theme

[@bigbertha8]

The things we did before smart phones

[@mak23997]

Tesh is absolutely right. I'm sure Batard, being a tard, won't admit this but it's MICHAEL JORDAN again as to why this song became legendary. On it's own, it's a great jingle. What elevated the song was that it was preceded by great opening monologues from Marv followed by games played by the GOAT that were epic. Bringing the song back will be great. Unfortunately won't have the impact with today's charmin soft players.

[@Jason-mk4ki]

nba on nbc intro best ever in sports

[@Advent616]

I recently made the the Roundball Rock my ring tone.

[@toorop111]

Roundball rock is my cell phone ringer!

[@assassssasa]

New Roundball Rock coming in June for Olympics?!? And then NBA on NBC after the rights deal?!?

[@CommonSense8421]

NBA nbc returns October 2025

[@CommonSense8421]

They will use the new roundball rock for the team USA basketball games and then run some kind of promo teaser saying we’re back in October 2025 nba on nbc with the new roundball rock in the background

[@tomcerverizzo9668]

Hasn’t FOX been using this song for College Basketball for years now?

[@commonwealthedison2640]

I associate this song with Michael Jordan and the Bulls.

[@manuelm8922]

Pretty sure this song is currently licensed or leased for Fox College Basketball. But sure I’ll pretend it hasn’t played since 1996.

[@peaceandsolepodcasthost6922]

Yes. Technically Tesh COULD try to give both FOX and NBC the rights since FOX is the NCAA (College) and NBA is the pros (NBA) - If network execs are smart, thry'd let it air on both networks since so many people love it and Tesh would make out even better than he's dreamed. Now watch both networks screw that idea up and force FOX to write some mew generic piece of crap

[@tedmich]

Tesh! Coolest guy that eats breakfast cereal with water!

[@user-ff2tu9tl8y]

Just to be clear I was forced into this "view" from youtube sooo fake af and lying in so many ways....life personified...thx dan 👍

[@matthewheuel2508]

Sooo excited for the NBC RRR theme to return as a fan of the nba since ‘00. Yes tnt is great but no theme song makes me think of the NBA more than this nothing on abc/espn or tnt. This is IT ‘25-26💚

[@ILoveOldTWC]

The anthem heard when Michael Jordan is about to win an NBA title.

[@kapilbhalla1525]

@lebatardshow are you guys going to talk about Jaden Rashada suing florida?

[@DC-cw4mj]

I remember when folks were excited for nhl on espn coming back because of the theme song - they forgot that bad coverage and commentary came with it - i feel like nba on nbc will be similar

[@chaunseybillings5381]

Its coming back

[@danram247]

Wait so NBA back on NBC Network local channel or NBC on a cable network channel?

[@retroguy1976]

they gotta bring it back for the nba package for nbc pull it from fox sports college basketball

[@thechampagneroom1]

They talked over the song..very pro

[@benwalcher8749]

This is the only thing that matters in life.

[@danieltarczynski6559]

I hope they keep the original lyrics

[@bmarloman]

First off, the hosts should have let the NBC song play for at least 10 seconds. I like John Tesh and his career and musicianship. But I prefer the CBS NBA theme song for the 80s era. Also, the TNT NBA theme tune is pretty good too.

[@geoffnaggie961]

ROUNDBALL ROCK! Say it's name!!!

[@ThePadillaFilms]

I, curious how this will work with FOX having licensed the song for their collage basketball games

[@86byrdman]

John Tesh's voice sounds similar to Howard Stern's

[@darkdante9]

It damn sure does lol

[@NoCaping]

Agreed Otis 🐦😂

[@86byrdman]

@@NoCaping LOL. Thanks man!

[@NoCaping]

​@@86byrdmanlol yw bro

[@Zotje]

Are they bring ahmad rashad back as well?

[@KirkQue96]

CBS’s “Pots and Pans” intro!

[@coltspacershoosiersfanforl4497]

Ncaa basketball on fox was using the theme for awhile

[@williamprocope9648]

But not the actual theme they used in broadcast during 90 to 2002

[@jasonvoss6559]

Bring the whole tnt team to NBC

[@CommonSense8421]

They won’t go to nbc bc Ernie doesn’t wanna leave Atlanta and he has been with turner for like 40 years. He’s almost 70 and will retire.

[@robincobb8611]

I had no idea that he wrote that song! I loved that song back in the 90s because I was getting ready for NBA basketball!🏀

[@BSmokeyGaming]

Here’s the problem with this, I’m happy that the NBA on NBC is coming back, but with the new style the league is now, it won’t change it to make the NBA better. What made the NBA better when it was on NBC was the rivalries, the passion, players will play regardless of a injury, ESPN completely destroyed the integrity of the NBA once it got the leagues rights in 2003. And for those mentioning that the TNT crew will come to a end? It will not cause they always can be on NBA TV as a alternative.

[@sportsgamer2342]

There is still lots of parity now and up and coming players in the league and a mini MJ Anthony Edwards. The league is in good hands

[@boxhead444]

I understand because i quit watching until...Anthony Edwards. Basketball is back brotha, screw the tik tok dancing clowns, this boy brought back basketball. Look him up.. the new MJ. Real men coming back to the league. The Minnesota vs Denver series was l🔥🔥🔥 trust me

[@BSmokeyGaming]

@@boxhead444 The crazy part about Anthony Edwards is, I’m a Heat fan LOL. But I love his style, he has the MJ and Kobe playstyle.

[@boxhead444]

@@BSmokeyGaming exactly and I didn't see one tik tok dance or tomfoolery against him in the playoffs. He's bringing the best out of ppl around him, def Jordan like.

[@CommonSense8421]

Actually turner does nbatv as a part of the deal they have to broadcast games so nbatv likely goes away

[@Charlydx21]

Stu is such an airhead most of the times. How can he ask why did he think this was his best track if he was an accomplished musician. This theme put him on the map and most likely is the only track that people I’ll ever recognize him for, u less you’re a fan of him.

[@MrJfriedlander74]

edit.... Allison Turner X John Tesh x Metro Boomin = Collison course...Boop!

[@larrybrite4281]

John Tesh was animated Batman Juju

[@julianharley9428]

"I am vengeance, I am the night, I am TESH"