Caitlin Clark Steps Into NBA Spotlight With NBC Pregame Role

Indiana Fever standout Caitlin Clark is set to expand her basketball footprint beyond the WNBA this offseason, making a notable crossover into NBA coverage as part of NBC’s studio team.

NBC confirmed on Tuesday that Clark will feature as a special guest contributor on its pregame shows for two high-profile NBA matchups, joining the network’s newly launched Sunday Night Basketball coverage. Her first appearance will come this weekend when the Los Angeles Lakers take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. She is also scheduled to return later in the month, providing pregame analysis when the Knicks travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 29.

During both broadcasts, Clark will sit alongside host Maria Taylor and a star-studded panel that includes NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady. The appearances mark a rare but increasingly common crossover between elite women’s basketball figures and major NBA broadcast platforms.

Clark expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity in a statement released by NBC and shared by the Associated Press. She said she is looking forward to being part of the Basketball Night in America team and described the experience as both exciting and fun.

“Carmelo, Vince, and Tracy are legends of the game, and Maria is an incredible professional,” Clark said. “It’ll be really enjoyable to join them a few times this season.”

NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood explained that Clark’s ease in front of the camera made her a natural fit for the role. According to Flood, Clark’s years in the national spotlight have helped her develop a thoughtful, confident broadcasting presence that translates well to studio analysis.

“She’s been around cameras for a long time,” Flood said. “She’s articulate, insightful, and comfortable sharing her perspective. Pairing that with this broadcast team should make for great television.”

Clark’s move into broadcasting comes amid an already remarkable basketball résumé. The former Iowa superstar was selected first overall in the WNBA Draft and quickly made her mark at the professional level, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 along with an All-WNBA First Team selection. She has also been named a WNBA All-Star twice.

Before entering the professional ranks, Clark rewrote the NCAA record books, finishing her college career as the all-time leading scorer in Division I women’s basketball history with 3,951 points.

Her most recent WNBA season was cut short after just 13 games due to injury, though the Fever still managed a deep playoff run, reaching the semifinals before being eliminated by eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces. Clark returned to on-court action in December, participating in a USA Basketball senior women’s national team training camp.

As for when fans will see her back in a WNBA game, that remains unclear. The league is currently navigating a labor dispute, leaving the timeline for Clark’s next competitive appearance uncertain.

In the meantime, her presence on NBC’s NBA coverage offers fans a new way to see one of basketball’s most influential young stars—this time with a microphone instead of a ball.