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NBC Hires Kershaw, Rizzo and Votto as Analysts for MLB Return in 2026

NBC places the trio in a studio team led by Bob Costas, with Ahmed Fareed anchoring selective Sunday nights plus Wild Card pregame shows.

Sep 13, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Former Chicago Cubs player and team ambassador Anthony Rizzo is interviewed prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) reacts in the twelfth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game three of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Aug 6, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) walks off the field during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
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Overview

  • Announced during NBC’s Super Bowl pregame, the retired stars will serve as pregame analysts on select Sunday Night Baseball telecasts and for the Wild Card round on NBC and Peacock.
  • Bob Costas returns in a hosting role and Ahmed Fareed will anchor the pregame show from the studio, with plans for on-site elements at Sunday night games.
  • NBC has yet to name its play-by-play and in-game analyst crews for the new national package.
  • The 2026 schedule opens March 26 with Pirates–Mets in the afternoon and Diamondbacks–Dodgers in primetime, with Sunday Night Baseball debuting March 29.
  • Under a three-year deal reported at about $600 million, NBC/Peacock holds exclusive Wild Card rights and a split broadcast–streaming slate, highlighted by a new MLB promo featuring Aaron Judge that also airs during Winter Olympics coverage.