Taylor Rooks is among the biggest names in NBA media, and this season, she got perhaps her biggest gig yet as the lead host for Amazon Prime Video’s NBA coverage.
In addition to providing exceptional NBA coverage, Rooks also wants to use her platform to share her expertise in a field everyone should know about: financial literacy.
Taylor Rooks Opens Up About NBA Playoffs, Amazon Prime Video Gig, Her Partnership With Experian
PFSN recently caught up with Rooks for an exclusive interview. She discussed her role with Amazon Prime Video, the 2026 NBA Playoffs, and her partnership with Experian to discuss the importance of financial literacy.
You’re a veteran in this industry and you landed a big gig with Amazon Prime Video. What has stood out to you about working for NBA on Prime Video?
Taylor Rooks: “What stood out immediately was the willingness to think differently. We weren’t trying to recreate something that already existed. We were building something from the ground up, which is both exciting and challenging. There’s also been a real commitment to investing in people. From production to talent to storytelling, everyone has been encouraged to contribute ideas and help shape what this coverage could become.
“I had the incredible privilege and honor of being a part of the Thursday Night Football crew, and what I learned with that production has been invaluable. The culture created there from the top down is the exact culture I wanted to create with NBA on Prime. Seeing how happy we are to be around each other and how much everyone is bought into our vision is more rewarding than I can explain.”
What have you enjoyed most about covering the NBA on Amazon Prime Video?
Rooks: “The people. Without question. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some of the smartest, funniest, most accomplished people in basketball, and every day feels collaborative. We genuinely enjoy each other, and I think viewers can feel that. I could talk all day at length about just how phenomenal they are. I love when we go on air and make the show, but my favorite times are in the green room.
“My job is to make sure they shine, and it’s what I take the most seriously because they deserve to shine. It’s the best team I’ve ever been a part of. I’ve also loved being part of something new. There are not many opportunities in this industry where you get to help build the identity of a show from day one.”
Before Amazon got the rights to NBA coverage, there’d been some heavy criticism surrounding how the NBA has been covered, but the response to Prime has been largely positive (one could argue even unanimous). How does it feel to see Prime’s coverage get such strong acceptance from fans?
Rooks: “BRINGS A SMILE TO MY FACE! It’s incredibly gratifying because everyone involved put so much care into what we were creating. What makes me happiest isn’t necessarily hearing that people enjoyed the show, it’s hearing that they could feel how much we enjoyed making it. We wanted the coverage to feel informed, authentic, and fun. We wanted basketball to feel like the star. NBA fans are incredibly particular passionate fans, and they deserve programming that enhances the game experience.
“We had so many fun moments that were memes or created fun conversation online. Our player interviews became a centerpiece of the postgame show and added to the moment instead of pulling people away from it. This is my first time hosting a studio show, so on a personal level, the acceptance has felt fulfilling.”
What do you think NBA on Prime is doing that makes it so special compared to other channels that cover the NBA?
Rooks: “I’m thankful to be an NBA partner along with two other great networks in ESPN and NBC. It’s been fun to see everyone’s special fingerprints on their coverage. Our studio genuinely changes what’s possible. The huge basketball court, all the LED screens, the desk upstairs, and the couches for the postgame show create a whole atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world. Being able to walk through demos on that court is an absolute game-changer. That alone is innovative.
“The technology is incredible, but the real magic is that it allows us to explain the game in a more engaging way. One of my favorite things about our show is embracing the fact that basketball can be analyzed seriously without taking ourselves too seriously. We have Hall of Famers, champions, MVPs, and incredible basketball minds, but there’s also a genuine sense of joy. I think our coverage reflects that balance between expertise, entertainment, and authenticity.”
What has been the most exciting part about covering the NBA playoffs? It’s safe to say it’s been pretty epic so far.
Rooks: “The talent is just crazy. I love seeing young players emerge, and I love seeing Jalen Brunson get the respect he deserves. This year has been all about unpredictability. Coming into the playoffs, a lot of people expected Oklahoma City to be the team to beat. Every year, we convince ourselves we know what’s going to happen, and every year the playoffs remind us that we don’t. We’ve seen incredible performances, unexpected storylines, and teams redefining what people thought they were capable of.
“We’re the home of the NBA Cup, and our NBA Cup Championship matchup ended up becoming the Finals matchup: Spurs vs. Knicks. That’s been fascinating to watch because it shows the NBA Cup isn’t just an early season storyline. The teams that treated those games seriously carried that momentum throughout the year. It’s been really cool to see how that tournament translated to postseason success.”
What is your new partnership with Experian all about?
Rooks: “At its core, this partnership is about empowerment. Financial literacy can feel intimidating, and for a lot of people, it feels like a language they were never taught to speak. Experian is so focused on giving people practical tools and resources that help them better understand and take control of their financial lives.”
What inspired you to want to partner up with them?
Rooks: “When I was in college, my mom had her identity stolen, and it completely changed the way I thought about financial awareness. She made it a point to educate me on the importance of monitoring my finances and understanding my FICO score. Knowing what’s happening financially isn’t just informative. It’s protective. She started using Experian, and that was my first introduction to the company. Not as a brand, but as a resource that helped my mom feel safer and more informed. I want that for everyone.
“I’ve spent a lot of time speaking with young people, whether that’s on college campuses or through my own platform, and one topic comes up over and over again: money. People want to know how to build good habits, how credit works, how to avoid mistakes, and how to create stability for themselves. I connected with Experian because they share the belief that information should be accessible. I love the mission Experian is on to be everyone’s Big Financial Friend.
“Financial literacy shouldn’t be reserved for a select group of people. Everyone deserves access to the tools and knowledge that can help them build a stronger future.”
What are you hoping to accomplish through your partnership with Experian?
Rooks: “If this partnership encourages someone to check their FICO score for the first time, start saving consistently, create a budget, or simply become more engaged with their financial health, that’s a win. Small actions can create meaningful change over time. With an easy to navigate app and real time alerts, Experian is a perfect tool to spark those small actions. Experian is also deeply committed to helping people, and we will continue that in our partnership.
“Experian donated $50,000 to the Taylor Rooks Foundation, which supports underserved communities by expanding access to education, health, and opportunity. We’re grounded in a mission to remove barriers tied to background, income, or zip code for Black and Brown individuals and families. The foundation helps ensure access to critical resources and support where gaps exist. This partnership will lead to real life change to people who need it the most, and that makes me incredibly excited and thankful.”
Why do you feel financial literacy is so important?
Rooks: “Financial literacy creates options. When you understand how money works, you’re better equipped to make decisions that support your goals instead of reacting to circumstances. Financial literacy affects where you can live, what opportunities you can pursue, how you handle emergencies, and ultimately, the kind of freedom you have in your life. The more knowledge people have, the more control they have. Everyone deserves that.”
