NFL legend Deion Sanders was hyped on social media after NBC debuted its flagship pregame show for its newly launched “Sunday Night Basketball” franchise. Similar to “NBA on TNT,” hosted by basketball legends Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, NBC’s pregame show, “Basketball Night in America,” features a lineup of basketball legends as well.
Sanders appeared pleased with the show’s debut and shared his thoughts on social media.
Deion Sanders Commends NBC’s New NBA Show
Before the start of the marquee matchup between Jalen Brunson’s New York Knicks and the LeBron James- and Luka Doncic-led Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, NBC launched its new show, “Basketball Night in America.” The pregame program was modeled after NBC’s other successful show, “Football Night in America.”
The new NBA pregame show was hosted by Maria Taylor and featured several prominent names in the basketball world, including Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady. WNBA star Caitlin Clark joined the crew Sunday as a guest contributor.
NFL legend Sanders gave NBC its flowers on X, praising the people involved in the show. He gave a shoutout to the NBA legends who are now analysts on the program.
“@nbc #Sundaynightbasketball @nba I Love it baby. I’m listening to the OGs talk basketball & keep it 💯. They’re so clean they’re dirty & they were the reason I watched the NBA. (Vince Carter) & (Tracy McGrady) are from the crib & (Jamal Crawford) & (Carmelo Anthony) I Love y’all man,” Sanders wrote.
@nbc #Sundaynightbasketball @nba I Love it baby. I’m listening to the OGs talk basketball & keep it 💯. They’re so clean they’re dirty & they were the reason I watched the NBA. @mrvincecarter15 & @Tmac_213 are from the crib & @JCrossover & @carmeloanthony I Love y’all man!
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) February 2, 2026
Despite being a football legend, Sanders is a longtime basketball fan. Before his NFL career, Sanders played basketball and made a significant impact in high school. Even after transitioning fully to football, he never completely severed his ties to the sport.
READ MORE: NFL Legend Deion Sanders Explains Significance of Shedeur Sanders Making Pro Bowl as a Rookie
Sanders remains friends with several basketball legends and has maintained those relationships over the years.
It is also worth noting that this marks the first time since 2002 that NBC has featured an NBA show on Sundays as a regular fixture. “Basketball Night in America” will typically air at 6 p.m. ET on Sundays.
