NBC uses AI to bring the voice of announcer Jim Fagan back to the NBA reporting

During the 12-year-old NBA NBA from 1990 to 2002, the programs and commercials showed the voice of the narrator Jim Fagan, who upsets the games with stars like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and Hakeem Olajuwon.

NBC lost the NBA rights in 2003, and Fagan died in 2017, but when the NBA returns to the network in NBC this autumn, his voice will be opened again in Promos, title sequences and shows, this time tendons like Steph Curry, Jason Tatum and Victor Wembanyama.

NBC says that it uses generative technology for artificial intelligence to restore Fagan's voice and to summon a return to his programs from 25 years ago. Separated NBC Sports, it also confirmed that it would bring back its iconic “Roundball Rock” title -song, which was composed by John Tash.

“For many basketball fans, Jim's unique and recognizable voice immediately conjures up a deep feeling of nostalgia for a special time in NBA history,” said Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports. “His voice perfectly stated the size of the heavyweight matchups and stars that he introduced. It was a pleasure to work with Jim's family to reproduce his voice and honor his legacy. I am excited to be able to present his voice of a completely new generation of fans.”

You can see the first promo with Fagan's voice below:

Fagan is the second NBC sports legend that Ki builds her inimitable voice: During the 2024 Olympic Games, NBC launched a tailor -made summary by Peacock with the voice of Al Michaels, which was also reproduced with gene AI technology. Of course, Michaels still calls NFL games for Amazon.

Just as Michaels signed his voice for the Olympic Games, NBC says that Fagan's family agreed to use his voice for them NBA on NBC.

“We are deeply grateful that NBC Sports had the vision of honoring our father's legacy in such a sensible way,” said his daughters Jana Silvia Joyce and Risa Silvia-Kooonin in an explanation. He was very proud of his work with NBC Sports, especially to create the stage for some of the most memorable moments in NBA history. Knowing that his voice will be part of the game that he loved – and that a new generation of fans will experience it – is incredibly special for our family. He would be so enthusiastic and proud to be part of it. It was a real pleasure to work with NBC Sports on this project. “