Ranking NBA's broadcast teams for 2025-26, from ESPN to NBC and Amazon Prime

Some things will change, and others will remain the same as the 2025-26 NBA season begins.

Among the biggest changes in the new season will be how fans consume the game, as the 2025-26 season is the first of a new 11-year media rights deal that places nationally televised NBA games on ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video.

While ESPN is a familiar network with familiar personalities, NBC is broadcasting games for the first time since 2002, and Amazon Prime Video is showing NBA games for the first time.

That said, each network will roll out its own edition of a No. 1 crew for premier broadcasts in the 2025-26 season. Here is a ranking of the top broadcast crews that each network will trot out this season.

MORE: Ultimate guide to watching NBA games on NBC, ESPN and Amazon in 2025-26

Ranking NBA broadcast teams for 2025-26

1. ESPN: Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, and Tim Legler

ESPN gets a few points for continuity, as Breen and Jefferson reprise their roles on the top crew. The network has also made a major addition, making Legler the third member of the trio, and he will provide smart, yet digestible insights.

Because of the unknown elsewhere, the pre-existing chemistry between the three makes them a clear-cut No. 1 to begin the season.

Beyond his signature "Bang!" call, Breen is a legend and a mainstay on NBA Finals broadcasts. Jefferson and Legler bring the perspective of former players who carried out very different roles during their respective careers.

The expectations will be high, but they will be capable of living up to them.

MORE: Tim Legler brings unique coverage through an unusual path to become ESPN's lead analyst

2. NBC: Mike Tirico, Jamal Crawford, and Reggie Miller

There's promise here, but we'll have to see it play out.

Tirico is back on NBA calls for the first time in nearly a decade, but fans got very familiar with him during his time with ESPN. Crawford and Miller join NBC after leaving TNT Sports, and they have some pre-existing camaraderie from their time with that network.

It's the near foolproof formula of a play-by-play announcer next to two former players, and Crawford is where it hinges.

He's still relatively new to the scene, but he's impressed since beginning his foray in media. Miller is more of a known commodity, making him the go-to personality as Crawford settles in.

MORE: Meet NBA on NBC announcers for 2025, from Mike Tirico to Carmelo Anthony and Reggie Miller

3. Amazon Prime Video: Ian Eagle/Kevin Harlan, Stan Van Gundy, and Brent Barry

This is not an indictment of the personalities, but a commentary on the approach that will be taken with them.

They won't go with a formal No. 1 broadcast crew, but legendary voices in Ian Eagle or Kevin Harlan will be featured for top broadcasts, which will include the NBA Cup. Van Gundy is as consistent as they come, while Barry is back over the airwaves after being a mainstay in decades prior.

This is a wait-and-see group. The approach could pay off and propel them toward the top.

MORE: Meet the NBA's full broadcast teams for ESPN, NBC, Amazon and more