Kevin Harlan Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Amazon’s future NBA broadcast team continues to come into focus.

According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Amazon is “closing in on a deal to make Kevin Harlan its No. 2 play-by-player when it begins NBA coverage later this year.” Should a deal be finalized, Harlan will join Ian Eagle as Amazon Prime Video’s top-two NBA play-by-play announcers.

Per Marchand, Amazon’s NBA analysts aren’t yet certain. The streamer has had discussions with Dwyane Wade about a “hybrid role” between a studio and game analyst. Stan Van Gundy and Richard Jefferson are also “on Amazon’s radar.”

Amazon has already announced several hires for its studio show including host Taylor Rooks and analysts Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin.

Harlan is a beloved voice among fans, recently winning the 2024 Awfulie Award for Best Play-by-Play Announcer. Currently, Harlan serves as a play-by-play announcer for TNT’s coverage of the NBA, CBS’ coverage of the NFL, and is Westwood One’s lead radio voice of Monday Night Football. Additionally, Harlan is a key component of CBS and Turner’s coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

With the presumed hire of Kevin Harlan, Amazon is setting up its NBA coverage to have a distinctly TNT-feel. Harlan and Eagle currently serve as TNT’s top play-by-play voices for the NBA, and are widely praised for their efforts.

The strategy is similar to how Amazon arranged its NFL coverage several years ago for its debut of Thursday Night Football. The company opted to hire two known quantities — Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit — rather than reinvent the wheel.

By hiring familiar voices, Amazon ensures that its NBA broadcasts will feel like just that, and NBA broadcast. And in its first year airing games, that’s the most important box it can check.

About Drew Lerner

Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.