In a move that signals a new era for baseball broadcasting, NBC Sports has announced that Sunday Night Baseball will return to the network for the first time in more than 25 years, featuring a remarkable lineup of recently retired Major League stars serving as analysts.

Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, and Joey Votto will headline the broadcast team, bringing a combined wealth of experience that includes multiple All-Star selections, MVP awards, and World Series championships. The trio represents some of the most accomplished and respected players of their generation, and their transition from the diamond to the broadcast booth marks one of the most significant additions to sports media in recent memory.

The timing could not be more fitting. The 2026 regular season is set to open on March 25 with the San Francisco Giants hosting the New York Yankees, marking the earliest Opening Day in Major League Baseball history. This historic season opener will set the stage for what promises to be a transformative year for baseball coverage.

Kershaw, widely regarded as one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in baseball history, spent his entire 16-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2014 National League MVP brings an unparalleled understanding of pitching strategy and the mental aspects of the game that will prove invaluable for viewers seeking deeper insights into each matchup.

Rizzo, the beloved first baseman who helped end the Chicago Cubs' 108-year championship drought in 2016, offers a perspective shaped by clutch performances on the biggest stages. His leadership qualities and ability to perform under pressure made him a fan favorite throughout his career, and those same attributes will likely translate seamlessly to his new role behind the microphone.

Votto rounds out the star-studded trio, bringing his legendary plate discipline and analytical approach to the broadcast. The six-time All-Star and 2010 National League MVP spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Reds, becoming one of the most feared hitters of his era. Known for his cerebral approach to hitting and his engaging personality, Votto has long been considered a natural fit for broadcasting.

The return of Sunday Night Baseball to NBC represents more than just nostalgia. It reflects the network's commitment to reclaiming its position as a premier destination for baseball coverage. The last time Sunday Night Baseball aired on NBC, the landscape of sports media was vastly different, and the network is clearly betting that the combination of primetime baseball and elite talent will resonate with modern audiences.

For baseball fans who grew up watching the game on NBC, this announcement carries significant emotional weight. The network was once synonymous with baseball coverage, and its absence over the past quarter century left a noticeable void in the sports broadcasting landscape.

With Opening Day fast approaching and anticipation building for the earliest start to a season in league history, the stage is set for a memorable year. Having three of the game's most accomplished recent retirees guiding viewers through each Sunday night matchup adds a layer of expertise and entertainment that could help baseball reach new audiences while satisfying longtime devotees of the sport.

The combination of historic timing, legendary talent, and network commitment suggests that baseball broadcasting may be entering a golden age.