NBC Debuts NBA 'On the Bench' Broadcast to Early Praise From Basketball Fans

Robbie Hummel called the game from the Pistons bench while Austin Rivers sat with the Cavs.

Robbie Hummel and Austin Rivers called the Pistons-Cavaliers game from opposite benches for NBC / Screengrab via @NBAonNBC on X/Twitter

NBC is back broadcasting NBA games for the first time since 2002, which has already paid early dividends for the network.

Peacock, NBC's streaming platform, has exclusive games on Monday nights throughout the season and the network has found ways to innovate to make their return to pro hoops an early hit. For the first Peacock NBA Monday which showcased the Pistons and Cavaliers, NBC debuted their "on the bench" broadcast, which has an analyst calling the game from each team's bench.

Robbie Hummel called the game from the Pistons bench, while Austin Rivers was on duty with the Cavs. It allowed fans to get even closer to the action and hear firsthand breakdowns coming out of timeouts and anything else they can catch from their respective team on the sideline.

Noah Eagle was on play-by-play, but he sat alone at the broadcast table as Hummel and Rivers were closer to the action. Here's how the whole thing works:

Tonight is the debut of "On the Bench" where our analysts will be calling the game from each team's bench giving fans a unique viewing experience every Monday on Peacock. 👀 pic.twitter.com/KhUQuIAZNg

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 27, 2025

A basketball offshoot of NBC's NHL segments with the famed Pierre McGuire between the benches. Folks around the basketball world seemed to enjoy the unique idea from NBC:

Trying new things. I love it @NBAonNBC https://t.co/2y1BoAnlwE

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) October 28, 2025

Basketball is in a good spot with so many broadcast partners. Everyone trying new things. https://t.co/GNx3crGcX3

— Reggie Chatman Jr. (@ReggieChatman) October 28, 2025

This could be awesome

NBC is already killing it https://t.co/wXOLA2oyiQ

— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) October 27, 2025

This has been an awesome experience so far tonight.

I feel like we’re even more immersed in the action with what we’re getting to hear from the bench.

Props to NBC for continuing to innovate https://t.co/jTXOq9zCOi

— Jaylon Tyson Fan Club (@IsaacOkoroFan) October 28, 2025

This “On the Bench” thing that NBC is doing is pretty cool. A bit of presentation innovation is always appreciated.

— jack (@TheCavsJack) October 27, 2025

This has been really great, outside of the fact the pistons are down by 30 https://t.co/qlNdxCtz3L

— Christian Van Epps (@ChristianVanEpp) October 28, 2025

The Cavs routed the Pistons 116-95 during Peacock's debut of their new broadcast wrinkle. We'll see "on the bench" all season long and its certainly a welcome addition in the league's changing media landscape.

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