With LeBron James joining the Sixers, NBC Sports Philadelphia looks to staff up - Inquirer.com

What the report says

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that NBC Sports Philadelphia is preparing for a higher-profile 2026-27 76ers season after LeBron James agreed to join Philadelphia on a two-year deal. The outlet says Sixers analyst Alaa Abdelnaby, entering his 11th season on the team’s broadcasts, described the move as a major shift from his early years covering “The Process” era to a roster now featuring James and Jaylen Brown after a playoff upset of Boston.

According to the Inquirer, NBC Sports Philadelphia expects to carry most of James’ first season in Philadelphia even as the Sixers are projected to receive the maximum number of national TV appearances. Alexandra Matcham, the network’s vice president of content, said the station is budgeting for additional staffing to avoid overextending its current team. Options under discussion include adding someone familiar with covering James and possibly creating an expanded courtside role alongside Kate Scott and Abdelnaby.

The Inquirer reports the NBA schedule has not yet been released, but NBC Sports Philadelphia is guaranteed at least 67 games under its NBA arrangement. The Sixers are expected to have 15 exclusive national games and 19 additional national simulcast or side-by-side appearances, a sharp increase from the prior season’s initial national schedule.

The report also notes that the local network averaged 86,000 viewers per game last season, up 25% from 2024-25, citing Nielsen figures obtained by the Inquirer. NBC Sports Philadelphia is considering more preseason coverage, production upgrades and additional content as James’ arrival is expected to increase local and national interest.