"Round Rock" returns to the theme song when NBC returns to carry NBA in October

"Round Rock" is coming home soon.

NBC answered the biggest question many have aired since winning NBA rights in the Kentucky Derby coverage last July, when it aired a 60-second commercial that included John Tesh’s iconic theme song.

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The song is the soundtrack for NBC's NBA coverage from 1990 to 2002, and the Chicago Bulls Dynasty, which has six NBA champions.

"Round rock is one of the greatest theme music in sports history. Hearing it immediately reminiscent of images of NBC Sports' coverage of the NBA's golden age, from Magic to Michael to Kobe and more," said NBC Sports president Rick Cordella. "It's great to have Round rock back in NBC with John Tesh, and we're equally happy to hear its debut on Peacock. We can't imagine any other way to start reporting."

The location presents themes for current NBA stars Luka Doncic, Donovan Mitchell and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as well as NBC stars. It ends with Tesh typing "Round Rock" on the keyboard at the heart of Intuit Dome in Los Angeles (home of the Los Angeles Clippers), then cutting into the front row that Tracy Morgan said, "John Tesh still knows."

Tesh often said that after he woke up in the middle of the night, he created "Round Rock" in July 1989. Without instruments or recorders, Tesh left an accompaniment message on his answering machine, so he wouldn't forget it.

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"I'm honored to be with my friends at NBC Sports," Tesh said in a statement. "From our first meeting, Rick Cordella has a strong vision to bring circular rock back to one of its true homes. Along with millions of other fans, I'll be the front-row center for an epic launch of the fall."

In media rights negotiations last year, Tesh created some social media madness when he announced he was going to the studio to make an updated version of "roundball Rock." However, this is for NBC's coverage of the Paris Olympics.

Even after NBC lost the NBA, "Circle Rock" is still in the air. Fox Sports struck a deal to use it for college basketball coverage, while actor Jason Sudeikis's 2013 short drama portrays Tesh remains one of the most popular scenes on Saturday Night Live.

NBC's 11-year agreement with the NBA and WNBA began in October. Peacock will play the game exclusively on Monday night, while NBC/Peacock will have regional doubles on Tuesday. NBC and Peacock will also launch "Sunday Night Basketball" in January.

NBC also announced on Saturday that Carmelo Anthony will be part of its studio coverage.

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