AI just gave NBC a voice from beyond the grave

AI SPORT

AI just gave NBC a voice from beyond the grave

NBC is reviving the voice of late Jim Fagan using AI for its upcoming NBA coverage.

Fagan, who passed away in 2017, was best known for narrating NBA promos on NBC between 1990 and 2002, and his voice is now making a digital comeback.

With permission from his family, NBC has recreated his voice using AI.

It’ll be used in select title sequences, intros, and promotional clips when the network starts airing NBA games again in October.

The voice won’t replace human narrators, but will be used alongside them.

Here’s what you should know:

• Jim Fagan’s AI-generated voice will feature in NBA promos starting in October.

• His family approved the use, and it’s meant to support, not replace, live voiceovers.

• NBC has used this tech before, during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A little AI, a lot of legacy

The move follows a similar project from last year, when NBC used AI to generate personalised Olympic recaps featuring the voice of sports commentator AI Michaels.

If AI could resurrect WWE superstar Bray Wyatt, that’d be great 😭