Cheryl Miller Back in TV as WNBA Analyst for NBC

Key Takeaways

• Cheryl Miller joins NBC as WNBA studio analyst for 2026 season
• First TV role since leaving Turner Sports in 2013
• Works with Maria Taylor, Sue Bird, and brother Reggie Miller
• NBC adds LaChina Robinson and Sarah Kustok to WNBA team

Pulse Analysis

Cheryl Miller’s return to the broadcast booth highlights a pivotal moment for women in sports media. A former NBA star and 17‑year Turner Sports veteran, Miller broke barriers as a regular studio analyst on "Inside the NBA" long before today’s prominent female commentators. Her new role at NBC not only revives a familiar voice for basketball fans but also aligns with the network’s strategy to deepen its WNBA presence, leveraging her credibility and familial ties to NBA analyst Reggie Miller.

NBC’s WNBA coverage this season is part of a broader, highly competitive rights environment that now includes six partners—NBCUniversal, ESPN/ABC, Amazon Prime Video, CBS Sports, Versant and Scripps. By assembling a talent roster that features former players like Sue Bird and seasoned journalists such as Maria Taylor, alongside newcomers LaChina Robinson and Sarah Kustok, NBC aims to differentiate its studio programming and capture a larger share of the growing viewership. The network’s previous WNBA stint ended in 2002, making this a strategic re‑entry designed to capitalize on the league’s rising popularity and the increasing appetite for women‑focused sports content.

The implications extend beyond ratings. Miller’s involvement signals to advertisers and sponsors that women’s basketball is a viable platform for brand integration, especially when presented by high‑profile, credible analysts. As former athletes transition into media roles, they bring insider insights that resonate with both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts, potentially boosting engagement across digital and linear platforms. In a market where streaming services and traditional broadcasters compete for eyeballs, NBC’s investment in seasoned talent could set a new standard for how the WNBA is packaged and consumed, shaping the future of women’s sports broadcasting.