Announcer Jim Fagan's AI Voice Lives On

Jim Fagan, the iconic announcer with a rugged voice, was the sound of NBA on NBC during the 1990s and early 2000s, a time when Michael Jordan reigned and stars like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Tim Duncan emerged. 

Paired with John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock,” Fagan’s voiceovers defined an era. Fagan passed away in 2017 at 72 after battling Parkinson’s, but his voice is set to return. NBC Sports announced this week that, through AI voice synthesis and collaboration with Fagan’s family, his voice will feature in select NBA title sequences, show opens, and promos when the league returns to the network this fall, complementing other voiceover artists. 

This follows NBC’s decision to revive “Roundball Rock” as its NBA theme, with a promo video showcasing both the song and Fagan’s AI-generated voice, deliberately evoking nostalgia. “Jim’s unique voice instantly brings back memories of a golden NBA era,” said NBC Sports president Rick Cordella. 

“It captured the intensity of those iconic matchups and stars. Working with his family to recreate his voice has been an honor, and we’re thrilled to share it with a new generation.”