NBC is set to feature an AI-generated voice of Jim Fagan, a long-time sports broadcaster who passed away in 2017, in its upcoming NBA coverage. In an announcement on Tuesday, NBC stated that the AI-created voice of Fagan will be used in selected opening sequences, program introductions, and promotional clips when the network resumes broadcasting NBA games in October.
From 1990 to 2002, Fagan's voice was a staple in NBC's NBA coverage, becoming well-known for the "NBA on NBC" promotional videos. He also provided commentary for some of the league's biggest stars, including Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Hakeem Olajuwon.
After obtaining permission from Fagan’s family, NBC has now decided to use AI technology to recreate his voice. The network has already released the first promotional video featuring Fagan's AI-generated voice, which can be heard in the embedded video below.
"His voice perfectly captured the magnitude of the matchups and the scale of the stars he introduced," said Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports, in a press release. "We are thrilled to honor Jim's legacy by recreating his voice with his family." NBC added that Fagan's AI-generated voice will "complement the traditional voice-over work of other artists."
NBC also utilized AI-generated voiceovers during the 2024 Paris Olympics last year, introducing a tool that allowed users to create personalized recaps using the AI-generated voice of sports commentator Al Michaels.
