In a move that proves sports franchise politics can still surprise even the most bored couch potato, the NBA announced its return to NBC, where the only thing louder than the crowd is the memory of a very loud theme song and a very loud universe of nostalgia.

The league will debut a ‘NBA Tip-Off’ doubleheader on Tuesday, Oct. 21, with games airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock, because nothing screams progress like forcing fans to juggle two apps to watch two games.

NBC Sports executives explained that the move is part nostalgia, part algorithmic destiny, and part an elaborate scheme to sell more popcorn by calling it ‘historic’ while the screen freezes at the wrong moment.

The ‘Tip-Off’ doubleheader concept is meta: two games, one night, and a scoreboard that looks like it is learning to count again.

Peacock’s UI will be reminiscent of a 1995 VCR menu, with a cheerful beep that plays whenever you forget to press mute during a live basketball moment.

The doubleheader is the network’s attempt to refresh the brand while simultaneously reminding viewers that ‘baskets are back,’ a phrase no one asked for, but somehow everyone promised to pretend is exciting.

Marketing slogans include: ‘Streaming is believing’ and ‘If you can’t see the scoreboard, it’s still there somewhere.’

Players reportedly responded with a quiet professional enthusiasm, grateful to have a platform that makes them feel both cherished and occasionally replaced by a streaming logo.

The broadcast will feature a backup plan: if the feed hiccups, a two-minute pre-recorded highlight reel will fill the gap, narrated by a cartoon mascot who insists the rim is a ‘seasoned cinnamon stick.’

Audience experience will likely involve a running commentary on whether a buzzer sounds or the buffering wheel spins in staccato rhythm, which somehow feels more authentic than most pregame intros.

Nostalgia risk comes in the form of color grading so retro it could pass for a museum exhibit, with announcers delivering lines like ‘back in my day, we played basketball on a ball’ just to make sure everyone knows it’s a throwback.

Bottom line: The NBA’s return to NBC and Peacock’s inclusion turns two games into a single event that comes with two screens, two remotes, and a moral obligation to pretend you’re excited about both at the same time.