Mike Tirico has been officially named as NBC's lead play-by-play announcer when it begins its coverage of the NBA next season. The move is not a surprise, since many expected that to happen when NBC agreed to an 11-year contract with the NBA last summer.

Mike Tirico is quickly becoming a sportscaster for all seasons at NBC. The veteran, who currently leads play by play for “Sunday Night Football” and hosts primetime coverage of the Olympics, will soon take a sizable role when NBC gains rights to the NBA next fall.

Mike Tirico will serve as NBC's lead play-by-play announcer for the NBA starting next season after the network paid handsomely to acquire the league's rights in a blockbuster deal