LOS ANGELES — In a moment of pure sporting nostalgia, Emmy-winning composer and veteran broadcaster John Tesh took centre stage tonight, 15 February 2026, to open the 75th NBA All-Star Game with a live performance of his iconic theme, “Roundball Rock.”
The performance at the Intuit Dome marked the first time Tesh has performed the high-energy anthem live in a sports arena. Introduced by legendary broadcaster Bob Costas, Tesh’s rendition served as the official musical kickoff for the newly formatted “USA vs. World” All-Star Game, which is being broadcast globally on NBC and Peacock.
The Return of a Classic
Originally composed in 1990, “Roundball Rock” became the sonic signature of the NBA on NBC for over a decade. The song’s resurgence in 2026 coincides with NBC’s renewed partnership with the league. Tesh, 73, famously conceived the melody by calling his own answering machine to record the tune while traveling, a story that has become part of basketball lore.
The NBA’s decision to feature Tesh alongside Saturday’s headliner, Ludacris, highlights a strategic lean into “nostalgia-core” branding for the 2026 season. “A familiar melody is poised to echo through the arena… turning nostalgia into a defining moment,” noted industry analysts earlier this week.
A Multi-Faceted Career
While known to sports fans for his compositions, Tesh’s career spans several decades of Canadian and American media influence:
- Broadcasting: Spent 10 years as the co-anchor of Entertainment Tonight and served as a correspondent for CBS News.
- Music: A prolific pianist and composer with over eight million records sold, six Emmy Awards, and two Grammy nominations.
- Radio: Continues to host the “Intelligence for Your Life” radio programme, which provides lifestyle advice to millions of listeners across North America.
National Anthems and Honours
The evening’s festivities also included powerful renditions of the American and Canadian national anthems, setting a somber yet respectful tone following recent news in Canada. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Mark Carney declared seven days of national mourning following a tragic school shooting, a sentiment echoed by the league during the pre-game ceremonies.
As the “USA vs. World” format debuts tonight, Tesh’s “Roundball Rock” remains the definitive bridge between the league’s golden era and its modern global expansion.