Cheryl Miller Joins NBC’s 2026 WNBA Studio Coverage as Analyst alongside Maria Taylor and Sue Bird
NBC is relaunching its WNBA coverage in 2026, bringing the league back to network television and adding a streaming component on Peacock.
The network’s studio team will be led by Cheryl Miller, a Naismith Hall of Famer who will join Maria Taylor and Sue Bird as an analyst.
Miller, 62, previously worked as a sideline reporter and studio analyst for the NBA, but she has not been on television since 2013.
When NBC announced its involvement with the WNBA, Miller began reaching out to re‑enter broadcasting, and the network responded by offering her a studio role.
“I’m super excited to be a part of the NBC team,” Miller told Veezstream, emphasizing her desire to learn as the game evolves.
Her statement reflects a blend of “old‑school, new‑school” perspectives that she hopes to bring to the broadcast.
Miller’s basketball résumé is extensive, beginning with a legendary high‑school career that included a 105‑point game before the three‑point line existed.
She continued her dominance at the University of Southern California, where she was a multi‑time national player of the year.
At USC, Miller led the Trojans to back‑to‑back NCAA championships in the 1983‑84 seasons.
Internationally, she captured an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
When the WNBA was founded in 1997, Miller transitioned to coaching and front‑office duties, becoming head coach and general manager of the Phoenix Mercury.
Under her leadership, Phoenix reached the WNBA Finals in the league’s second season, establishing her as a pioneer in the professional women’s game.
In a statement, NBC Sports WNBA coordinating producer Betsy Riley said, “Cheryl Miller is synonymous with excellence in women’s basketball.”
Riley added that Miller’s ability to connect history, strategy, and today’s stars is unmatched.
The 11‑year rights agreement between the WNBA and NBCUniversal will see regular‑season games, the first round of the playoffs, the semifinals, and the Finals broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock.
The partnership also includes a significant collective bargaining agreement that has increased player salaries and benefits.
Miller indicated that the new CBA raises the stakes for players, asking, “Now the pressure is on… Are you going to produce? And where are you going to take the game?”
She plans to approach her analyst duties with the same work ethic she displayed as a player and coach, attending training camps and asking questions.
Miller said she wants to build relationships with coaches and understand the nuances of modern strategies.
She expressed interest in storylines such as Angel Reese’s trade experience and Marina Mabrey’s development after the college all‑star game they shared.
Rookie adjustment to training camps and new roles will also be a focus of her coverage.
During a recent NCAA Final Four in Phoenix, Miller met WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and lifted her off the ground for a minute and a half, demonstrating her enthusiasm for the league’s direction.
The return of the WNBA to NBC marks a new era of visibility for women’s basketball, with national primetime slots and streaming accessibility.
Analyst Sue Bird, a former WNBA star, will complement Miller’s historical insight with on‑court experience.
Maria Taylor, a seasoned broadcaster, will anchor the studio, providing continuity and interview expertise.
The trio’s combined perspectives are expected to deepen viewers’ understanding of tactical trends such as pace‑and‑space offenses and defensive switching schemes prevalent in the 2026 season.
Teams like the Las Vegas Aces and the Connecticut Sun, who have embraced positionless lineups, will be dissected with Miller’s strategic lens.
Statistical analysis will highlight the league’s increased three‑point attempts, a shift from the early 2000s when interior play dominated.
| Milestone | Year | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| High‑school 105‑point game | 1981 | Pre‑three‑point era |
| USC NCAA titles | 1983‑84 | Back‑to‑back championships |
| Olympic gold medal | 1984 | Los Angeles Games |
| WNBA Mercury Finals | 1998 | Second‑season appearance |
Beyond on‑court analysis, Miller intends to explore the cultural impact of the league’s growth, including increased sponsorships and global viewership.
The partnership with Peacock will allow for supplemental digital content, such as player mic segments and behind‑the‑scenes features.
These digital pieces will enable Miller to showcase personal stories, like how rookies adapt to professional schedules and media obligations.
In preparation for her role, Miller has emphasized a “player’s work ethic,” planning to treat the studio as a training ground.
Her approach mirrors her coaching philosophy, where continual learning and adaptation were core principles.
The WNBA’s 2026 schedule features 12 teams, each playing 36 regular‑season games, a format unchanged since the 2022 season.
Standings are expected to be tightly contested, with the Aces, Sun, and Seattle Storm projected as early front‑runners.
Defensive metrics such as opponent field‑goal percentage and turnover rate will be highlighted in Miller’s breakdowns.
She will also compare contemporary stars to past legends, drawing parallels between players like Breanna Stewart and her own scoring prowess.
Miller’s presence underscores NBC’s commitment to delivering comprehensive coverage that honors the league’s history while spotlighting its future.
The broadcast team’s chemistry will be tested during live game breaks, where quick analysis of momentum shifts and coaching adjustments is essential.
Viewers can anticipate in‑depth discussions of coaching strategies, such as the use of small‑ball lineups and the integration of analytics.
Overall, Cheryl Miller’s addition to NBC’s WNBA studio signals a bridge between the sport’s foundational era and its modern expansion.
As the 2026 season unfolds, her insights are expected to enrich the narrative of a league poised for continued growth and heightened competition.
