Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg has successfully transitioned to the broadcast booth, making a memorable debut as an NBA analyst during a recent Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers game. The broadcast, aired on Peacock, saw Snoop join veteran commentators Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon for the second half, showcasing a serious and prepared approach that impressed players and colleagues alike.
From the Green Room to the Broadcast: A Prepared Professional
Arriving hours before the 5 January 2026 tip-off at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, Snoop Dogg was anything but a casual observer. Dressed in a grey suit and his signature sneakers, he immersed himself in production meetings and even sat in with coaches Steve Kerr and Tyronn Lue. He patiently waited to conduct a pre-game interview with Warriors star Stephen Curry, asking pointed basketball questions that caught the player off guard with their depth.
"I don't believe NBC would have gave me this opportunity if they thought I was coming in there playing games," Snoop stated, emphasising his commitment. His preparation was noted by Hall of Famer Reggie Miller, who praised Snoop for asking informed questions in meetings rather than just sitting back. "He's getting his hands dirty," Miller said.
Reading the Room and Capturing Viral Moments
Snoop's unique skill lies in his authentic, real-time connection with any environment. This was evident not just in the NBA broadcast but across a string of major appearances. He won over global audiences at the Paris 2024 Olympics, performed during Netflix's NFL Christmas Day broadcast, and created a viral moment at the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl by catching a kickoff mid-interview.
Once on air for the Warriors-Clippers game, his colourful commentary brought a fresh perspective. He critiqued Draymond Green's shot selection, praised Curry's resilience through an ankle injury, and labelled team chemistry "cookies and cream." His bold personality shone through when he shouted "Inglewood!" to the roaring crowd after a controversial ejection.
Building a Bridge to New Audiences and Future Roles
Snoop views his analyst role as a bridge between the game and a broader audience. "I represent the average Joe, despite me being a well-known celebrity," he explained. He studied legendary broadcasters like the Lakers' Chick Hearn but aims to speak from outside the traditional lineage to attract new viewers.
This successful foray is part of a deepening partnership with NBCUniversal. His visibility is set to expand further with next month's Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, where he will serve as an NBC correspondent and an honorary coach for Team USA. He is also hosting an event with Kawhi Leonard during NBA All-Star week.
"I feel like I'm progressing myself as a full-on entertainer," Snoop said, welcoming more opportunities. "This is a part of entertainment, being able to pull people into things they may or may not be interested in." His simple philosophy? Show up, do the work, and stay open to evolution.
