What Happened to Robert Quinlan Costas?
Bob Costas, a highly acclaimed American sportscaster, has maintained a prominent career spanning over five decades, primarily recognized for his extensive work with NBC Sports, where he hosted 12 Olympic Games and numerous major sporting events. After a hiatus from NBC and retiring from MLB play-by-play in 2024, Costas made a significant return to NBC Sports in January 2026, assuming an "emeritus" role as the host of the Sunday Night Baseball pregame show and a contributor to NBA coverage, while also continuing his work with MLB Network.
Quick Answer
Bob Costas, the iconic sportscaster, returned to NBC Sports in an "emeritus" role in January 2026, seven years after his initial departure. He now serves as the host of NBC's new Sunday Night Baseball pregame show and contributes to their NBA coverage. This return follows his retirement from Major League Baseball play-by-play duties with TBS in late 2024, though he remains active with MLB Network. Costas is concluding his illustrious career by selectively contributing to major broadcasts, focusing on historical context and storytelling.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Began Professional Broadcasting Career
Bob Costas began his professional career at WSYR-TV & Radio while studying journalism at Syracuse University.
Joined KMOX Radio in St. Louis
At age 22, Costas joined KMOX Radio in St. Louis, where he called games for the ABA's Spirits of St. Louis.
Joined NBC Sports
Costas joined NBC Sports, beginning a nearly four-decade-long tenure with the network.
Began Hosting Olympic Games
Costas began his role as the prime-time host for the Olympic Games on NBC, a role he would hold for 12 Games until 2016.
Hosted 'Later with Bob Costas'
Costas launched his own Emmy Award-winning late-night interview television show, 'Later with Bob Costas,' on NBC, which ran until January 1994.
Hired by HBO for 'On the Record'
Costas was hired by HBO to host a 12-week series called 'On the Record with Bob Costas,' which later evolved into 'Costas Now.'
Joined MLB Network
Costas left HBO to sign with MLB Network, where he has continued to serve as a commentator and host.
Received Ford Frick Award
Costas was honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame with the Ford Frick Award for excellence in baseball broadcasting.
Departed from NBC Sports
It was announced that Costas had officially departed from NBC Sports after 40 years, following comments he made about NFL concussions.
Returned to HBO for 'Back on the Record'
It was announced that Costas would be returning to HBO to host a quarter-yearly interview show titled 'Back on the Record with Bob Costas.'
'Back on the Record' Canceled by HBO
HBO confirmed that 'Back on the Record with Bob Costas' was canceled after two seasons.
Retired from MLB Play-by-Play
Costas announced his official retirement from Major League Baseball play-by-play calling after 44 years, with his final broadcast being Game 4 of the 2024 ALDS on TBS.
Returned to NBC Sports in Emeritus Role
Bob Costas announced his return to NBC Sports as the host of the Sunday Night Baseball pregame show and a contributor to NBA coverage, describing it as an "emeritus" role.
Debuted on NBC's Sunday Night Baseball
Costas debuted as the host of NBC's new primetime MLB package, leading into the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers' Opening Day game.
Interviewed Carlos Beltrán for MLB Network
Costas conducted an interview with Carlos Beltrán for MLB Network, discussing Beltrán's induction into the Hall of Fame.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Robert Quinlan Costas began his illustrious broadcasting career in 1973 at WSYR-TV & Radio while studying at Syracuse University, quickly moving to KMOX Radio in St. Louis in 1974 where he called games for the ABA's Spirits of St. Louis. His talent soon caught national attention, leading to regional assignments for CBS Sports before he joined NBC Sports in 1980, a move that would define much of his career.
At NBC, Costas became one of the most recognizable and respected voices in sports. He was the prime-time host for an unprecedented 12 Olympic Games from 1988 to 2016, and a lead announcer and host for MLB, NBA, and NFL coverage. His versatility was further showcased by hosting the Emmy Award-winning late-night interview show "Later with Bob Costas" from 1988 to 1994. Throughout his tenure, he garnered 29 Emmy Awards, making him one of the most decorated sportscasters in history.
Costas's long run with NBC Sports concluded in January 2019, after nearly four decades. His departure was reportedly influenced by disagreements over his commentary regarding NFL concussions, where he publicly stated he would not let a son play football due to brain injury risks. Following his exit from NBC, Costas continued his work with MLB Network, which he joined in 2009, and returned to HBO in April 2021 to host "Back on the Record with Bob Costas," an interview series that ran for two seasons before its cancellation in December 2022.
A significant turning point came in October 2024 when Costas announced his retirement from Major League Baseball play-by-play duties after 44 years, with his final broadcast being Game 4 of the 2024 American League Division Series for TBS. However, his broadcasting career was far from over. In a surprising move, NBC Sports announced on January 22, 2026, that Costas would be returning to the network in an "emeritus" role.
As of July 26, 2026, Bob Costas is actively involved in his new "emeritus" role at NBC Sports. He debuted as the host of NBC's new Sunday Night Baseball pregame show on March 26, 2026, and also contributes to the network's NBA coverage. Costas has clarified that his role is carefully crafted to be additive, focusing on providing historical context and storytelling rather than usurping primary hosting duties. He continues to make appearances on MLB Network, including an interview with Carlos Beltrán on July 26, 2026, demonstrating his ongoing presence and influence in sports media as he looks to conclude his career on his own terms.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Robert Quinlan Costas made different choices?