Clayton Kershaw Set to Transition from Dodgers Legend to NBC Sports MLB Analyst
The storied on-field chapter of Clayton Kershaw's career with the Los Angeles Dodgers appears to be drawing to a close, but the future Hall of Famer is already preparing for a prominent new role in Major League Baseball. According to reports from Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports, the 37-year-old left-handed pitcher is "nearing a deal" with NBC Sports to join the network's MLB coverage beginning in the 2026 season.
NBC's Strategic Move in the New MLB Broadcast Era
NBC's interest in Kershaw aligns with the network's broader strategy as it enters a new media-rights era with Major League Baseball. The network has signed a three-year agreement with MLB starting in 2026, signaling its return to high-profile baseball programming. This deal includes:
- "Sunday Night Baseball" broadcasts
- MLB Sunday Morning Leadoff games on Peacock
- Full coverage of the Wild Card round
- Select All-Star Week events airing on NBC's broadcast network, NBC Sports cable channel, and Peacock streaming service
Kershaw's potential move to television has quickly become one of the league's most intriguing post-retirement transitions, as NBC reshapes its baseball broadcasts for this new era.
Kershaw's Expected Role and Broadcasting Background
While the precise scope of Kershaw's role with NBC remains unclear, both Front Office Sports and The Athletic have reported that he would likely appear for select events rather than weekly broadcasts. This limited schedule would allow him to balance his new professional commitments with his personal priorities.
NBC has already announced legendary broadcaster Bob Costas as the host of their MLB studio shows, with Jason Benetti widely viewed as the front-runner for play-by-play announcing duties. Kershaw's move to television wouldn't be entirely unfamiliar territory, as he made several guest appearances on SportsNet LA telecasts toward the end of his playing career, receiving strong reviews for his analytical insights.
Reflecting on a Historic Dodgers Career and Family Focus
Kershaw concluded his remarkable 18-season MLB career after the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series in 2025, leaving behind an impressive legacy that includes:
- 223 career wins
- Three National League Cy Young Awards
- One MVP trophy
- 11 All-Star selections
- Two championship rings
By announcing his retirement weeks before the season's end, Kershaw gave the franchise and fans an opportunity to properly commemorate his contributions during his final homestand. Off the field, family has remained his central focus. He and his wife, Ellen, welcomed their fifth child, daughter Chloe, in December, joining siblings Cali, Charley, Cooper, and Chance.
Kershaw has expressed his desire to spend more time at home in Dallas, which aligns with reports that any NBC position would involve limited studio appearances. The Dodgers discussed retaining him within the organization, with president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman offering a front-office position that Kershaw reportedly declined.
What's Next for the Baseball Legend
Despite stepping away from regular season play, Kershaw isn't completely leaving the field behind. He is set to join Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, demonstrating that while his days in Dodger blue may be over, his presence in baseball continues. This broadcasting opportunity with NBC Sports represents a natural next chapter for one of baseball's most respected figures, allowing him to share his expertise with a national audience while maintaining the family time he values.
