Dirk Nowitzki Makes Comeback as NBA Analyst for 2025/26 Season

NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki returns to basketball as a TV analyst for Prime Video, starting from the 2025/26 season.

Dirk Nowitzki, the legendary German basketball player, is set to make a return to the sport as a TV analyst for the NBA starting from the 2025/26 season. After his emotional farewell from professional basketball, Nowitzki took a break from the sport to focus on his family. He spent quality time with his wife, Jessica, and their three children, exploring the world and reconnecting with his loved ones.

Nowitzki revealed in an interview with The Stein Line that he didn't watch NBA games at all in the first two years after his retirement in 2019. Instead, he focused on discovering new places and cultures with his family. “When I was travelling, I didn't watch the results - not even of the Mavs' games,” he said. “I just had to get away from it.” The family explored his wife's roots in Sweden and Kenya and visited his German homeland.

However, Nowitzki's interest in basketball has started to grow again over the years. “It was a fun couple of years,” he said, reflecting on his time away from the sport. “But I also think that interest in basketball has grown again from year to year.” Nowitzki, the 2011 NBA champion, is now ready to return to the sport he loves, sharing his expertise and insights as a TV analyst.

Dirk Nowitzki, affectionately known as “the tall blonde,” is making a highly anticipated comeback in front of a massive audience. Starting from the 2025/2026 season, he will be sharing his expertise as an analyst for NBA games on Prime Video. This marks the beginning of a new career chapter for the 46-year-old basketball legend.

There has been ongoing speculation about Nowitzki's future path, with many wondering which direction he would take. A coaching career was often mentioned as a possibility, and his friend Steve Nash even suggested that Nowitzki join him as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets. However, Nowitzki has now opted for a career in broadcasting, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of NBA analyst.

Dirk Nowitzki: The Fun is Back

A New Chapter After Retirement

Dirk Nowitzki had been keeping a low profile since his retirement from professional basketball in 2019. After declining an opportunity to join the Brooklyn Nets as an assistant coach, Nowitzki focused on his family, social projects, and occasional appearances at basketball events. As an advisor to the Dallas Mavericks, a role he has held since 2021, Nowitzki maintained a connection to the sport without being too heavily involved.

The Toll of 20 Years in the NBA

Nowitzki's decision to retire was largely driven by the physical toll of 20 years in the NBA. At 41 years old, his body was struggling to keep up with the demands of the sport. “It was getting harder and harder to keep up, and I felt like it wasn't fun anymore, what I had to go through just to end up playing,” Nowitzki reflected.

Rediscovering the Joy of Basketball

However, Nowitzki's passion for basketball has been rekindled. He now enjoys watching Dallas Mavericks games with his family, including his children, who are starting to develop an interest in the NBA. “My kids are also starting to watch more and get excited about the NBA,” said Nowitzki. “So it's natural for me to sit with them and watch even more.”

A New Role as NBA Analyst

Soon, Nowitzki will be back on TV, this time as an NBA analyst for Prime Video. His family, including his children, will be able to watch him share his expertise and insights on the sport he loves.