Games Change
BEFORE THE RIO GAMES, NBC Sports broadcaster Bob Costas told SPORTS ILLUSTRATED that he will decide about hosting future Olympics on a "case-by-case basis." Costas, 64, has been the network's primtetime Olympics anchor since 1992 but said he does not have a number in mind regarding how many more Games he wants to be in that role. His bosses, however, have started thinking about the post-Costas future. Here are some possible replacements.
IN-HOUSE LEADERS
Mike Tirico, 49: Extensive hosting experience (including soccer's World Cup) makes him the odds-on favorite.
Rebecca Lowe, 35: The British import has received universal praise for her preparation and excellence while hosting NBC's Premier League coverage.
Matt Lauer, 58: NBC Olympics execs love all things Today, and Lauer filled in ably for Costas in Sochi when the latter had an eye ailment.
IN-HOUSE LONG SHOTS
Lester Holt, 57: The host of NBC Nightly News has a long Olympic bio, including hosting weekday afternoon coverage in Sochi.
Meredith Vieira, 62: Rio was her third time hosting the opening ceremony for NBC, and she's a favorite of executive producer Jim Bell, a former Today czar.
Liam McHugh, 39: Well-liked by the brass, he has hosted NBCSN's studio shows for its NHL property.
WILD CARDS
Barack Obama, 55: Soon-to-be ex-POTUS loves sports, has a ton of television experience ... and will need a job.
Vin Scully, 88: Giving America's most beloved storytelling broadcaster a global platform would be awesome.
Charles Barkley, 53: He's under contract with Turner through the 2024--25 NBA season, but how entertaining would it be to hear Sir Charles say the IOC is "turrible"?