Sports fans who have appreciated Steve Kornacki’s insights into the NFL playoff landscape and horse racing odds received exciting news on Tuesday. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Kornacki is leaving MSNBC for a new affiliation with both NBC News and NBC Sports. This shift comes as Comcast plans to spin MSNBC into a separate entity, while keeping NBC News and NBC Sports under its umbrella.
Kornacki, 45, is widely recognized for his political data analysis, which he will continue at NBC News. However, he has also gained popularity in the sports arena, particularly with his NFL playoff breakdowns. Since 2020, the Boston University graduate has become a staple during the late NFL season on NBC’s Football Night in America, analyzing standings with the precision of an election map, illustrating who’s in, who’s out, and what needs to occur.
In addition to his NFL coverage, Kornacki has played a role in NBC’s broadcasts of Triple Crown horse races and the Olympics, applying his characteristic statistical analysis to betting odds and medal counts. Notably, in 2021, he correctly selected Medina Spirit as the Kentucky Derby winner at 12-to-1 odds, providing a significant payout for those who trusted his data-driven predictions.
While specific details regarding the NBC Sports segment of Kornacki’s new contract remain undisclosed, it is anticipated that he will also contribute to the network’s NBA coverage, especially with the league making its return to NBC during the 2025-26 season. Given the increasing prominence and accessibility of sports betting, partnering with an analytics expert like Kornacki makes strategic sense for NBC.
While there has been considerable focus on the conclusion of his 13-year tenure at MSNBC, this transition clearly aims to establish Steve Kornacki as one of NBC’s key figures. His appeal extends beyond politics into the sports realm, where he has already garnered a loyal fan base.
