Award-winning artist and actor Common has composed “Victory,” the new official theme song for NBA on Prime. This exciting project brings his journey full circle, from a young fan working for the Chicago Bulls to shaping the sound for a new era of basketball broadcasts.
The new theme song aims to create a signature sound for Amazon’s first exclusive season of NBA coverage. Common’s personal history with the sport, combined with his musical talent, was seen as the perfect way to create an authentic and memorable theme that resonates with fans.
🏀 From Courtside to Center Stage
Long before he became a famous artist, Common was a ball boy for the Chicago Bulls. He was close to the action, hearing the squeak of sneakers on the court and feeling the energy of the crowd. He said that being chosen to compose the theme felt like a perfect partnership and a natural step in his journey. “You never know where God is going to lead you,” Common shared, explaining that he now feels he is part of the NBA in the way he was always meant to be.
🎶 Crafting the Sound of “Victory”
To create “Victory,” Common worked with his longtime collaborators, Karriem Riggins and James Poyser. He drew inspiration directly from the game itself, explaining that “Basketball has a soul to it.” The team wanted to capture the rhythm, harmony, movement, and teamwork of the sport in their music. Their goal was to produce a melody so memorable that people could easily hum it after hearing it. The song was recorded with a full 70-piece orchestra to give it a grand and epic feel.
📺 An Authentic Theme for a New Era
The trio produced three different versions of the theme—orchestral, hip-hop, and rock—to be used during broadcasts. According to Prime Video executive Amina Hussein, the goal was to establish a “sonic identity” that felt true to the culture of the game. “One thing that’s a baseline for everything we do is authenticity,” she said. The new theme is designed to make viewers feel connected to the broadcast, as if they are “watching the game with friends.”
