JUST IN: Michael Jordan Joins NBC Sports as Special Contributor for 2025-26 NBA Coverage
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, NBA legend Michael Jordan is set to join NBC Sports as a special contributor for its NBA coverage starting with the 2025-26 season. The announcement, made on May 12, 2025, during NBCUniversal’s Upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, marks Jordan’s first official foray into sports broadcasting. The six-time NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer expressed his excitement, stating, “The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project. I’m looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.”
NBC’s return to NBA broadcasting after a 23-year hiatus, having last held rights from 1990 to 2002, coincides with an 11-year media deal with the NBA and WNBA. This agreement will see Peacock livestream exclusive Monday night games, NBC and Peacock cover regional doubleheaders on Tuesdays, and the launch of “Sunday Night Basketball” in January 2026. Jordan’s involvement adds significant star power to an already impressive broadcast team, including former NBA players Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, and Carmelo Anthony, with Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle as play-by-play voices.
While the specifics of Jordan’s role remain undisclosed, reports suggest he may initially appear in taped segments for pregame or halftime analysis, with potential for his involvement to evolve. This marks a significant shift for the 62-year-old icon, who has largely stayed out of the media spotlight since retiring in 2003. His rare on-camera appearances, notably in the 2020 documentary *The Last Dance*, generated massive attention, underscoring his enduring influence.
NBC Sports President Rick Cordella emphasized Jordan’s unparalleled legacy, saying, “Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself. We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.” The network is leaning heavily into nostalgia, reviving John Tesh’s iconic “Roundball Rock” theme and using an AI-generated voice of the late Jim Fagan for promos, aiming to recapture the magic of its 1990s NBA coverage, when Jordan’s Chicago Bulls dominated.
Jordan’s participation is a coup for NBC, promising unique insights from arguably the greatest basketball player ever. Fans eagerly await his contributions, which are sure to elevate the network’s return to NBA broadcasting.