NBC is returning to broadcast NBA after a gap of over two decades, and so is MJ!
Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan joined NBA Sports as a special contributor for its NBA coverage in the upcoming 2025-26 season. The announcement was made by NBC on Monday during their presentation at Radio City Music Hall. Regarded as one of the greatest NBA players, Jordan spent 15 seasons in the league, where he won six championships.
Talking about NBC, it is returning to broadcast NBA after a gap of 23 years. It had broadcast rights for NBA games from 1954 to 1962 and from 1990 to 2002. Last year, the NBCUniversal signed an eleven-year long deal with the league worth $2.5 billion, to broadcast NBA and WNBA games.
In an official press release, it announced, “Michael Jordan, a six-time NBA champion and a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, will join NBC Sports’ coverage of the NBA as a special contributor when the 2025-26 season begins in October.” NBC Sports President Rick Cordella expressed his excitement on signing the legendary player. He said, “Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself. We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”
Jordan also spoke about the forthcoming project, highlighting its significance on his career. MJ said, “The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career,” adding that he is “excited about being a special contributor.” Notably, this is for the first time Jordan will return to TV since his retirement from the league in 1998 and 2003.
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While fans and the NBA fraternity are excited to have Jordan voicing his opinion on the show, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith expressed concerns over his new role. Smith raised doubts over the freedom the five-time NBA MVP will get, asking if he would be able to express himself in an authentic manner.
Speaking on the First Take podcast, Smith said, “I just wanna know, is it gonna be the Michael Jordan you see on television? Or is it gonna be the Michael Jordan we speak to? Because if it’s the Michael Jordan we speak to, it’s gonna be epic.”
He added, “The things that he will say, and the way that he says them, and the way that he breaks them down, lord have mercy… but if it’s NBC and the little kids out there are watching and he wants to mind his manners about every little syllable he utters – eh, he’ll be alright.”
While Jordan’s role has not been confirmed yet, it is unlikely that he would appear in every single broadcast. Despite that, his unparalleled understanding of the game as well as his status would bring a unique perspective to the table and offer a depth of the coverage that hardly anyone else could do. With Jordan being on the other side of the table, fans can now expect a highly enriching and enlightening experience.
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