Michael Jordan is officially returning to the NBA spotlight, this time as a special contributor for NBC’s new NBA coverage beginning with the 2025–26 season.
NBC made the announcement Monday during its Upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall, with Jordan delivering a message to confirm the news.
“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC. 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.”
This is a groundbreaking moment for both NBC and the league. For the first time in over two decades, NBC will broadcast NBA games under a new 11-year media rights deal.
And for the first time in his post-playing life, Jordan will be joining an NBA broadcast team in any capacity. The man who defined NBC’s NBA coverage in the 1990s with six championships, five MVPs, and a global cultural impact is now returning, not as a player, but as a voice.
Jordan’s new role is being deliberately kept broad. The “special contributor” title gives him flexibility to appear in studio segments, feature pieces, or even offer commentary on major moments throughout the season.
Jordan’s return coincides with NBC’s full-scale revival of its classic NBA presentation. The network is bringing back the iconic “Roundball Rock” theme music by John Tesh and will use an AI-generated version of late narrator Jim Fagan’s voice to reintroduce its signature broadcast tone.
NBC’s new schedule will include exclusive Monday night games on Peacock, Tuesday night doubleheaders, and Sunday Night Basketball beginning in January.
Joining Jordan on the NBC roster are Carmelo Anthony, Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, Dirk Nowitzki, and Blake Griffin. But none match the gravity of Jordan’s name, a figure who hasn’t offered regular commentary on the league since retiring in 2003.
Even during his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets from 2010 to 2023, Jordan remained notoriously private and never ventured into broadcasting.
His presence alone brings a unique intrigue. Fans will be eager to hear Jordan’s unfiltered thoughts on the modern game, from debates about LeBron James to his takes on rising stars like Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Doncic.
With NBC and Amazon now locked in a competitive race to deliver the best NBA content, landing Jordan, even in a part-time capacity, is an undeniable win.
Jordan’s legacy as the most iconic player in NBA history already looms large. Now, in a new role that lets him define his narrative and speak on the game’s future, his voice will carry even more weight. For NBC, the NBA, and fans around the world, Jordan’s return to the network that helped immortalize him is nothing short of historic.
