Michael Jordan's mysterious NBA return sparks intrigue as his new role remains cloaked in uncertainty
In a surprising move,
Michael Jordan
is joining NBC Sports as a special contributor to its NBA coverage when the 2025-26 season begins. NBC also confirmed it has hired Michael Jordan to contribute to its NBA coverage, which tips off later this year.
NBC made the announcement on Monday morning during its upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall previewing the networks offerings during the upcoming television season.
'I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,' Jordan said during a video message. '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.'
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Michael Jordan's comeback at NBC
NBC announced Jordan's involvement during its upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall, highlighting the network's renewed 11-year, $76 billion deal with the NBA and WNBA.
Jordan expressed enthusiasm about the NBA's return to NBC, recalling the network's significance during his playing career, particularly when NBC held rights from 1990 to 2002 and covered all six of his championship wins with the Chicago Bulls.
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NBC's new broadcasting agreement includes exclusive streaming of Monday night games on Peacock, regional Tuesday doubleheaders, and the launch of "Sunday Night Basketball" in January. The network also plans to revive the iconic "Roundball Rock" theme song by John Tesh, adding a nostalgic touch to its coverage.
Jordan's addition to NBC's team, which already features NBA legend Carmelo Anthony as an in-studio analyst and commentators like Mike Tirico, Noah Eagle, Jamal Crawford, and Reggie Miller, is expected to significantly boost viewership and engagement for NBA broadcasts.
NBC is returning to NBA coverage after a 23-year hiatus. The network previously held
NBA broadcasting rights
from 1990 to 2002, airing all six of Michael Jordan's championship victories with the Chicago Bulls.
This marks the first time Jordan is formally partnering with a network. His impactful appearances and candid remarks in the 2020 documentary The Last Dance, which chronicled his career and the Bulls' final championship run in 1998, generated widespread attention.
'Michael's legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself,' said NBC Sports President Rick Cordella. 'We're incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.'
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NBC's new 11-year deal with the NBA and WNBA kicks off in October. As part of the agreement, Peacock will exclusively stream Monday night games. NBC and Peacock will team up for regional doubleheaders on Tuesdays, and will debut Sunday Night Basketball starting in January.
A mysterious absence
Jordan's move into this new role remains cloaked in uncertainty. The basketball legend—renowned for his elusive public presence and mysterious aura—was conspicuously missing from NBC's first informal team meeting. His absence has fueled curiosity and speculation about the scope of his involvement and how he'll navigate the demands of day-to-day sports broadcasting. By choosing to forgo the initial gathering, Jordan has left many questioning what his participation will truly look like and how his iconic status will fit into this unfamiliar territory.
(With AP inputs)
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