Michael Jordan, the NBA’s undisputed king, is back, but don’t expect him to lace up his Air Jordans. The six-time champion and Chicago Bulls icon will join NBC as a “special contributor” for its NBA coverage starting in October 2025, Fox News reported.
Jordan, who sold his Charlotte Hornets stake for over $3 billion in August 2023, will lend his expertise to NBC’s NBA broadcasts, which kick off in October 2025.
Announced at NBC’s Upfront presentation in New York, Jordan’s return to basketball follows a two-year hiatus spent tinkering with his NASCAR team, 23XI Racing. Race cars weren’t thrilling enough for the 14-time All-Star. No surprise there—nothing matches the NBA’s intensity.
“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said in a news release. Forgive us if we’re skeptical—sounds like a paycheck and a chance to relive glory days. Still, his presence might just cut through the usual broadcast fluff.
“The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project,” he added. Meaningful? Sure, but let’s not pretend this is about nostalgia—it’s business, pure and simple.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October,” Jordan concluded. We’ll see if he can still captivate audiences without a basketball in hand. Don’t hold your breath for Finals-level magic.
NBC secured an 11-year media rights deal for NBA games in July 2024, a coup for the network. They’re not alone—ESPN/ABC and Amazon will also air games, splitting the NBA’s massive audience. Competition’s fierce, but Jordan’s name might give NBC an edge.
NBC will stream games on Peacock, their answer to the cord-cutting era. Smart move, but will it lure viewers tired of endless streaming subscriptions? Time will tell.
“Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself,” said NBC Sports president Rick Cordella. Legacy, yes, but let’s not overstate it—Jordan’s no saint, just a savvy businessman. His MVP awards don’t guarantee TV charisma.
Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest NBA player ever, went undefeated in his NBA Finals runs. Six rings, zero losses—that’s a flex most can only dream of. Today’s players could learn a thing or two about clutch. With five NBA MVP awards, Jordan’s dominance was unquestioned. Compare that to the participation-trophy culture of modern sports. Hard work, not hashtags, wins championships.
Jordan spent most of his career with the Chicago Bulls, later ending with the Washington Wizards. His Wizards stint was forgettable, but nobody’s perfect—not even His Airness.
After selling his Hornets stake, Jordan pivoted to 23XI Racing, a curious detour for a basketball legend. Stock cars are no slam dunk, and he’s likely itching for the NBA spotlight again. Can’t blame him—hoops is his domain.
NBC’s NBA return marks a full-circle moment, as Jordan starred during its 1990s heyday. Nostalgia sells, but don’t expect him to carry the broadcast alone. He’s a contributor, not the star. Come October 2025, Jordan’s voice will echo through NBA arenas—or at least your TV screen. Whether he elevates NBC’s coverage or just cashes in, one thing’s clear: the game’s greatest is back. Let’s hope he doesn’t phone it in.
