“The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career,” says Jordan, as he returns to the network that helped build his legend.
The NBA is coming back to NBC — and so is Michael Jordan.
In one of the most exciting media announcements of the offseason, NBC revealed during its Upfront presentation that the six-time champion and global basketball icon will join NBA on NBC broadcasts as a special contributor.
“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said in a video message announcing the news. “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.”
His Airness, Now His Airwaves
Jordan’s role is being described as that of a special contributor rather than a regular analyst or commentator. According to reports, he’ll appear throughout the season but won’t be a week-to-week fixture on broadcasts.
It’s a surprising but thrilling addition: while Jordan has conquered the worlds of ownership, business, and branding since retiring in 2003, television commentary is one of the few lanes he hadn’t ventured into — until now.
NBC Sports President Rick Cordella emphasized that the network wants to tap into the ‘90s nostalgia that made NBA on NBC a cultural phenomenon, and there’s no better symbol of that era than Jordan himself.
Nostalgia Returns
NBC’s return to NBA broadcasting comes under an 11-year, $76 billion deal with Disney and Amazon, set to start this October. To fully capture the spirit of their original broadcasts, NBC is reviving not just Jordan’s presence but also the iconic elements fans remember:
- John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock” — the famous NBA on NBC theme — will return.
- Player introductions will be part of the production, bringing back the dramatic arena atmosphere.
- The broadcast team will feature Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, Carmelo Anthony, Mike Tirico, and Noah Eagle, blending fresh faces with NBA legends.
- NBC also plans to use an AI-generated voice of the late Jim Fagan for select features, bridging past and present even further.
A New Chapter for Jordan
While Jordan’s exact duties remain under wraps, one thing is certain: the greatest player of all time will once again be part of NBA fans’ weekly rhythm, offering insight and presence as NBC reestablishes itself in basketball culture.
From dominating courts in the ‘90s to shaping the game’s next media era, Michael Jordan remains as influential as ever.