Michael Jordan has stunned the basketball world after announcing he will be joining NBC Sports as a special contributor for its coverage of the 2025-26 NBA season.
The 62-year-old revealed his role via a video message at the NBC’s presentation at Radio City Music Hall, previewing the network’s offerings during the television season.
A video was then published on X by the network confirming his inclusion.
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“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said in the 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.”
The exact price of Jordan’s NBC contract is unknown, although other NBA greats who have taken on similar positions in the media are earning upwards of $15 million a year.
NBA greats Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley are reportedly on $15 million and $21 million per year deals with ESPN. Tom Brady, meanwhile, is reportedly paid $50 million a year as an NFL broadcaster, which is thought to be the most lucrative TV deal for an ex sportsman.
Michael Jordan attends a press conference. Getty
It is also unclear what the exact role Jordan will play as a special contributor.
“I just wanna know, is it gonna be the Michael Jordan you see on television or is it gonna be the Michael Jordan that we speak to,” actor Stephen A. Smith said on ESPN’s First Take.
“Because if it’s the Michael Jordan we speak to, it’s going to be epic.
“As somebody who has spoken to him about basketball on many occasions over the years – obviously, he knows what the hell he is talking about.
“The things that he will say, the way he says them and breaks them down… it’s on another level.”
Miami heat assistant coach Caron Butler added on X: “What the game needs (is) education from a tactical perspective.”
NBC returns to carrying the NBA after a 23-year absence. It had NBA rights from 1990 through 2002 and carried all six of Jordan’s championships as a member of the Chicago Bulls.
This is the first time Jordan has joined a network. His appearances and comments during the 2020 The Last Dance documentary about his career and the end of the Bulls dynasty in 1998 created plenty of headlines.
“Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself,” NBC Sports President Rick Cordella said.
“We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”
NBC’s 11-year agreement with the NBA and WNBA begins in October. Peacock will exclusively stream games on Tuesdays AEST while NBC/Peacock will have regional doubleheaders on Wednesdays (AEST).
NBC and Peacock will also launch “Sunday Night Basketball” in January.
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