Michael Jordan to Join NBC as Special NBA Correspondent Ahead of 2025–26 Season

Basketball legend Michael Jordan is returning to the spotlight this time as a special correspondent for NBC’s NBA coverage, beginning with the 2025–26 season. The announcement comes as NBC prepares to relaunch its NBA broadcast package under a historic 11 year, $76 billion media rights deal that marks the league’s return to the network for the first time since 2002.

🏀 His Airness Enters the Broadcast Booth

While Jordan won’t be taking on a traditional analyst role, he will appear throughout the season in special features, interviews, behind the scenes segments, and occasional in studio appearances. NBC Sports confirmed the move as part of its broader strategy to rebrand its NBA coverage with star power and storytelling.

• Role: Special correspondent (not full time studio analyst)
  
• Focus areas: Player interviews, legacy storytelling, on location features
  
• First appearance: Opening night of the 2025–26 NBA season
  

“The NBA was built on moments and nobody understands that better than Michael Jordan,” NBC Sports President Rick Cordella said.

📺 NBC Reclaims NBA Rights in Mega Deal

Jordan’s return coincides with NBC’s high profile return as an NBA broadcasting partner, following a decades long absence. The $76 billion deal which begins in 2025 will see the league’s games split across NBC, ESPN, Amazon, and possibly a streaming exclusive partner.

• NBC expected to air primetime games, playoff matchups, and weekly marquee matchups
  
• Jordan’s presence adds gravitas and nostalgia for long time fans
  
• The move mirrors NBC’s original “NBA on NBC” heyday, when Jordan dominated the screen both as a player and cultural icon
  

🧠 A New Chapter for MJ

While Jordan has largely stayed out of public media roles since retiring, his involvement as owner and executive with the Charlotte Hornets, along with his enduring brand power, makes this a significant return to the league’s media narrative.

• Will contribute to documentary style segments and exclusive interviews
  
• May help bridge generations between today’s stars and the 1990s era he helped define
  
• Represents a strategic shift as the NBA targets multi generational audiences
  

Fans can expect Jordan’s appearances to be occasional but impactful, likely tied to major games, milestones, or exclusive content events.

📰 Final Thoughts

Michael Jordan returning to NBA coverage with NBC is more than nostalgia it’s a statement. As the league embarks on a new media era, MJ’s presence adds credibility, star power, and timeless storytelling to a platform that helped define his legend. The GOAT may no longer lace up, but he’s still shaping the game from the sidelines.