The basketball icon whose name has echoed the NBA for 40 years, Michael Jordan, is stepping into a new arena: the broadcast booth. On May 12, 2025, NBC announced that the six-time NBA champion will join its coverage as a âspecial contributorâ for the 2025-26 season, marking his first-ever job as a commentator. The news, dropped during NBCâs upfront presentation in New York City, sent shockwaves through the sports world, with fans animated about the GOATâs next chapter. From his storied Chicago Bulls days to this unexpected career pivot, hereâs how Jordanâs leap to NBC is set to redefine NBA broadcasts.
A Slam-Dunk Announcement
The stage was set at Radio City Music Hall when NBC unveiled Jordanâs role, a move that blends â90s nostalgia with modern flair. âI am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,â Jordan said in a video message, his trademark intensity shining through. âThe NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and Iâm excited about being a special contributor to the project,â he told ESPN.
The network, which aired all six of Jordanâs championship runs with the Bulls from 1990 to 2002, is banking on his star power to relaunch its NBA coverage after a 23-year hiatus, Fox News reported. Though his exact duties remain unclear, whether game analysis, studio commentary, or special segments, NBC Sports President Rick Cordella called it a âlegendary addition,â in an article by People.
From Court to Commentary
Jordanâs no stranger to the spotlight, but this role is a bold departure. After retiring in 2003 with six NBA titles, five MVPs, and a global brand that still generates billions, heâs dabbled in ownership (selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023) and NASCARâs 23XI Racing team. But, commentary, thatâs uncharted territory. âHeâs never done this before, so itâs a big swing,â an insider told the New York Post, hinting Jordan might focus on spotlight games like the NBA Finals or playoffs. His competitive fire, seen in moments like the 1997 âFlu Gameâ , could translate into sharp, no-nonsense analysis. Joined by Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford, Carmelo Anthony, and play-by-play voices Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle, Jordanâs part of a star-studded NBC lineup, ESPN noted.
Nostalgia Meets New Energy
NBCâs pulling out all the stops for its NBA return, reviving the iconic âRoundball Rockâ theme and using AI to recreate late narrator Jim Faganâs voice for promos, per Fox News. Jordanâs involvement taps into the â90s heyday when his Bulls dynasty drove record viewership. âMichaelâs legacy speaks for itself,â Cordella said to People. But this isnât just a nostalgia play. Jordanâs expected to bring fresh insights, possibly diving into todayâs stars like LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo. With Peacock streaming Monday night games and NBC airing Tuesday doubleheaders and Sunday Night Basketball in 2026, Jordanâs presence will be a draw, New York Post reported.
A New Legacy Unfolds
At 62, Jordanâs still shaping basketballâs narrative. His NBC role, launching in October 2025, isnât about reliving past glories but adding a new layer to his legend. Will he break down plays with the same precision he used to hit game-winners, like the 1998 Finals shot over Utah? Fans are eager to find out. As NBC aims to reclaim its NBA throne, Jordanâs voicest, steeped in unmatched experience, could redefine how we see the game. Tune in this fall to hear the GOAT himself, bringing his unmatched basketball knowledge to the mic.
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