Michael Jordan has returned to television, and for the first time in years, fans are getting a glimpse into the life of the NBA’s most iconic figure. The six-time champion made his long-awaited debut on NBA on NBC during a halftime special titled “MJ: Insights to Excellence,” where he spoke candidly about his priorities since leaving basketball behind, Sporting News reports.
“The most valuable asset I have is time,” Jordan told veteran sportscaster Mike Tirico. It was one of several revealing moments during their one-on-one conversation, which centered around how the Chicago Bulls legend now spends his days.
After sharing that his focus has shifted away from the game, Jordan explained why fans rarely see him in the public eye. “That’s what I have time to do now,” he said. “You don’t know how much time you really don’t have for family when you’re in the prime of your career. So that’s probably why you don’t see enough of me, because that time I’m trying to spend with family members that I’ve been missing out on for such a long time.”
The discussion also touched on when Jordan last picked up a basketball, his wish for a “magic pill” to play again, and his continued sense of obligation to the game that made him a global icon.
Michael Jordan Headlines NBC’s Long-Awaited NBA Return
Tuesday’s broadcast marked the first NBA on NBC telecast since the 2001–02 season, officially kicking off the league’s new 11-year media rights deal. NBC’s return to NBA coverage had been public knowledge for more than a year, but its debut finally arrived on opening night of the 2025–26 season.
The doubleheader featured the Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers. Nostalgia filled the air as NBC revived its signature “Roundball Rock” theme and introduced a new panel of analysts that included Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady, with Maria Taylor hosting.
Jordan’s halftime segment stood out as the emotional centerpiece of the night. For fans who grew up watching the Bulls dynasty on NBC in the 1990s, seeing Jordan sit down with Tirico brought the broadcast full circle. The series, MJ: Insights to Excellence, will continue throughout the season, featuring Jordan sharing lessons from his career and reflections on leadership and competition.
While it remains unclear how much of the show will focus on Jordan’s analysis of today’s players versus stories from his playing days, the series marks his most direct engagement with NBA fans in decades, CBS Sports reports.
NBC Faces Opening Night Glitches Amid Fan Excitement
Despite the historic night, NBC’s return wasn’t flawless. Viewers noticed several audio and camera issues during the pregame show featuring Anthony, Carter, McGrady, and Taylor. At one point, static interrupted McGrady mid-sentence, forcing Carter to hand him another microphone. The screen briefly went black, and the analysts struggled to hear one another.
Even with those hiccups, fans were largely thrilled to see NBA on NBC back on television, with many calling the Jordan appearance a “perfect touch” to an otherwise nostalgic night.
Jordan, now 62, hasn’t been a consistent on-air presence since his final retirement in 2003. His decision to join NBC’s coverage ties together basketball’s past and present, offering fans a rare chance to hear from the man who defined the sport’s modern era.
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