NBC is tapping one of the biggest names in basketball history as it prepares for the league’s return to the network.
Michael Jordan will join NBC Sports as a special contributor to its NBA coverage beginning with the 2025-26 season, the company announced Monday during its Upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The move reunites the six-time NBA champion with the network that broadcast his most iconic games during the ‘90s.
Jordan’s role has not been fully detailed, but NBC confirmed he will appear across a range of platforms during key moments of the season. His involvement comes as NBCUniversal ramps up efforts to reestablish its NBA brand after finalizing a landmark 11-year rights deal in 2024 that brings both NBA and WNBA games back to NBC and Peacock.
Jordan’s addition brings instant recognition to NBC’s on-air team, which already includes Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, Carmelo Anthony, Mike Tirico, and Noah Eagle. The network is also reviving Roundball Rock, the original NBA on NBC theme, and will incorporate archival elements such as a newly created AI version of legendary announcer Jim Fagan’s voice.
Starting in 2025, Peacock will stream exclusive Monday night matchups, with Tuesday doubleheaders airing across NBC and Peacock. In 2026, the network will launch Sunday Night Basketball as a national primetime franchise.
NBC last held NBA broadcast rights in 2002. The network’s return—backed by a deep bench of on-air talent and one of the league’s most recognizable figures—signals an aggressive play to reenter the national basketball conversation.
