Michael Jordan returns to NBA as special contributor for NBC's 2025 coverage

Michael Jordan is making a big return to basketball, but this time not as a player. NBC Sports announced that Jordan will join their NBA coverage as a special contributor when the 2025-26 season begins, according to NBA.com. NBC shared this news during its big presentation in New York, where they revealed their plans for the coming TV season. Jordan, who was seen at the 2024 Hall of Fame ceremonies, said he is excited to see the NBA back on NBC, a network that covered all six of his championships with the Chicago Bulls.

NBC has not aired NBA games for 23 years, and this move marks a new chapter for both the network and Jordan. For the first time, Jordan will be part of a broadcast team, and NBC’s president, Rick Cordella, said they are proud to have him join the coverage. NBC’s new deal with the NBA and WNBA starts in October, with games also streaming on Peacock and new shows like “Sunday Night Basketball” launching early next year. The announcement has created a lot of excitement among basketball fans and media alike, as NBC prepares to bring back its famous NBA coverage with Jordan on board.

USA Today notes that while the exact details of Jordan’s role are still not clear, his involvement is already making headlines. NBC made the announcement at its Upfront event, and Jordan shared a video message expressing his happiness about returning to NBC, which played a big part in his career during the 1990s. The network is focusing on making the NBA’s return to NBC a major event, and Jordan’s presence is a key part of that plan.

Mike Tirico, who will be the lead announcer for NBC’s NBA coverage, also talked about how important this news is for the network. NBC is bringing back the famous “Roundball Rock” theme song, which many fans remember from the 90s. The network is also adding other well-known basketball personalities to its team, showing that it wants to make its NBA broadcasts special and memorable. NBC’s move to include Jordan as a special contributor is seen as a way to connect with both new viewers and long-time fans who remember his playing days on NBC

According to The New York Times, NBC is using Jordan’s star power to bring back the excitement of the 1990s, when he led the Bulls to six championships on their network. The announcement was made at a big event for advertisers in New York City, where NBC shared that Jordan will help launch their new NBA coverage next autumn. The network has not yet said exactly what Jordan will do, but his title as “special contributor” means he could appear in studio segments, interviews, or special features.

NBC is also bringing back the classic “Roundball Rock” theme and using new technology to create a nostalgic feel for its broadcasts. The network’s new deal with the NBA includes exclusive games on Peacock, Tuesday matchups on NBC, and Sunday night games, plus coverage of a third of the playoffs. Familiar faces like Mike Tirico and Carmelo Anthony will join Jordan on the broadcast team, making NBC’s NBA return a mix of old memories and new excitement

Sources:

https://www.nba.com/news/michael-jordan-nba-on-nbc-special-contributor

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2025/05/12/michael-jordan-nba-chicago-bulls/83580084007/

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6350144/2025/05/12/michael-jordan-nba-nbc-coverage-media/