Michael Jordan to join NBC's NBA broadcast team for 2025-26 season as special contributor

Hoops fans are in for a treat this fall, as basketball icon Michael Jordan is set to make a prominent return to the spotlight.

The 62-year-old NBA legend will be a major part of NBC's basketball coverage starting this fall, stepping in as a special correspondent, the network revealed Monday during its upfronts in New York.

The NBA Hall of Famer, who lifted six titles with the Chicago Bulls during their unforgettable 1990s dynasty, also brought home Olympic gold twice — first in 1984, and then again as part of the iconic "Dream Team" in 1992, the first U.S. squad to feature NBA stars.

A two-time Slam Dunk Contest champ, Jordan earned the nickname "Air Jordan," which not only defined his gravity-defying style but also inspired one of the most successful sneaker lines ever produced by Nike, a brand legacy still thriving today.

NBC's announcement video celebrating Jordan's new role showcased dazzling highlights from a career often hailed as the greatest the sport has ever seen.

"A legendary addition to our team," NBC wrote in a post on X, paired with the video. "We're thrilled to welcome Michael Jordan as a special contributor to the NBA on NBC and Peacock."

Though he's kept close ties to the league through his stake in the Charlotte Hornets, this marks Jordan's first official venture into basketball commentary.

NBC dropped the major announcement Monday morning during its upfront showcase at Radio City Music Hall, giving fans a glimpse at what’s in store for the upcoming TV season, and it came with a dose of basketball royalty.

"I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC," Michael Jordan said in a video message. "The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I'm excited about being a special contributor to the project. I’m looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October."

Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports, echoed the excitement, saying, "Michael's legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself. We're incredibly proud to have him join our coverage."

Here's some of the quick reaction from around the NBA world:

After more than two decades on the sidelines, NBC is officially back in the NBA game. The network, which previously held NBA broadcast rights from 1990 to 2002, including coverage of all six of Michael Jordan's championship triumphs with the Chicago Bulls — is returning to the hardwood beginning with the 2025-26 season.

This marks the first time Jordan has formally joined a network team. His rare on-camera presence during ESPN's 2020 documentary The Last Dance drew massive attention, shedding light on his career and the final chapter of the Bulls dynasty in 1998. Known for steering clear of the media spotlight, Jordan has kept a low profile since selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, opting instead for a more private, luxurious lifestyle alongside his wife, Yvette Prieto.

NBC struck a fresh 11-year deal with the NBA last summer, signaling its big return to the league's media lineup. Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle are set to call the action, while Jamal Crawford and Reggie Miller will handle game analysis from the booth.

Earlier this month, NBC also announced Carmelo Anthony as part of its studio crew, adding more star power to its on-air talent.

According to the network's release, "Peacock will livestream exclusive national Monday night games while NBC/Peacock will present national coverage of regional doubleheaders on Tuesday nights." And starting in 2026, fans can also look forward to the launch of "Sunday Night Basketball" on both NBC and Peacock.