Following a live performance of “Roundball Rock” by John Tesh, NBCUniversal has announced that Chicago Bulls guard, six-time NBA champion and member of the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame member Michael Jordan is serving as a special contributor for the NBA on NBC.
Jordan, who played several marquee games throughout his legendary career on the broadcast property, will be making contributions to the property across NBC and Peacock. Making the announcement live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Jordan addressed the crowd through a pre-recorded video.
“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said in the video. “The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career. I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project. Looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.”
The network, which broadcast NBA games from 1990 to 2002, signed an 11-year agreement with the NBA to return to broadcasting games beginning next season. While Jordan’s specific duties have not been formally announced, this will be Jordan’s first venture into broadcast media following the conclusion of his historic basketball career.
Jordan last played in the NBA in 2003 with the Washington Wizards, but has not maintained a constant presence in and around the NBA since he stepped away from the game. Jordan
Off the court, Jordan is a successful businessman, investor and philanthropist. His Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, has been a leader and innovator in athletic shoes since 1997. He also was the first former player to become the majority owner of an NBA franchise, the Charlotte Hornets. In the fall of 2020, Jordan along with three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin launched a NASCAR team, 23XI Racing.
“It doesn’t get any more electrifying than that,” NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico said following the video announcement by Jordan at Radio City Music Hall. “Jordan is a symbol of the golden era of NBC’s coverage of the NBA from 1990 to 2002.”
The festivities for the network began with a live performance by an orchestral version of NBA on NBC theme “Roundball Rock,” led by its composer, John Tesh.
“Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself,” said NBC Sports President Rick Cordella via a statement. “We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”
The former NBA superstar has long supported many charitable causes that provide opportunities for at-risk youth, help kids with disabilities and illnesses, support teachers and provide disaster relief. Novant Health’s Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinics in North Carolina provide critical health services to thousands of patients. Jordan has served as Make-A-Wish’s Chief Wish Ambassador since 2008 and has been a wish granter for 35 years.
NBCUniversal and the NBA announced an 11-year agreement to present NBA and WNBA regular-season and playoff basketball games across numerous platforms beginning with the 2025-26 season. Peacock will livestream exclusive national Monday night games while NBC/Peacock will present national coverage of regional doubleheaders on Tuesday nights. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball in 2026 across NBC and Peacock, providing NBA fans with three consecutive nights of national coverage across NBCUniversal platforms during the second half of the regular season.
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