NBC gave fans a glimpse of its highly anticipated NBA coverage on Sunday night, teasing the long-awaited return of The NBA on NBC with an appearance from basketball legend Michael Jordan. During Sunday Night Football, the network aired footage of host Mike Tirico sitting down with Jordan, previewing a new segment titled MJ: Insights to Excellence that will debut as part of NBC’s NBA coverage this season this coming Tuesday.
The segment showed Tirico and Jordan in conversation, hinting at the tone and format of what viewers can expect once the NBA returns to the network. Tirico later confirmed that Jordan would play a visible role in NBC’s coverage moving forward.
“Part of our coverage, our special contributor, Michael Jordan,” Tirico said. “We’ll have the first of our visits with MJ coming up during our coverage of the double-header.”
According to NBC, halftime coverage of the Rockets–Thunder game on Tuesday night will include the first installment of MJ: Insights to Excellence, featuring portions of Tirico’s interview with Jordan. The series will continue throughout the NBA season, giving viewers insight from one of the game’s greatest minds.
Jordan’s involvement marks a significant addition to NBC’s presentation as the network officially returns to airing NBA games for the first time since 2002.
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 by the network. The teaser gives a glimpse in how the network will be utilizing the basketball hall of famer. This will be Jordan’s first venture into broadcast media following the conclusion of his historic basketball career.
Under the agreement, NBC will air up to 100 national regular-season games annually across its broadcast and streaming platforms, including Peacock and USA Network. The programming slate will feature exclusive Monday night games on Peacock. Tuesday doubleheaders shared between NBC and Peacock, and the debut of Sunday Night Basketball in 2026. A primetime showcase intended to mirror the success of Sunday Night Football.
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