Michael Jordan to Join NBC Sports for NBA Coverage This Fall

NEW YORK (AP) — Michael Jordan, the NBA icon and Hall of Famer, is set to join NBC Sports as a special contributor for its coverage of the NBA starting in the 2025-26 season. The announcement was made on Monday morning during NBC’s Upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall.

“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” 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.”

NBC will return to NBA coverage after a 23-year absence, having previously held NBA broadcasting rights from 1990 to 2002. The network covered all six of Jordan’s championships with the Chicago Bulls during that time. This marks the first time Jordan has officially joined a network for game coverage.

Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports, expressed pride in welcoming Jordan to the team, stating, “Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself. We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”

Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player in history, won six championships and garnered five league MVP awards with the Bulls. He has also been a 14-time NBA All-Star and holds 10 scoring titles. In addition, he won Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 1984 and 1992.

NBC and the NBA announced an 11-year broadcasting agreement last year, which will kick off in October. NBC and Peacock will have exclusive rights to stream Monday night games, along with regional doubleheaders on Tuesdays. Additionally, a new “Sunday Night Basketball” will debut in January.

As part of the announcement, NBC indicated that former players Jamal Crawford and Reggie Miller will serve as game analysts, and Carmelo Anthony will be a studio analyst.

Exciting changes are coming to NBC’s basketball coverage, including the use of Artificial Intelligence to recreate the voice of the late Jim Fagan, former narrator for NBC NBA broadcasts. Cordella noted this would evoke a sense of nostalgia for long-time fans.