New York, May 16, 2025 – In a move that’s thrilling basketball fans across the globe, Michael Jordan is officially joining NBC Sports as a special contributor for its NBA coverage, starting with the 2025-26 season.
NBC made the announcement during its upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall in New York on Monday. Jordan, considered by many as the greatest basketball player of all time, appeared in a surprise video message to share the news himself.
“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said. “The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project.”
📺 NBC Brings the NBA Back After 23 Years
NBC is reclaiming its NBA broadcast rights after more than two decades, having last aired games in 2002. The network was home to some of the league’s most iconic moments, including all six of Jordan’s championships with the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s.
Starting this October, NBC’s 11-year deal with the NBA and WNBA kicks off with comprehensive coverage across NBC and Peacock, including:
Exclusive Monday night games on Peacock
Tuesday night regional doubleheaders
Sunday Night Basketball, launching January 2026
🔥 Why Jordan’s Return Is a Big Deal
This marks the first time Michael Jordan has joined any broadcast network in a formal media role. His rare appearances — most notably in the 2020 documentary “The Last Dance” — have always sparked major buzz. NBC Sports is aiming to tap into that charisma and insight as it relaunches one of the most nostalgic eras in NBA broadcasting.
NBC Sports President Rick Cordella said:
“Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself. We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”
🏆 Vince Carter Also Joins NBC as Studio Analyst
Alongside Jordan, NBC announced that Vince Carter, eight-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer, will serve as a studio analyst starting October. Carter, known for his legendary dunks and 22-year NBA career, will appear one or more nights a week — often working with Carmelo Anthony, who was previously announced as a studio analyst.
“I’m truly looking forward to joining Melo and the rest of the NBC team,” Carter said. “This is a historic return for NBA on NBC, and I’m honored to be part of it.”
🎤 NBC’s Star-Studded NBA Broadcast Team (So Far):
Michael Jordan – Special Contributor
Vince Carter & Carmelo Anthony – Studio Analysts
Jamal Crawford & Reggie Miller – Game Analysts
Mike Tirico & Noah Eagle – Play-by-Play Voices
NBC is also reviving the iconic “Roundball Rock” theme song and bringing back the voice of the late Jim Fagan using AI — a nostalgic nod to its golden era of NBA coverage.
🔍 Conclusion: A Historic Season Ahead
With Michael Jordan joining NBC, the return of “NBA on NBC” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated media events in sports. The network is blending nostalgia with modern broadcasting, aiming to deliver best-in-class coverage to a new generation of fans.
Whether you’re a lifelong Jordan fan or a younger viewer discovering his legacy, this upcoming NBA season promises to be unforgettable.
