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Details Emerge From Michael Jordan's Role With NBC Sports

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 15, 2025 6:49 PM ET

Fans perked up at the news of Michael Jordan joining NBC Sports' NBA coverage. They may have to temper expectations for his involvement.

Earlier this week, NBC announced that Jordan will be a "special contributor" when the network regains NBA broadcasting rights for the 2025-26 season. NBC offered no specifics about the six-time champion's role, but a recent report should lower the bar for anyone anticipating must-see TV regularly.

According to CNBC's Alex Sherman, Jordan's precise role remains "nebulous." However, he's currently not slated to join NBC's studio shows.

"I'm told the initial plan is for Jordan to appear in taped segments during the season to provide analysis that will air during pregame shows or halftime shows," Sherman wrote. "How that evolves over time is still TBD."

That's disappointing news for fans who pictured Jordan delivering live analysis and providing a rare insight into his feelings about current NBA stars. Instead of getting juicy soundbites, viewers will probably see edited, toned-down segments devoid of explosive commentary.

Then again, The Last Dance wasn't recorded live in a studio. Jordan could dominate headlines by making his first pre-recorded video a treatise on why he's better than LeBron James or a tell-all about his deteriorating relationships with Scottie Pippen or Charles Barkley.

However, it seems more likely NBC will televise some light-hearted, nostalgia-heavy packages from His Airness. After all, he's shied away from public sports commentary for the last two decades after his final NBA retirement.

Jordan apparently won't interact directly with Carmelo Anthony and other NBC analysts. Still, the former Chicago Bulls star is undoubtedly a huge acquisition for NBC's NBA return.

"I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC," Jordan said in NBC's announcement. "The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I'm excited about being a special contributor to the project."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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