Michael Jordan Returns to NBC as Special Contributor: A Nostalgic Comeback to NBA Coverage
Basketball legend Michael Jordan is back in the spotlight with a surprising career move that has fans buzzing with excitement. On May 12, 2025, NBC Sports announced that Jordan will join their team as a special contributor for NBA coverage starting in the 2025-26 season. This marks a historic reunion with NBC, the network that broadcasted all six of his iconic championships with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. Why is this trending now? It’s not just a job announcement—it’s a nostalgic journey back to the golden era of basketball, blending curiosity and anticipation for how Jordan will redefine sports commentary.
A Legendary Partnership Revisited
To understand the weight of this announcement, we need to rewind to the 1990s. From 1990 to 2002, NBC held the NBA broadcast rights, becoming the home of Michael Jordan’s historic run with the Chicago Bulls. Every dunk, every game-winning shot, and all six championship victories were aired on NBC, forever cementing their connection in fans’ memories. After retiring in 2003, Jordan stepped away from the court and, until now, from any formal broadcasting role. While he’s stayed in the public eye through ownership of the Charlotte Hornets and projects like The Last Dance documentary in 2020, this move to NBC Sports is a first for him. As NBC returns to NBA coverage after a 23-year hiatus, bringing Jordan on board feels like a symbolic homecoming.
The Big Announcement: A New Chapter for Jordan
The news broke during NBC’s upfront presentation in New York on May 12, 2025, where it was revealed that Michael Jordan would join as a special contributor. This role will see him contributing to NBC’s renewed NBA coverage, including their marquee Sunday Night Basketball program, set to launch in October 2025. This isn’t just a cameo; it’s a significant pivot for someone who has largely avoided the broadcast booth. The timing couldn’t be more poetic, as NBC reclaims NBA rights under an 11-year deal, echoing the era when Jordan was the face of basketball. For more details on the announcement, check out the coverage from Men’s Journal and the Associated Press via WTTW.
Voices of Excitement: Jordan and NBC Speak Out
Michael Jordan himself shared his enthusiasm for this new venture, reflecting on the deep ties he has with the network.
“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC. The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project.”
Meanwhile, Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports, couldn’t hide his pride in welcoming the legend aboard.
“Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself. We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”
These words underscore the mutual admiration and high expectations for what’s to come.
Why This Feels So Special
Beyond the professional implications, this announcement hits a deep emotional chord. For fans who grew up in the 1990s, NBC’s iconic basketball theme music and images of Jordan soaring through the air are inseparable. This isn’t just a return to broadcasting—it’s a revival of a cultural touchstone that shaped a generation. There’s also curiosity about how Jordan’s no-nonsense, competitive nature will translate to modern NBA analysis. Will he challenge today’s players with the same intensity he brought to the court? For younger fans, this is a chance to connect with a legend in a new way, while older audiences relive the magic of a bygone era.
Conclusion
✔️ Michael Jordan’s return to NBC as a special contributor marks a full-circle moment for both the legend and the network.
✔️ As fans, we can’t wait to see how his insights and personality will redefine NBA coverage, blending nostalgia with fresh perspectives.
