The NBA’s media landscape will look significantly different in the 2025-2026 season, but an old friend will return. NBC and Peacock will air up to 100 regular-season contests per year. Much to the delight of older fans, they’re also bringing their classic jingle back.
They’ve assembled a star-studded team to re-engage with the NBA world, including Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.
Things have changed considerably since Jordan was last on NBC. Did NBC make the right move by bringing the Chicago Bulls legend to television?
The Job
Jordan seems to be excited about the next chapter of his basketball life. He announced 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.”
It will be fascinating to see what the network has in mind for Jordan. All we know now is that he’s a “special contributor,” but it’s anyone’s guess as to what type of content the former All-Star guard will be a part of.
Charles Barkley knows a thing about NBA television coverage and was stunned that Jordan agreed to the role. He said, “I don’t think he will do a lot. I know he’s not going to do a lot. I was 100 percent shocked, but I don’t think he will do much. Period.”
Motivation
It is interesting that arguably the greatest basketball player of all time decided to join NBC’s NBA coverage. Jordan certainly doesn’t need the money, and he hasn’t seemed to express interest in being a part of the media since he retired from the NBA over 20 years ago. His insight into the contenders in the NBA Championship betting odds will be fascinating, giving the man knows what it takes.
As Barkley hinted, Jordan will probably get paid a lot to do very little, which is an attractive proposition for anyone. With that said, there may be another reason Jordan wants to be more visible shortly.
An entire generation of fans do not remember seeing him play, and perhaps an even larger segment of the population doesn’t remember his prime with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s.
Jordan’s reintroduction to the current basketball world will drive younger fans to research and revel in his remarkable highlights. It’ll bring his name back to the forefront of the “GOAT” discussion, often including newer stars like Kobe Bryant or LeBron James.
Michael Jordan NBC Nostalgia
Perhaps Jordan feels grateful for NBC, who aired all six of his NBA championship series in the 1990s. It would be fun for the network to bring more of the old gang back together, like Jordan’s great friend Ahmad Rashad.
NBC will have to walk the line in appealing to fans who grew up with the NBA on NBC while also bringing a fresh product to today’s basketball enthusiasts.
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