Basketball legend Michael Jordan is set to make a significant impact on television as he joins the programming lineup of NBC Sports. Announced on Monday, Jordan will serve as a special contributor when the highly anticipated NBA season kicks off this October. "I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC," Jordan remarked in a statement released by the network. He added, "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."
Fans expressed a mix of surprise and excitement on social media regarding Jordan's new role in NBA commentary. Since his retirement from professional basketball, he has maintained a relatively private life, but his name continues to resonate strongly within sports discussions, especially in debates surrounding the NBA's greatest of all time (GOAT). One user on X (formerly Twitter) noted, "He got tired of folks not emphatically reminding viewers he will always be GOAT—no one like Michael Jordan, and it's about time his voice is back." Another fan chimed in, "Y'all played with Michael Jordan's name too much on these debate shows, so he had to come outside!"
Michael Jordan's illustrious career spans 15 seasons in the NBA, during which he secured six championships with the Chicago Bulls. He was named Finals MVP in each of those championships and holds the record for the highest points scored per game in NBA history. Additionally, Jordan has been honored with induction into the Hall of Fame and is currently a minority owner of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets.
NBC's history with the NBA is rich, having first broadcast games from 1954 to 1962 and then again from 1990 to 2002. During the 1990s, NBC showcased some of the most iconic moments in basketball history, including the legendary 1992 Olympics Dream Team, Michael Jordan's championship victories, and his remarkable return to the sport after a brief stint in professional baseball.
Last July, NBCUniversal announced a groundbreaking deal with the NBA, ensuring that both NBA and WNBA games will be broadcast for the next 11 years. This new partnership represents a significant commitment to delivering high-quality basketball programming to fans, making the return of NBA on NBC one of the most anticipated events of the season.
