NEW YORK, NY – Basketball legend Michael Jordan, who last played in the NBA in 2003, has been named a special contributor for NBC Sports’ upcoming NBA coverage, the network announced Thursday. This marks a significant return to the league spotlight for Jordan and coincides with NBC’s return to broadcasting NBA games for the first time in over two decades. The specific details of Jordan’s role are yet to be announced.

• 🏀 Air Jordan Returns to the Airwaves: Basketball icon Michael Jordan joins NBC Sports as a special contributor for their NBA coverage, marking his first consistent TV role with the league since retirement.
• 💼 Beyond the Court: Since retiring in 2003, Jordan has been busy with ventures including ownership of the Charlotte Hornets (until 2023), co-founding a NASCAR team, and philanthropic work.
• 📺 NBC’s Star-Studded Comeback: Jordan’s addition highlights NBC’s return to NBA broadcasting after over two decades, joining a team of other prominent former players.

Michael Jordan Joins NBC: Will the GOAT Bring Back the Magic?

In a move that has the sports world buzzing, basketball legend Michael Jordan is joining NBC Sports as a special contributor for their upcoming NBA coverage, set to begin this fall. This marks Jordan’s first foray into a regular television role covering the league since his final retirement from playing in 2003. For many fans who remember the iconic “NBA on NBC” era, the return of both the network to NBA broadcasting and the legendary Jordan is a nostalgic slam dunk.

What’s “His Airness” Been Up To?

Since stepping off the court for the last time, Jordan has remained a prominent figure in the sports and business world. He held a majority ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets from 2010 until 2023. Beyond basketball, Jordan co-launched 23XI Racing, a NASCAR Cup Series team, in 2020. He has also been actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors, supporting at-risk youth, healthcare initiatives, and disaster relief efforts. While he has appeared in documentaries and made occasional public appearances, this new role with NBC signifies a more consistent return to the NBA spotlight.

What Will “Special Contributor” Mean?

Details about Jordan’s specific role are still under wraps, with NBC Sports describing him as a “special contributor” across NBC and Peacock platforms. It remains unclear whether he will be part of a studio panel, provide game commentary, or offer insights in other formats. However, the announcement has generated considerable excitement, with many anticipating that his unparalleled knowledge and experience of the game will add a unique dimension to NBC’s coverage. This partnership coincides with NBC’s return to NBA broadcasting for the first time since 2002, as part of an 11-year agreement with the league. Alongside Jordan, NBC has also announced the additions of other former NBA stars like Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, and Carmelo Anthony to their broadcast team, signaling a star-studded lineup for their renewed NBA venture.

Michael Jordan: 4 Interesting Facts

1. He Played Professional Baseball After His First Retirement

Following his first retirement from the NBA in 1993, Michael Jordan embarked on a brief career in professional baseball. He signed with the Chicago White Sox organization and spent the 1994 season playing for their Double-A affiliate, the Birmingham Barons.

2. The “Jumpman” Logo Is Based on a Photo Shoot

The globally recognized “Jumpman” logo, synonymous with the Air Jordan line, originated from a photograph taken during a promotional photoshoot for Nike. The silhouette captures Jordan in a dynamic leaping pose, though not actually during a game dunk.

3. He Was A College Freshman When He Hit the Game-Winning Shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship

As a freshman at the University of North Carolina, Michael Jordan cemented his rising star status by hitting the game-winning shot against Georgetown in the 1982 NCAA Championship game. This pivotal moment launched his legendary basketball career.

4. He Initially Didn’t Want a Shoe Deal with Nike

Despite the massive success of the Air Jordan line, Michael Jordan was initially hesitant to sign a shoe deal with Nike. He reportedly preferred Adidas, but they were not as interested, ultimately leading to the iconic partnership with Nike that revolutionized athlete endorsements.