Skip to main content
Got a tip?
Newsletters
Subscribe
The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News
Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter
See My OptionsSign Up
site categories
Subscribe
The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News
Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter
See My OptionsSign Up
The network made the surprise announcement at its upfront presentation Monday.
In a surprise move, NBC said Monday that it has hired Michael Jordan to contribute to its NBA coverage, which tips off later this year.
Jordan, of course, is widely considered among the greatest, if not the greatest, NBA player of all time, leading the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships.
NBC announced Jordan’s hire during its upfront presentation in New York, after composer John Tesh took the stage for a live performance of the NBA on NBC title theme “Roundball Rock.” Jordan appeared via a video message to announce his return as a special contributor.
Related Stories
“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” said Jordan in a statement. “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.”
Jordan tied up his laces more than 20 years ago, though he owns a minority stake in the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and owns a a professional racing team called 23XI currently competing in NASCAR. He has never been a regular contributor to NBA coverage before.
“Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself,” added NBC Sports presidentRick Cordella. “We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”
Jordan’s hiring by NBC continues a trend of networks looking to hire the best players to shore up their sports broadcast teams. TNT Sports secured the services of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky in 2021, and last year Fox debuted NFL legend Tom Brady in its broadcast booth.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day
SubscribeSign Up
More from The Hollywood Reporter
Prime Video
Where to Watch Benito Skinner’s Coming-of-Age Comedy ‘Overcompensating’ Online
Live Feed
Welcome to the Hahnaissance: Kathryn Hahn on Casting a Spell on Audiences With ‘The Studio’ and ‘Agatha All Along’
The Studio
Seth Rogen on “Specifically” Writing Dave Franco’s Role in ‘The Studio’ for the Actor
Wednesday
Inside the Netflix Upfront: Charlize Theron, Roger Goodell and Quite a Few Catchphrases
noads
How to Livestream Eurovision 2025 in the U.S.
Live Feed
‘Star Search’ Reborn at Netflix as Live Competition
The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2025 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER is a registered trademark of The Hollywood Reporter, LLC.
ad
