He’s back…again. Michael Jordan will be part of the NBA’s return to NBC.
WASHINGTON — He’s back! Six-time NBA champion, five-time MVP, 14-time All-Star and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan will be a “special contributor” as the NBA returns to NBC during the 2025-26 season.
The announcement was made Monday during NBCUniversal’s Upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
During the event, NBCUniversal drew inspiration from Jordan’s iconic “I’m back” announcement when he returned to the NBA in the 1990s. A mock press release with those same two words appeared on video screens inside the iconic venue Monday, followed by a brief video message from Jordan himself.
“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said in a press release. “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.”
“Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself,” NBC Sports President Rick Cordella added. “We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”
The news comes after NBCUniversal and the NBA announced an 11-year media rights agreement in July 2024, bringing NBA and WNBA regular-season and playoff games back to the network beginning with the 2025-26 season.
Under the deal, Peacock will stream exclusive national Monday night games, while NBC and Peacock will carry regional doubleheaders on Tuesday nights. In 2026, NBC Sports will debut Sunday Night Basketball, to offer three straight nights of national coverage across NBCUniversal platforms during the second half of the season.