Michael Jordan Makes On-Air Debut as NBC Sports Special Contributor, Launches “MJ: Insights to Excellence”

Michael Jordan made his first on-air appearance as a special contributor for NBC Sports on Tuesday, Oct. 21, joining the network’s return to NBA broadcasting after more than two decades. The Hall of Famer’s segment, “MJ: Insights to Excellence,” premiered at halftime of the Houston Rockets–Oklahoma City Thunder opener.

Jordan sat down with NBC’s Mike Tirico in a studio interview that will run throughout the 2025–26 season across NBC and Peacock. In remarks around the debut, Jordan framed the role as a way to “give back” to the game that defined his career.

NBC teased Jordan’s involvement with a soundless promo during “Sunday Night Football” on Oct. 19–20, building anticipation for the opening-night reveal. The network previously announced his contributor role at its May upfronts without detailing specific duties.

Now that the NBA season is about to start, NBC released a clip showing Jordan talking with NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico in a studio setting apparently having an intimate discussion. (What was discussed? No idea. There was no sound.) The brief promo was shown during Sunday Night Football on Sunday, Oct. 19.

The NBA’s return to NBC follows an 11-year rights agreement with NBCUniversal covering NBA and WNBA games across broadcast, cable, and streaming, including regular-season doubleheaders, All-Star weekend, and playoff coverage.

Early coverage recaps noted Jordan’s candid reflections during the debut segment and signaled that additional installments will air as the season progresses.

NBC is back to broadcasting NBA games after NBCUniversal and the NBA signed an 11-year agreement to air NBA and WNBA regular-season and playoff basketball games across numerous platforms.