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Why is Michael Jordan on NBC? Explaining the NBA legend's role on broadcasts in 2025-26

Gilbert McGregor

Why is Michael Jordan on NBC? Explaining the NBA legend's role on broadcasts in 2025-26 image

In the 1990s, all six of Michael Jordan's NBA championships were broadcast on NBC.

23 years after No. 23 last played a game on NBC, Jordan will be a part of the network's wide-ranging coverage of the NBA, beginning in the 2025-26 season. Jordan's role as a "special contributor" for NBC's coverage of the NBA was first announced in May, and more details surrounding the role were revealed before opening night.

Here is what to know about how Jordan will be contributing to NBC's NBA coverage this season, and potentially beyond.

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Why is Michael Jordan on NBC?

Jordan will be a "special contributor" to NBC's coverage of the NBA.

As part of his role with the network, Jordan will sit down with play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico for one-on-one interviews. These interviews are a part of a series titled "MJ: Insights to Excellence," which will air throughout the 2025-26 season.

Tirico and the network teased the upcoming interview series during "Sunday Night Football" in Week 7 of the NFL season, as a promotional clip for the NBA on NBC included a brief clip of the sit-down.

The clip, which has no sound, shows Tirico and Jordan having a one-on-one conversation at what appears to be Jordan's home. The two are sitting across from one another, and in the background is a stylized painting depicting sneakers from Jordan's signature line with Nike.

"MJ: Insights to Excellence" will first be featured during halftime of NBC's Opening Night doubleheader on Tuesday, Oct. 21. More details surrounding the special interview series will be revealed over time.

Including opening night, NBC will air NBA games each Tuesday. NBA games will stream on Peacock on Mondays, and NBC will begin airing "Sunday Night Basketball" upon the conclusion of the NFL season.

STREAM: Sign up to watch NBA games live on Peacock during 2025-26 season

NBA on NBC schedule 2025

Below are games that will air on NBC through the remainder of the calendar year. It is unclear how often "MJ: Insights to Excellence" will be featured during broadcasts.

Not included are games that will stream exclusively on Peacock.

DateMatchupTime (ET)Network
Tuesday, Oct. 21Rockets at Thunder7:30 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Oct. 21Warriors at Lakers10 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Oct. 28Knicks at Bucks8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Oct. 28Clippers at Warriors11 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Nov. 4Magic at Hawks8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Nov. 4Thunder at Clippers11 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Nov. 11Celtics at 76ers8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Nov. 11Nuggets at Kings11 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Nov. 18Pistons at Hawks8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Nov. 18Suns at Trail Blazers11 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Nov. 25Magic at 76ers (NBA Cup)8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Nov. 25Clippers at Lakers (NBA Cup)11 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Dec. 2Knicks at Celtics8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Dec. 2Thunder at Warriors11 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Dec. 23Nuggets at Mavericks8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Dec. 23Rockets at Clippers11 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Monday, Dec. 29Cavaliers at Spurs8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Monday, Dec. 29Mavericks at Trail Blazers11 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Dec. 3076ers at Grizzlies8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tuesday, Dec. 30Kings at Clippers11 p.m.NBC, Peacock

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Senior Content Producer

Editorial Team