Michael Jordan Not Expected Back as NBC Contributor

Michael Jordan is not expected to return as a regular NBC contributor for the 2026-27 NBA season, after making one interview for the network’s coverage last season. NBC’s new season is scheduled to begin October 20 with a three-game opening-night slate. Mike Tirico, NBC’s lead play-by-play announcer, described Jordan’s limited role during an appearance at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit in New York on October 13. Tirico said Jordan prefers occasional conversations with personal meaning to the routine demands of sports broadcasting, including weighing in on daily NBA debates. Tirico said NBC would welcome Jordan back for future appearances if he wanted to participate. Jordan’s absence from a regular contributor role does not rule out a one-off interview or other occasional appearance, but no future NBC appearance has been confirmed. Jordan was named a special contributor before NBC’s 2025-26 coverage began. His sole interview with Tirico was divided into segments and shown across NBC pregame programs during the season, according to Tirico.