Michael Jordan will make his debut as a “special contributor” to NBA broadcast coverage for the first time during the 2025-26 season, offering unique insights into the game.

The name Michael Jordan is synonymous with basketball greatness. Revered as one of the greatest players to ever step on the court, Jordan’s impact transcends the game itself. He revolutionized not only how basketball is played but also how it is marketed and consumed. From his legendary career with the Chicago Bulls, to his multi-faceted business ventures, Jordan has become a global icon. But as his playing days drew to a close in 2003, fans and media alike have long speculated about his post-retirement involvement in basketball media.

Now, after more than two decades of being largely absent from the NBA’s media landscape, Jordan is set to make his much-anticipated debut as a “special contributor” to NBA broadcast coverage during the 2025-26 season. This marks a significant turning point not only for the NBA but also for Jordan’s personal journey as a sports figure and media personality. After years of being an athlete, businessman, and team owner (with the Charlotte Hornets), Jordan is ready to bring his wealth of knowledge, unique perspective, and storytelling prowess to the world of NBA media.

The Unlikely Media Career of Michael Jordan

Despite his legendary status as a player, Michael Jordan has never been known for his media presence. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Jordan famously avoided the spotlight off the court. His few forays into the public sphere were tightly controlled, with Jordan always focused on his basketball career and, later, his brand. Even when his playing career ended in 2003, Jordan’s public appearances were few and far between. He was involved in various business ventures, particularly with Nike, where his Air Jordan brand became a cultural phenomenon. He also took on the role of principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets, a position that further distanced him from the public media landscape of the NBA.

For years, there has been speculation about whether Michael Jordan would ever dip his toes into the world of broadcasting. While he had an undeniable connection to the NBA’s past, present, and future, his absence from commentary and analysis was noticeable. Broadcasters and analysts often referenced Jordan’s legacy in the context of greatest players, but Jordan himself largely remained out of the limelight when it came to offering insights about the game post-retirement.

In the years following his second retirement, Jordan remained focused on other aspects of his life, particularly his ownership role with the Charlotte Hornets. His commitment to the franchise and its development was evident, but as time went on, there were subtle shifts in Jordan’s stance on media involvement. Over time, he gave a few interviews and appeared in documentaries, such as the highly successful ESPN documentary series, “The Last Dance,” which detailed his final championship run with the Chicago Bulls in the 1997-98 season. This documentary gave audiences a deeper, more personal glimpse into Jordan’s mindset, his leadership style, and his iconic moments on the court.

While the documentary was well-received, it highlighted just how few times Jordan actually shared his insights on the game of basketball. As one of the most cerebral players to ever play, it seemed that Jordan had a wealth of knowledge that the NBA community had been denied. This made his decision to enter the media world in the 2025-26 season all the more exciting.

Why Now? Michael Jordan’s Move to Broadcast

The announcement that Michael Jordan would join NBA broadcast coverage as a special contributor marks a shift in both his career and the NBA’s media landscape. The timing of this decision is crucial for several reasons.

1. The Evolution of the NBA’s Media Landscape

The NBA has seen a shift in how it engages with fans and consumers over the past decade. The rise of digital platforms, the increasing importance of social media, and the expansion of streaming services have altered the way fans consume basketball content. Traditional broadcast coverage has evolved to include a broader variety of voices, with networks such as ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV incorporating a range of analysts, former players, and personalities to appeal to younger, tech-savvy audiences.

At the same time, the league’s star power has grown exponentially. With LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and other current stars, the NBA has expanded its global reach, meaning there is now more demand than ever for content that covers the league from multiple perspectives. Michael Jordan’s involvement will not only add prestige to the coverage but also serve as a bridge between the old guard (his era) and the new.

2. A Natural Progression for Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan’s decision to step into the broadcast world also marks a natural progression in his personal brand. After decades of being in the public eye, Jordan is no stranger to high-profile decisions. His ownership of the Charlotte Hornets has provided him with valuable experience in team management and insight into the business side of the NBA. This experience, combined with his legendary playing career, gives him a unique vantage point that most analysts cannot offer.

Furthermore, as Jordan ages and reflects on his legacy, it’s possible that he sees this as a chance to finally share his vast knowledge of the game in a more direct and impactful way. Many fans have longed for Jordan to provide deeper insight into his thought processes on the court, his approach to leadership, and how the game has evolved. As one of the most intensely competitive individuals in sports history, Jordan’s commentary promises to be insightful, honest, and raw.

3. Changing Public Perception of Michael Jordan

Jordan’s public persona has evolved over time. Initially viewed as a quiet, almost enigmatic figure, his participation in “The Last Dance” revealed a more human side to his character. The documentary explored his vulnerabilities, competitiveness, and struggles. Fans saw a more emotional Jordan, someone who wrestled with the pressures of being the best and the toll it took on him.

This change in perception made it easier for Jordan to venture into new media territory. His re-engagement with fans and the broader public through the documentary, interviews, and other projects has positioned him as a figure willing to share his experiences in new ways. His new role as a special contributor feels like a logical step in this progression, allowing Jordan to continue to have a meaningful impact on the game he helped shape.

The Role of a Special Contributor

As a “special contributor,” Michael Jordan’s role within the broadcast coverage will likely be multifaceted. He will likely provide commentary and analysis on key games, offer insights into the evolution of the game, and discuss the current state of the NBA. However, his role could also go beyond traditional analysis. Jordan’s stature in the game will allow him to conduct interviews, share behind-the-scenes stories, and offer rare access to the minds of today’s top players.

Jordan’s deep basketball IQ and leadership qualities will be invaluable as he offers commentary during the broadcast of high-profile games. It’s likely that his segments will focus on the mental aspects of the game—things like decision-making, leadership, and player development—topics that many fans are eager to hear from one of the game’s greatest minds.

Another aspect of Jordan’s potential involvement will be in the pre- and post-game shows. His perspective as a former player, combined with his experiences as an owner, will provide a rare and valuable voice when breaking down the intricacies of the game. His unique perspective as someone who has both won championships and managed a team could make him a valuable asset in analyzing the league’s top teams and players.

What Jordan’s Presence Means for the NBA and Fans

The NBA has always been about stars. The league’s global appeal has been built on the backs of its superstars, with players like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James helping to elevate the game to its current heights. Jordan’s return to the media side of the game brings with it a sense of nostalgia and excitement for fans, particularly those who grew up watching him dominate the game in the 1990s.

Moreover, his role as a special contributor could set the stage for future collaborations between other legendary players and the league’s media outlets. With the continued expansion of digital and social media platforms, we could see more legends of the game—like Kobe Bryant (in his posthumous work), Shaquille O’Neal, or even LeBron James—become more involved in shaping the narrative of the league, offering fans even more direct access to the minds of the game’s all-time greats.

For fans, Jordan’s involvement promises an opportunity to gain deeper insights into the game, the players, and the evolution of basketball from one of the most knowledgeable figures in the sport’s history. Whether it’s his analysis of current NBA players or his stories about playing against the game’s greats, Jordan’s contributions are expected to enrich the broadcast experience for fans at home.

 A New Chapter for Michael Jordan and the NBA

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, Michael Jordan’s new role as a special contributor to NBA broadcast coverage is a game-changer for both the legend himself and the NBA media landscape. Fans will no longer simply be watching Jordan’s highlights on the court; they will get a chance to hear him share his unparalleled expertise and personal insights into the game he helped revolutionize.

Jordan’s entry into broadcasting opens up a whole new chapter for the NBA, one where the greatest player of all time (in the eyes of many) offers his unique perspective on the game. As the NBA continues to grow in its global popularity, Jordan’s role will undoubtedly contribute to shaping how the league is presented to its ever-expanding fanbase. For the first time, fans will hear from the icon himself, in a way that’s sure to be as compelling and captivating as his playing career.

For basketball fans, the Michael Jordan of today is as much a storyteller as he was a game-changer on the court. And starting in the 2025-26 season, the world will have the chance to hear those stories like never before.