The GOAT, Michael Jordan, will step out of retirement to serve as a “special” sports contributor with NBC when NBA sports coverage returns to the network in the fall. Details surrounding Jordan’s role are unclear, but a source told CNBC that the Chicago Bulls legend won’t be a “regular” on the network. Instead, he’ll make several appearances throughout the NBA season.
In a statement, the 62-year-old basketball icon said he was “excited” to see the NBA making a comeback on NBC.
“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,” Jordan added in a video message shared alongside the announcement, according to CNBC.
As one of the most iconic figures in basketball history, Jordan has more than earned the right to speak with authority about the game. His journey to greatness began at the University of North Carolina, where he initially played under the shadow of upperclassmen, according to his NBA profile. But that changed during the 1982 NCAA Championship game against Georgetown, where Jordan—then a freshman—sank a clutch 16-foot jumper with 18 seconds left, securing a 63–62 victory. He finished with 16 points and nine rebounds, marking the beginning of his incredible career.
By his sophomore year, Jordan was named College Player of the Year by The Sporting News, and as a junior, he repeated the honor while also receiving both the Naismith and Wooden Awards. After his junior season, he declared for the NBA Draft and was selected third overall by the Chicago Bulls in 1984.
What followed was one of the most decorated careers in sports: Rookie of the Year, five-time NBA MVP, six-time NBA champion, six-time Finals MVP, ten-time scoring champion, and Hall of Fame inductee, with a career scoring average of 30.1 points per game, the highest in league history.
Over the years, Jordan successfully transitioned from a basketball icon to a savvy entrepreneur. His business journey began with a groundbreaking and highly lucrative partnership with Nike, which launched the legendary Air Jordan brand. After retiring from the NBA, the six-time champion shifted his focus to ownership and investment, first becoming majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets and later entering the world of motorsports as co-owner of the NASCAR team 23XI Racing.
In July, NBC signed an 11-year agreement to broadcast NBA games across NBC Sports and Peacock.
Source: NewsOne