NBCUniversal’s bold bid to make Michael Jordan the face of its NBA coverage just drew its first public shot across the bow—courtesy of a former ESPN insider. As NBC prepares to roll out its major-per-season broadcast deal in 2025–26, the ex-ESPN reporter isn’t buying the nostalgia play. He warns the network that putting Jordan behind the mic could backfire, rather than the game-changing voice NBC’s counting on.
NBC will pay about $2.5 billion annually over 11 years for NBA rights to broadcast NBA games, starting from the 2025–26 season. During the intense battle for NBA broadcasting rights, NBC had successfully secured its share. Since then, the company has been scouring to find gems for the new roles. Recently, in a video teaser, the Bulls legend was said to be joining NBC’s celebrated analyst squad. But for the famed writer, Dan Le Batard, it’s too early to get excited.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Michael Jordan as a special contributor to the NBA on NBC and Peacock,” NBC wrote on X. During a recent segment of The Dan Le Batard Show, the host made a shocking claim that MJ’s completely new role might ultimately disappoint fans. “My guess is that you might end up being disappointed when Michael Jordan sounds like a grandfather complaining about what yesterday’s games were because he’s going to sound like Shaq and Barkley,” he said.
Do you agree? Not only that, he also boldly stated that he isn’t interested in the Chicago Bulls legend’s commentary this year. “I am not enthused in any way to hear a single sentence that Michael Jordan has to say about anything,” Batard said. Sentiments may differ on the other side, where many are eagerly waiting to hear from the NBA great. In a special statement, Jordan himself expressed his excitement for the new role. In a conversation with Chicago Tribune, an NBA executive claimed that Jordan wants to be “involved” with the company during his new role.
New reports on the matter continue to emerge and make headlines, with the latest being an intriguing rumor about Jordan’s new role.
What does the new report tell about Michael Jordan’s new role?
Longtime NBC Sports executive Jon Miller helped forge the deal between the company and Jordan. But since NBCUniversal’s upfront announcement in May, social feeds have buzzed with “MJ on NBC” memes—but what will his “special contributor” title actually entail?
MJ is set to join former NBA players Jamal Crawford and Reggie Miller, who will serve as game analysts. Carmelo Anthony has joined the network as a studio analyst. According to multiple insiders, including CNBC, Jordan will appear in pre-produced segments. Think in-studio breakdowns, sit-down interviews, and legacy features. Promos that air during pregame and halftime windows on NBC and Peacock.
That aligns with how NBC has used other legends. Unlike live commentary, Jordan’s pieces are likely to be tightly scripted and heavily produced, leveraging his iconic status without the unpredictability of real-time analysis. After The Last Dance, networks and producers now know the risks. Jordan’s every word carries weight. Critics worry that isolating him to pre-edited clips could mute his charisma and leave viewers craving his unfiltered voice. Others argue these bite-sized insights will whet appetites for more, positioning Jordan as the show’s secret weapon rather than its main event.
With NBC paying roughly $2.5 billion per season for 11 years of rights, the network needs Jordan to deliver both ratings and reputation. As spring turns to summer, fans brace for the first clip, hoping that Chicago Bulls legend’s brief return to television will remind them that, in basketball and broadcasting, legend still matters.
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