In 2023, Michael Jordan sold his stakes in the Charlotte Hornets franchise, ending a 13-year run as an NBA owner. Many felt the basketball icon would fade into the background, living off the greatest legacy any player has ever built. However, people often forget Jordan is one of the most restless human beings ever. His energy reserves are limitless. The man must be doing something. If ownership weren't the path he wanted to tread anymore, he'd have to find something else.
It appears he has.
NBA coverage has stayed relatively the same for the past 20 years, bouncing between ABC, TNT, and ESPN. One of the greatest losses for basketball fans was when the sport left NBC, ending the iconic run of the famed NBA On NBC program. During that run, Jordan won all six of his championships with the Chicago Bulls. His name is synonymous with it. So, one might understand why he's decided to join NBC as a special contributor to help the program re-launch next season.
“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said. “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.”
Michael Jordan will bring gravitas to the enterprise.
The man's name carries so much weight even two decades after he retired in the early 2000s. The fact that he is putting his time and money behind this tells you how much he wants it to succeed. NBC is certainly providing the necessary resources. Highly-respected commentator Mike Tirico will lead the broadcast team, and NBA legends like Carmelo Anthony and Reggie Miller will join him. Naturally, the channel plans to utilize the timeless theme song created by John Tesh. It will be interesting to see what contributions Michael Jordan makes. His nose for business has always been among the best the NBA has ever seen. If anybody knows how to resurrect the juggernaut the NBA On NBC was, it's him. If nothing else, it's good to see the G.O.A.T. working to improve the game.
