Michael Jordan Set to Join NBA on NBC: A Game-Changing Broadcast Deal for 2025-26

Basketball legend and cultural icon Michael Jordan, who a vast majority affirm is the greatest ever, is reportedly set to join NBC’s NBA coverage as the network prepares to reclaim its NBA broadcasting rights for the 2025-26 season. This development, coupled with NBC’s massive new media deal with the NBA, signals a nostalgic return to the network’s storied history with the league while promising a fresh, high-profile approach to basketball coverage.
What’s the Deal About?
NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast, has secured a blockbuster 11-year, $27 billion media rights deal with the NBA, starting with the 2025-26 season and running through the 2036-37 season. This agreement marks NBC’s return to NBA broadcasting after a 23-year hiatus, having last aired games in 2002, when the iconic “NBA on NBC” theme music, Sweet Georgia Brown , was a staple of basketball fandom. The deal grants NBC and its streaming platform, Peacock, the rights to air approximately 100 regular-season games annually, including a minimum of 50 national games on NBC’s broadcast network, with many slated for primetime slots on Tuesdays and Sundays. Additionally, NBC will exclusively broadcast the NBA All-Star Game, All-Star Weekend events, and select playoff games, including one Conference Finals series in six of the 11 years of the deal.
Michael Jordan’s involvement is a major headline. While specific details about his role remain under wraps, sources suggest he could serve as a high-profile commentator, analyst, or special contributor, leveraging his unparalleled basketball expertise and global star power. Jordan, a six-time NBA champion and one of the greatest (or greatest) basketball player in history, brings instant credibility and fan appeal to NBC’s coverage.
Why It’s a Big Deal
- Nostalgia and Brand Power: The return of “NBA on NBC” revives a golden era of basketball broadcasting. From 1990 to 2002, NBC’s coverage, with its iconic theme music and personalities like Bob Costas and Marv Albert, defined how fans experienced the NBA’s Michael Jordan-led dynasty years. Reintroducing this brand, now amplified by Jordan himself, taps into deep fan nostalgia while attracting younger audiences familiar with Jordan’s legacy through documentaries like Netflix’s The Last Dance.
- Jordan’s Star Power: Michael Jordan remains a cultural juggernaut, with influence spanning sports, fashion, and entertainment. His involvement guarantees massive viewership, as fans tune in to hear his insights or catch a glimpse of the legend in a new role. His presence could also draw advertisers eager to align with his Air Jordan brand, which generates billions annually for Nike.
- Streaming and Modern Reach: NBC’s deal includes extensive streaming rights via Peacock, positioning the network to compete in the digital age. With cord-cutting on the rise, Peacock will stream all NBC’s NBA games, select additional games, and exclusive content, potentially featuring Jordan. This dual broadcast-streaming approach ensures the NBA reaches a broad, diverse audience.
- Competitive Landscape: The NBA’s new media rights are split among three major players: Disney (ESPN/ABC), NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video, which collectively will pay $76 billion over 11 years. NBC’s reentry intensifies competition, challenging ESPN’s long-standing dominance and Amazon’s streaming ambitions. Jordan’s involvement gives NBC a unique edge in this high-stakes battle for viewers.
Financial Aspects of the Deal
The financial scope of the NBA’s new media agreements is staggering, reflecting the league’s global popularity and the premium placed on live sports content. NBC’s $27 billion commitment averages $2.45 billion annually, a significant increase over the previous nine-year, $24 billion deal with Disney and Turner Sports (2016-2025). Here’s a breakdown of the financial implications:
Revenue Boost for the NBA: The combined $76 billion from Disney ($2.6 billion/year), NBC ($2.45 billion/year), and Amazon ($1.8 billion/year) nearly triples the annual media revenue from the prior deal. This influx is expected to raise the NBA salary cap significantly, potentially by 10% annually starting in 2025-26, allowing teams to offer larger contracts and fueling player earnings.
NBC’s Investment: NBC’s $2.45 billion annual payout secures a robust package of games, but it’s a calculated bet on recouping costs through advertising, sponsorships, and Peacock subscriptions. With Jordan as a draw, NBC anticipates premium ad rates, especially for primetime games and All-Star events. For context, a 30-second Super Bowl ad costs around $7 million; NBA primetime slots with Jordan’s involvement could command top-tier rates for basketball.
Jordan’s Compensation: While exact figures for Jordan’s deal with NBC are undisclosed, his involvement is likely a high-value contract. Given his net worth (estimated at $3.2 billion by Forbes) and history of lucrative endorsements, Jordan’s compensation could include a mix of upfront payments, equity in production ventures, or revenue-sharing tied to Air Jordan-branded content. His role may also boost his personal brand’s value, indirectly benefiting his business empire.
Impact on Peacock: Peacock, which has struggled to match the subscriber base of Netflix or Disney+, sees the NBA deal as a catalyst for growth. With exclusive streaming rights to some games and Jordan-related content, Peacock could see a surge in subscriptions, priced at $5.99-$11.99/month. If just 1 million new subscribers sign up annually, Peacock could generate $72-$144 million in additional revenue yearly.
NBC’s NBA Rights for 2025-26 and Beyond
Starting in the 2025-26 season, NBC’s coverage will include:
Regular Season: Approximately 100 games, with at least 50 on NBC’s broadcast network, primarily on Tuesday nights and Sunday afternoons/evenings. Peacock will stream all NBC games and additional exclusive matchups, such as Monday night games.
All-Star Events: Exclusive rights to the NBA All-Star Game, Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest, airing on NBC and Peacock.
Playoffs: A first-round playoff series each year, plus one Conference Finals series in six of the 11 years, alternating with Disney.
Global Reach: Select games will air on NBC’s international partners, expanding the NBA’s global footprint, with Jordan’s involvement likely amplifying interest in markets like Europe, Africa and Asia.
NBC will also produce original content, such as pregame shows, documentaries, and digital series, potentially featuring Jordan. This content will leverage NBC’s production expertise and Jordan’s storytelling clout, as seen in The Last Dance , to create must-watch programming.
Rivalry with ESPN
NBC’s deal ends Turner Sports’ (TNT) NBA run after 2024-25, a move that sparked debate when TNT attempted to match Amazon’s bid but was rebuffed by the NBA. Jordan’s involvement could escalate the NBC-ESPN rivalry, as ESPN retains the NBA Finals but lacks Jordan’s star power.
Streaming Wars
Amazon’s entry as a streaming-only partner (with 66 regular-season games and playoff rights) underscores the shift to digital. NBC’s hybrid broadcast-streaming model, with Jordan as a draw, positions it to compete with Amazon’s tech-driven approach.
Conclusion
The NBA’s return to NBC for the 2025-26 season, with Michael Jordan as a marquee figure, is a seismic moment for basketball and broadcasting. The $27 billion deal underscores the NBA’s financial might, while Jordan’s involvement ensures cultural and commercial resonance. By blending nostalgia, star power, and modern streaming, NBC is poised to redefine how fans experience the NBA. As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Jordan and NBC to deliver a slam-dunk revival of “NBA on NBC.”
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