Mike Tirico Reveals Why Michael Jordan Stayed Quiet on NBC NBA Broadcasts

Clear Facts

• NBC named Michael Jordan a special contributor for its 2025-26 NBA coverage but limited his role to a single interview split into segments.
• Play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico defended the limited format, saying the interview continued to generate discussion nearly a year later.
• Jordan is not expected to return for the 2026-27 NBA season that begins October 20.

NBC’s return to NBA coverage brought back familiar elements from past decades, yet one name dominated early headlines. Michael Jordan was announced as a special contributor, sparking speculation about frequent appearances.

Instead, Jordan’s involvement amounted to one interview conducted by Mike Tirico. The network divided the conversation into several segments that aired across the season.

Tirico addressed the decision during an onstage interview at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit in New York City. He noted that continued public interest proved the approach was effective.

“I love the fact that we did one interview —and you can say what you want about it airing once or being spread out over our series of pregame shows during the year— it’s a year later and people are still talking about it,” Tirico said. “And people are still asking about it. Which, to me, is all the reason that it was completely worth it.”

Jordan’s remarks focused on broader topics such as load management and his affection for the game rather than current roster debates or league controversies.

Tirico explained that Jordan’s preference for staying out of daily commentary reflects the legend’s desire to remain above routine sports chatter.

“I think Michael Jordan hadn’t been on TV for a long time for a reason,” Tirico said. “He likes being Michael Jordan. Even still, when he’s on camera, there’s an aura about Michael Jordan that is just different. Sitting across from him. It’s just a different feel. I think he is above the daily discourse of, ‘Hey, who is the best point guard in the NBA right now?’ and ‘who’s the best this or the best that?'”

Tirico expressed willingness to host Jordan again if the former Bulls star chooses to participate.

“I will say that it was damn cool to hang with MJ and talk basketball, and talk business and golf and all that other stuff,” Tirico said. “If he wanted to be— we would all run to have him on every single day. But that’s just not what he wants to do, I think, at this point in his career and life.”

The 2026-27 NBA season opens October 20 with a three-game slate.

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