Michael Jordan Joins NBC NBA Team – But Is He Really Making $40 Million?
Michael Jordan is returning to the NBA world in a new way. He’s not coming back as a player or team owner—this time, he’ll be working with NBC Sports as a special contributor for NBA broadcasts when the league returns to NBC in late 2025.
This news made a lot of noise online. Many fans got excited to see Jordan back on screen. But something else also started trending—rumors that Jordan will earn $40 million per year for this new TV role. That number shocked many people. So, is it true? Let’s break down what’s real, what’s fake, and why this move is such a big deal—even if the money story isn’t.
The Real Story Behind Jordan’s NBC Role
NBC recently signed a new 11-year deal with the NBA. That means, starting from the 2025–26 season, NBC will start showing NBA games again. And to make the return special, they’re bringing back some big names. Michael Jordan is the biggest of them.
He won’t be on screen every night. Reports say Jordan will appear in short pre-recorded videos, like halftime talks or special stories before games. It’s not a full-time job like what Charles Barkley or Shaquille O’Neal do on TNT. Jordan won’t be breaking down plays after every quarter or sitting at a desk with a mic every night. He’s just making guest appearances here and there.
So where did this $40 million number come from?
A few sports websites claimed that NBC is paying Jordan that much. The number quickly went viral on social media. People started comparing him to NFL star Tom Brady, who signed a broadcasting deal worth $37.5 million per year. Some even said Jordan would now be the highest-paid sports analyst ever.
But there’s no proof this is true.
NBC hasn’t confirmed the number. Jordan hasn’t talked about it either. Several other news sites, like Times of India, Mens Journal, and Athlon Sports, say the $40 million rumor is likely false or at least exaggerated. Jordan is extremely rich already—his net worth is over $3 billion. He doesn’t need a job like this for the money. Most sources believe he’s doing it because he loves basketball and wants to be part of the NBA’s return to NBC, which covered all of his championship years.
In fact, in a short interview, Jordan said:
“I’m excited to see the NBA back on NBC. It was a big part of my career, and I’m happy to be a small part of it again.”
He’s doing this more for legacy and nostalgia than for a paycheck.
Why Jordan’s Return Still Matters (With or Without the Money)
Even if he’s not making $40 million, Jordan’s return to TV is still a big deal. For many basketball fans, NBC and Jordan go hand-in-hand. That’s the network where he won all six championships with the Chicago Bulls. The old theme song—“Roundball Rock” by John Tesh—is still famous today. It gives people chills.
NBC knows this. They want fans to feel that same excitement again. So they’re putting together a team that mixes legends and newer voices. Alongside Jordan, the NBC crew will include Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, Reggie Miller, and Jamal Crawford. That’s a strong lineup of former players who actually lived the game.
Jordan’s face on screen, even for just a few minutes, will bring in viewers who might not even watch basketball regularly anymore. It’s smart marketing—and it makes NBC’s NBA comeback feel more official.
Fans also want to see real legends give their views. Not just random analysts or retired players with no big legacy. People care what Michael Jordan has to say about today’s stars like Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, or Anthony Edwards. Even if it’s just a short segment every few games, it matters.
Another reason Jordan’s TV return is powerful? It opens the door to more legendary players doing similar roles. We already see players like Tom Brady and Drew Brees trying TV work. Now, Jordan’s trying it in his own way—limited, but still powerful.
Even Charles Barkley joked about it recently. When asked about the $40 million rumor, he laughed and said:
“In today’s NBA, MJ would be the first $100 million player. So maybe that salary makes sense!”
He was joking, but the message was clear: Jordan is still a huge draw.