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Why is Michael Jordan on NBC? Explaining the NBA legend's role on broadcasts in 2025-26

In the 1990s, all six of Michael Jordan's NBA championships were broadcast on NBC.

23 years after No. 23 last played a game on NBC, Jordan will be a part of the network's wide-ranging coverage of the NBA, beginning in the 2025-26 season. Jordan's role as a "special contributor" for NBC's coverage of the NBA was first announced in May, and more details surrounding the role were revealed before opening night.

Here is what to know about how Jordan will be contributing to NBC's NBA coverage this season, and potentially beyond.

MORE: Ultimate guide to watching NBA games on NBC, ESPN, and Amazon in 2025-26

Why is Michael Jordan on NBC?

Jordan will be a "special contributor" to NBC's coverage of the NBA.

As part of his role with the network, Jordan will sit down with play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico for one-on-one interviews. These interviews are a part of a series titled "MJ: Insights to Excellence," which will air throughout the 2025-26 season.

Tirico and the network teased the upcoming interview series during "Sunday Night Football" in Week 7 of the NFL season, as a promotional clip for the NBA on NBC included a brief clip of the sit-down.

An NBA on NBC promo on SNF, including a look at Mike Tirico interviewing Michael Jordan. πŸˆπŸ€πŸ“ΊπŸŽ™οΈ #NFL #NBA #SNF pic.twitter.com/Y9jA179Rnu

β€” Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 20, 2025

The clip, which has no sound, shows Tirico and Jordan having a one-on-one conversation at what appears to be Jordan's home. The two are sitting across from one another, and in the background is a stylized painting depicting sneakers from Jordan's signature line with Nike.

"MJ: Insights to Excellence" will first be featured during halftime of NBC's Opening Night doubleheader on Tuesday, Oct. 21. More details surrounding the special interview series will be revealed over time.

Including opening night, NBC will air NBA games each Tuesday. NBA games will stream on Peacock on Mondays, and NBC will begin airing "Sunday Night Basketball" upon the conclusion of the NFL season.

STREAM: Sign up to watch NBA games live on Peacock during 2025-26 season

NBA on NBC schedule 2025

Below are games that will air on NBC through the remainder of the calendar year. It is unclear how often "MJ: Insights to Excellence" will be featured during broadcasts.

Not included are games that will stream exclusively on Peacock.

Date Matchup Time (ET) Network

Tuesday, Oct. 21 Rockets at Thunder 7:30 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Oct. 21 Warriors at Lakers 10 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Oct. 28 Knicks at Bucks 8 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Oct. 28 Clippers at Warriors 11 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Nov. 4 Magic at Hawks 8 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Nov. 4 Thunder at Clippers 11 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Nov. 11 Celtics at 76ers 8 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Nov. 11 Nuggets at Kings 11 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Nov. 18 Pistons at Hawks 8 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Nov. 18 Suns at Trail Blazers 11 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Nov. 25 Magic at 76ers (NBA Cup) 8 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Nov. 25 Clippers at Lakers (NBA Cup) 11 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Dec. 2 Knicks at Celtics 8 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Dec. 2 Thunder at Warriors 11 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Dec. 23 Nuggets at Mavericks 8 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Dec. 23 Rockets at Clippers 11 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Monday, Dec. 29 Cavaliers at Spurs 8 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Monday, Dec. 29 Mavericks at Trail Blazers 11 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Dec. 30 76ers at Grizzlies 8 p.m. NBC, Peacock

Tuesday, Dec. 30 Kings at Clippers 11 p.m. NBC, Peacock

MORE:The story behind John Tesh's nostalgic 'Roundball Rock' NBA on NBC theme song

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