The legendary six-time champion basketballer Michael Jordan, who is rarely seen or heard in the circuit, has been roped in as special correspondent on NBC’s coverage of the NBA league in USA.
NBC are returning as a rights-holder of the league next season as part of the NBA’s 11-year $76 billion television deal. Disney (ABC and ESPN), Comcast (NBC and Peacock) and Amazon will be airing all of the NBA’s televised games in the USA from the 2025-26 season through to the 2035-36 season.
At their announcement ceremony NBA mimicked the famous press release of Jordan’s in 1995 when he came back from his retirement with the words, “I’m back”.
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The 62-year old Jordan then came on a video, saying ‘Sorry, I can’t be with you!’. The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I am excited about being a special contributor to the project. I am looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.”
The NBC also went to town on their social media: “A legendary addition to our team! We’re thrilled to welcome Michael Jordan as special contributor to the NBA on NBC and Peacock”.
Festive offer
The broadcast battle is beginning to take shape. Amazon Prime Video and ESPN are the two other broadcasters with rights to the NBA in the new season.
When Prime Video was announced as a broadcaster, TNT sports led a legal battle that ended with TNT leasing their ‘Inside the NBA’ show to ESPN. Amazon’s deal is streaming-only, with rights to the playoffs, six conference finals, the In-Season tournament and regular season-games.
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ESPN will feature Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson JR, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal. The ABC will continue to be the home of the NBA Finals in the USA, as it has been since 2003. The opening night, which used to feature on TNT, will now be aired on NBC which will also broadcast the marquee All-Star weekend.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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