NBA legend Michael Jordan begins a new role with NBC Sports this fall. Jordan will be a special contributor and is expected to showcase his basketball expertise when he’s on television.
With Jordan joining the team, NBC is making a spectacular return to NBA coverage after more than two decades.
Within the last couple of weeks, reports said Jordan’s deal with NBC would earn him a massive $40 million per year, which is in the same range as a franchise quarterback’s salary in the NFL.
However, according to Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports, that number is inaccurate.
"Elsewhere in the segment, Bet-David referenced internet rumors that NBC is paying Jordan $40 million annually,” Glasspiegel said. “A source tells Front Office Sports that this number, which is about twice what Charles Barkley makes per year from TNT, is inaccurate. NBC declined to comment.”
If the $40 million per year were true, it would make Jordan the highest-paid in the industry, eclipsing Tom Brady’s $37 million per year. As Glasspiegel stated, $40 million a year would be nearly twice as much as what Charles Barkley makes with TNT.
Although the original number regarding Jordan’s new gig would be number one in the business, it’s safe to say that it might be close to that.
After all, he is a multi-billionaire and probably won’t participate because he needs the money, but because he wants to improve the landscape of how basketball is discussed.
The 2025-2026 season kicks off NBC Sports’ NBA coverage, and it will be fascinating to see the Chicago Bulls icon back in our lives speaking about hoops.