Michael Jordan is not expected to return to NBC Sports' basketball coverage for the upcoming 2026-27 season, according to reports from Front Office Sports and The Daily Mail. Jordan joined the network last May as a "special contributor," a move that generated significant attention.
However, his role was limited, with Jordan reportedly participating in only one interview with host Mike Tirico over the course of the season. This limited engagement reportedly led to some viewer dissatisfaction. Despite the criticism, NBC host Mike Tirico defended Jordan's contributions, telling Sports Illustrated that Jordan "doesn't talk much" and has numerous business interests, including ownership in the Charlotte Hornets and his Jordan Brand.
Tirico described the interview as providing "good perspective" and highlighted Jordan's continued passion for the game, noting that Jordan "doesn't love the direction of the game and wanted to talk about it." Tirico also acknowledged that the segment might not have been what "everyone wanted" but argued it was "better than not hearing from Michael Jordan."
During his on-air appearance, Jordan reportedly expressed skepticism about the dedication of current high-earning NBA stars, questioning their overall love for the sport. Tirico suggested that Jordan's willingness to discuss the evolution of the game was valuable, especially given the multitude of analysts covering more typical game-related topics.
