Mike Tirico Defends Michael Jordan's Limited NBC Role

NBA announcer Mike Tirico has defended the decision to feature Michael Jordan in a limited role for NBC Sports' coverage, stating that the segments generated significant and lasting discussion.

NBC regained the NBA's broadcast rights last season as part of an 11-year media deal, reviving its iconic theme song from 1990 to 2002. As NBC prepared for its 2025-26 NBA season coverage, the network announced that six-time champion Michael Jordan would serve as a "special contributor." This led some to believe Jordan would have a regular presence, but his involvement ultimately amounted to a single interview with lead play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico, which NBC divided into multiple segments aired throughout the season.

Despite the limited nature of Jordan's role, Tirico noted that the interview continues to be a topic of conversation nearly a year later. "I love the fact that we did one interview... it’s a year later and people are still talking about it," Tirico said during an onstage interview at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit in New York City. "And people are still asking about it. Which, to me, is all the reason that it was completely worth it."

Jordan's interview focused on broader topics like load management and his overall passion for basketball, rather than current NBA news or player comparisons. This approach may have disappointed viewers hoping for commentary on contemporary issues or players like LeBron James. However, Tirico believes this approach was more authentic to Jordan.

"Michael Jordan hadn’t been on TV for a long time for a reason," Tirico explained. "He likes being Michael Jordan. Even still, when he’s on camera, there’s an aura about Michael Jordan that is just different. Sitting across from him. It’s just a different feel. I think he is above the daily discourse of, ‘Hey, who is the best point guard in the NBA right now?’ and ‘who’s the best this or the best that?’"

Jordan is not expected to reprise his role for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. Tirico expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to interact with Jordan, regardless of the topic. "I will say that it was damn cool to hang with MJ and talk basketball, and talk business and golf and all that other stuff," Tirico said. "If he wanted to be— we would all run to have him on every single day. But that’s just not what he wants to do, I think, at this point in his career and life."

The NBA's 2026-27 season is set to begin on October 20. The opening day's schedule includes matchups between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, and the San Antonio Spurs against the Oklahoma City Thunder.