Michael Jordan is making a comeback to the NBA spotlight, but this time it’s not on the court. The six-time NBA champion will trade basketball for the microphone as he joins NBC, which kicks off its NBA coverage this fall.
Both Jordan and NBC are returning to the NBA after more than two decades. Let’s take a closer look at the former Chicago Bulls guard’s new role and his reported salary with the broadcasting company.
Michael Jordan’s Role With NBA on NBC
NBCUniversal recently regained the rights to broadcast NBA games under a new 11-year contract starting next season. Along with Jordan, former NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Jamal Crawford, and Vince Carter will be part of the broadcast team. Jordan is set to serve as a special contributor.
The NBA’s consensus greatest of all time will reportedly appear in taped segments that air during pregame or halftime shows. His role could expand over time, but he won’t be a full-time game analyst or commentator right away.
Debunking the $40 Million Salary Rumor
Rumors have swirled that NBC is paying Jordan $40 million annually. However, Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports reported that those claims are inaccurate.
“Elsewhere in the segment, [Patrick] Bet-David referenced internet rumors that NBC is paying Jordan $40 million annually,” Glasspiegel wrote. “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.”
Exclusive: Michael Jordan’s rumored $40 million annual salary to join the NBA on NBC broadcast team is inaccurate, a source tells FOS.
The rumored number would be about twice what Charles Barkley makes per year from TNT.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 9, 2025
According to Front Office Reports, Charles Barkley earns $21 million from his 10-year, $210 million contract with TNT. Shaquille O’Neal makes more than $15 million from the same network. Tom Brady is currently the highest-paid sports broadcaster, earning $37.5 million annually on a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox.
While Glasspiegel says Jordan isn’t making $40 million, his salary is likely higher than Barkley’s—but not double.
Jordan’s Motivation Goes Beyond Money
In the same interview, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith suggested Jordan isn’t joining NBC for the paycheck.
“I’m actually proud of him for doing it because, with the Jordan Brand and him being worth over $2 billion, he don’t need this,” Smith said.
MORE: NBA Legend Reveals Truth Behind Jordan’s Shrug
NBC broadcasted NBA games from 1990 to 2002, the years when Jordan led the Bulls to two separate three-peat championships, briefly retired to play baseball, returned to the NBA, and later finished his career with the Washington Wizards.
The world saw Jordan’s on-court dominance during the NBA on NBC era. Now, more than 22 years after retiring, the five-time NBA MVP will return to showcase his skills—this time from the broadcast booth.