2025-05-14 10:30
publication
2025-05-14 10:30
The return of sport legends to the media always arouses emotions, especially when it comes to an absolute icon like Michael Jordan. Televisions are increasingly reaching for known names to strengthen their offer and attract viewers. The latest announcement of one of the leading American stations only confirms this trend.
In July 2024, NBC signed a 11.5 billion dollars (on average $ 2.5 billion per year) with the NBA for the broadcast of matches from this autumn on NBC Sports antennas and on Peacock. The agreement covers the broadcast of about 100 matches of the regular season per year. In addition, NBC has obtained the right to broadcast play-off matches, including six conference finals over 11 years, as well as to events such as the All-Star Weekend and the Opening Matches of the Season.
On May 12, during its presentation for advertisers (UPFRONT), NBC TV announced that Michael Jordan will join the NBA transmission team as a special collaborator.
And Legendary Addition to Our Team!
We're thrilled to Welcome Michael Jordan as a Special Contributor to the NBA on NBC and Peacock. pic.twitter.com/pjsq8tokfi
– NBA on NBC and Peacock (@nbaonnbc) May 12, 2025
In the video accompanying the advertisement, Michael Jordan said:
“I am very excited about the NBA return to NBC.
It is not yet known what exactly the role of Jordan will consist of or what amount his services were valued. A person familiar with the case said CNBC that the basketball legend would not be a “permanent” member of the team, but would appear during the season.
Jordan's agreement with NBC has been his first cooperation with a large broadcaster since his career in 2003. A 14-time participant in the NBA stars match after the end of a sports career focused on business activities: first as the owner of Charlotte Hornets, and later as the owner of the NASCAR 23XI Racing team.
The president of NBC Sports, Rick Cordella, said last month in an interview with CNBC Sport that NBC wants to restore NBA viewers the atmosphere of Nostalgia 90s (NBC station reported NBA matches in 1990-2002).
Television will again reach for the music of John Tesh – the composer of the song “Roundball Rock”, which became the hymn of basketball on the NBC in the 1990s.
Cordella also added that the NBC will restore players' presentations before the matches to reflect the atmosphere of the show.
In autumn, the NBA commentary on the NBC will also include Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, Carmelo Anthony, Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle, as well as … the late Jim Fagan, who was artificially generated.
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