Michael Jordan. Image via: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Why Michael Jordan won’t return for NBC’s $40 million NBA deal
we all need to question, does Jordan need more money While the contract was quite lucrative with a whopping $40 million a year attached to the deal. For context, Jordan is the wealthiest athlete in the world with over a staggering $4.3 billion net worth to his name, according to Forbes. The move comes after Jordan signed on last year for a reported $40 million a year as a special contributor to NBC’s NBA coverage. Jordan is unlikely to be part of NBC’s basketball coverage for the 2026-27 season, according to Front Office Sports.
But what’s actually going on and what’s the real reason behind Jordan’s reported decision.
Jordan wanted to focus specifically on where he sees the state of the league right now, not run through a long list of topics, according to Tirico. There will not be any debate around the fact that the end of Michael Jordan ’s NBC role as an analyst is going to be a major upset for the fans worldwide. Regardless, MJ is reportedly not coming back to the role. Michael Jordan appears to be done with NBC. Multiple reports this week point to the NBA legend skipping a second season with the network, ending a run that once looked like the year’s biggest broadcasting coup. What changed between that splashy announcement and now is a story of high expectations, thin output, and a legend who has never liked talking much anyway. The Daily Mail reached out to NBC for comment and did not hear back. Tirico pushed back hard against the criticism. He pointed out that Jordan has never been much of a talker, and noted Jordan’s ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets and his role at Jordan Brand as reasons his time is stretched thin.