Michael Jordan’s NBC role differs greatly to Tom Brady's on FOX and says everything
NBA icon Michael Jordan is set to make his return to broadcasting next season after agreeing to a deal with NBC, who will air the league for the first time since 2002
NBC is reportedly planning to use NBA icon Michael Jordan in a limited capacity as he transitions into game analysis for the network next season.
The NBA will be returning to NBC for the first time since 2002, and the network is making a splash by bringing in MJ. The news that the 62-year-old will be part of their NBA coverage has sparked widespread excitement.
While not the first sports legend to enter broadcasting, Jordan's approach may differ from others like Tom Brady, who signed a 10-year, $375 million deal with FOX to bolster their NFL coverage last year.
Brady's lucrative contract ensures his regular appearance on FOX, but sources indicate that Jordan's involvement with NBC will be more selective, with one rumor suggesting he will be 'NBC's Oprah [Winfrey] for the NBA.'
Regarding just what Jordan's role is, a source told the Daily Mail: "Michael is going to be doing a handful of things for NBC when the NBA returns, and instead of commentating, it is going to be more special segments, 60 Minutes style, and occasionally doing halftime analysis.
"They are going to make his moments special, and with players in a hands-on segment before the game and occasionally stuff after the game, but it isn't going to be full commentary or what Shaq and Charles Barkley do [on TNT's Inside the NBA]."
Such a decision could have been made to perhaps preserve the novelty of having Jordan on board the network, with NBC wishing to keep their star analyst happy by not overworking him. The broadcast giant may also wish to savor their ace in the pack as to not run the risk of overexposing him to fans on a weekly basis.
Brady faced his fair share of criticism as he adjusted to the commentary booth last year, with his acquisition of a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders further limiting his position. He has since found his feet, but questions have been raised about his long-term position.
Jordan won't be shouldering the spotlight by himself. He'll be joined by other NBA icons such as Reggie Miller, Carmelo Anthony, and Jamal Crawford.
But it's Jordan's participation that's naturally grabbed the headlines. Since hanging up his jersey in 2003 and stepping into the role of Charlotte Hornets owner, Jordan has been relatively quiet on modern day basketball.
His profile soared once again with the 2020 Netflix documentary The Last Dance, which gave fans an unprecedented look at his career and the Chicago Bulls' dynasty.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has now questioned whether NBC will be getting the tough-talking Jordan that became such a ferocious force on the court, or a more measured version of the star as seen on TV.
"I just wanna know, is it gonna be the Michael Jordan you see on television? Or is it gonna be the Michael Jordan we speak to? Because if it's the Michael Jordan we speak to, it's gonna be epic," he said on First Take.
Fans will soon find out, with NBC and Peacock set to air up to 100 regular-season games in total per year, with more than half of those on NBC. As part of the new 11-year agreement, ESPN will remain a rights holder, while Amazon has gained a slice of the pie for the first time.