Michael Jordan returns to NBC: Inside his powerful new series giving back to the hame that made him a legend

Michael Jordan’s return to NBC Sports has reignited nostalgia and excitement across the basketball world. Over two decades after NBC last broadcasted NBA games, the six-time champion has reappeared, not as a player, but as a voice of wisdom. His new on-air series, “MJ: Insights to Excellence,” marks a defining moment in the network’s comeback, as the Hall of Famer shares lessons from his storied career and life after basketball.

In his debut conversation with veteran sportscaster Mike Tirico, which aired at halftime of the Thunder vs. Rockets season opener, Jordan opened up about legacy, mentorship, and finding purpose beyond the game.

“I Have an Obligation to Give Back” – Jordan on Why He Joined NBC

Speaking with humility and conviction, Jordan revealed his motivation for joining NBC’s return to NBA broadcasting: “I have an obligation to the game of basketball… to pass on messages of success and dedication.”

The segment reflected Jordan’s transition from global sports icon to thoughtful mentor. He emphasized that his presence on NBC isn’t about reliving the past, it’s about paying it forward. His storytelling aims to inspire younger athletes and fans who never got to witness his dominance firsthand.

NBC executives described the series as a long-term feature throughout the 2025–26 season, airing during halftime segments and streaming on Peacock.

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A Nostalgic Night for NBA Fans

NBC’s NBA return was a spectacle of past and present. Viewers were greeted with the revival of “Roundball Rock,” the network’s iconic theme music from the 1990s, and an AI-enhanced voice tribute to the late Jim Fagan, the original narrator of those legendary broadcasts.

For many, hearing that familiar soundtrack while watching Jordan on-screen again felt like basketball coming full circle. As Tirico noted, “It’s hard to think of NBC and the NBA without thinking of Michael Jordan.”

Jordan Shares an Honest Moment: “I Was Nervous Shooting a Free Throw”

In a lighter moment, Jordan shared that he hadn’t touched a basketball in years until a recent event during the Ryder Cup, when he was asked to shoot a free throw for a group of children.

He admitted feeling nervous: “Those kids heard stories from their parents about what I did 30 years ago… their expectation was 30 years prior, and I hadn’t touched a basketball.”

When Tirico asked if he made the shot, Jordan smiled and said, “Absolutely. That made my whole week.”

It was a rare, humanizing glimpse of vulnerability from the most competitive athlete of all time.

“MJ: Insights to Excellence”, What the Series Means for Basketball

NBC announced that future episodes of “MJ: Insights to Excellence” will explore themes like load management, leadership, discipline, and the mindset of greatness. Each segment will merge Jordan’s personal experiences with broader insights for athletes and professionals across all walks of life.

Jordan, now 62, admitted he still misses the competition but knows his new role is where he can make the biggest difference: “It’s better for me to be sitting here talking to you than popping my Achilles trying to prove something.”

His approach positions him as both a teacher and bridge between basketball generations, something the sport hasn’t had in years.

The Future: Jordan as a Voice for the Game’s Next Era

NBC’s partnership with Jordan signals a strategic blend of storytelling and nostalgia designed to engage both older fans and Gen Z audiences. With basketball evolving rapidly, Jordan’s timeless wisdom brings balance to an increasingly analytics-driven era.

The next “MJ: Insights to Excellence” installment airs October 28, continuing his candid talks with Tirico about the modern NBA and the challenges players face today.

For NBC, this collaboration isn’t just television, it’s a statement: the soul of the game still matters. And no one embodies that soul more than Michael Jordan.

FAQs About Michael Jordan Debut on NBC

Q1: What is Michael Jordan’s new NBC series about?

It’s called “MJ: Insights to Excellence”, a recurring feature where Jordan discusses success, competition, and leadership, sharing lessons from his basketball career and life beyond the court.

Q2: Why did Michael Jordan join NBC Sports?

Jordan says he joined NBC’s NBA coverage to “give back to the game” and mentor the next generation through storytelling and reflection.

Q3: How can fans watch Michael Jordan on NBC?

His segments air during NBA broadcasts on NBC and stream live or on demand via Peacock.

Q4: What was special about NBC’s NBA return?

The network revived its legendary “Roundball Rock” theme, blended new technology with nostalgia, and featured Jordan’s debut, marking its first NBA broadcast in more than 20 years.

Q5: Will Michael Jordan appear regularly?

Yes. NBC confirmed recurring segments throughout the 2025–26 NBA season, including discussions on modern basketball and athlete culture.