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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reacts to Michael Jordan taking NBC job, discusses role

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones06/11/25brianjones_93
Adam Silver Michael Jordan
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images// Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver didn’t think Michael Jordan was going to join NBC for its NBA coverage next season. During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Silver shared his thoughts on Jordan being a special contributor for NBC Sports.

“They told me they were going to try and I said ‘good luck,’” Adam Silver told Patrick, per Awful Announcing. “I honestly didn’t think he was going to do it.”

Silver had a valid reason for thinking Jordan was not going to join NBC. “It took us, as you know, decades to convince him to do the documentary, The Last Dance,” Silver said. “He didn’t want to do that for a long time. We had the footage. And I know there were other inquiries over the years. And I think he for whatever reason, he was ready to do it now.”

Now the question is what exactly will be Michael Jordan’s role when NBC is airing NBA games? “[NBC] told me what their idea was for him in that role and I think that they’re still working through that,” Silver said. “I spoke to Michael about it. I mean, he’s excited about it. I think for him, it means he’s got to stay current with the game. Obviously, he’s a [minority] owner still in Charlotte, but he’s so passionate about it.

Adam Silver spoke to Michael Jordan about NBC job

“We talk about it all the time. He wants the game to be played the right way. He’s still got a huge business around the game with the Jordan Brand, but I think more importantly, he watches a lot of basketball and he knows it’s what defines him still. And so I think fans are gonna enjoy hearing his take on the modern league.”

NBC announced during NBCUniversal’s Upfront presentation in May that Michael Jordan will be a special contributor when NBA coverage begins in October. In July 2024, NBCUniversal and the NBA announced an 11-year agreement to present NBA and WNBA regular-season and playoff games across numerous platforms.

“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said in a press release. “The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project. I’m looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.”