Here’s something no one saw coming—Michael Jordan teaming up with NBC. The announcement alone had people talking, but it was Charles Barkley’s reaction that truly echoed the surprise across the sports world. “I have no idea what Michael is going to do,” Barkley admitted on Barstool Sports’ Spittin’ Chiclets podcast. “I don’t think he’s going to do a lot, I know he’s not going to do a lot, I was 100 percent shocked, but I don’t think he’s going to do a lot. Period.” Meanwhile, NBC is playing a bold hand.

After losing NBA rights to ESPN and ABC back in 2002, the network is finally back in the spotlight for the 2025-26 season—and they brought in the biggest name ever to remind fans of its golden era. Every iconic MJ Finals moment aired on NBC back then, so bringing him back just before the league returns to the channel feels like a full circle moment. But before his TV debut rolls out, Jordan has already stolen some headlines elsewhere.

Recently, 44-year-old artist Keegan Hall shared something that got fans buzzing. Jordan collaborated with him on a rare piece of memorabilia. Hall sketched “The Last Shot”—the moment every Bulls fan remembers—and MJ didn’t just approve it; he signed it. That signature turned the artwork into a one-of-a-kind collectible. You don’t see that every day, especially with His Airness involved. Moreover, this wasn’t some casual signing. Upper Deck made sure everything was airtight.

“This Keegan Hall original drawing is autographed by Michael Jordan. Jordan’s signature was witnessed by an Upper Deck representative as part of UDA’s 5-step authentication process,” the certificate confirmed. “This item is limited to 1.” That’s a serious stamp of exclusivity, and yes, it’s officially Upper Deck Authenticated.

In fact, “Upper Deck Authenticated® (UDA) became the first division to create and develop a five-step authentication process that assures fans are getting genuine autographs,” according to the company. They’ve worked with the biggest stars around. However, Michael Jordan’s connection with Upper Deck runs way deeper than just a signature on a card. The man is practically stitched into the company’s DNA.

“He is core to everything we do as a company,” Jason Masherah, current president of Upper Deck, once explained. “We are heavily identified with each other.” But here’s the kicker—thanks to that long-standing deal, MJ literally can’t sign autographs for fans, even if he wanted to. That exclusive contract keeps every scribble locked behind the Upper Deck vault.

Michael Jordan’s autograph game is tougher than you think

Michael Jordan’s always been a bit of a mystery man when it comes to fan interaction. He doesn’t exactly come off as the type to bask in public attention or warm up to crowds. So, naturally, people chalked up his autograph silence to that. But there’s a bigger reason. Jordan inked that exclusive deal with Upper Deck way back in 1992, and it’s been airtight since. As Masherah once put it, the reason MJ doesn’t casually sign for the public goes beyond personality—it’s business strategy.

Moreover, when he does choose to sign, it’s rare for the everyday crowd. “He’ll take care of sick kids, kids at camps or whatever,” Masherah told The San Diego Union-Tribune. “But other than Upper Deck, he doesn’t really sign autographs. From a branding standpoint, Michael and his team realized there’s something to be said for making them high end and super limited.” That branding mindset has turned every signature into a rare collector’s prize—deliberately scarce and priced accordingly.

Not surprisingly, Jordan’s business instinct is what’s really at play here. If you’re hunting for something legit with his name on it, prepare to drop serious cash. There’s no cutting corners. That’s the same calculated mindset that helped Jordan leap into billionaire status. Everything with his name on it—be it a jersey, a basketball, or a photo—is part of the Upper Deck machine.

At the end of the day, MJ’s never been shy about putting value on his brand. Even his sneakers, which have fans lining up for drops, aren’t exactly priced for everyone. And making them cheaper? That’s never been on the table. Like it or not, if it’s got Jordan’s name on it, expect to pay top dollar.