Michael Jordan has been more than simply a basketball legend for decades; he has been a symbol of greatness, mystery, and intense rivalry, and now intends to go even closer to his fans as the NBA 2026 season approaches. The 6-time NBA champion has been the epitome of perfection. Whether he was ruling the court, influencing the sneaker culture, or making the smartest business moves with the Charlotte Hornets, Jordan has made an obvious impact on every stage of his storied career. He’s now ready to dominate the media industry, as that is the new arena fans are eagerly wanting to see him in.

NBC’s return to NBA broadcasting in 2026 marks more than a corporate change; it represents the reemergence of a network with the legend who shaped its basketball legacy. In a decision that shocked the media sector, Jordan has decided to be a “special contributor to the project,” supporting NBC’s billion-dollar effort to reclaim its golden age of sports reporting. It’s a full-circle moment: the same network that highlighted his title-winning reign is now his next professional platform, after decades of media avoidance.

Though it differs from his long-standing resistance to appear in front of the camera post-retirement, Jordan’s new position does not have a well-defined playbook. Generally speaking, the Hall of Famer has stayed silent; he has only sometimes resurfaced in documentaries, including The Last Dance. But this next media project marks a new chapter, one in which the most respected person in NBA history could at last contribute his voice to the present-day discussion as the game continues to evolve, and its greatest player could just add more to it.

Enter Stephen A. Smith, one of the loudest and most influential voices in sports broadcasting. During a segment on First Take, Smith didn’t hold back his excitement or his concerns about which version of Jordan might appear on screen, which sparked a major intrigue. “Is it gonna be the Michael Jordan you see on television? Or is it gonna be the Michael Jordan we speak to?” he questioned. For Smith, the hope is clear: “If it’s the Michael Jordan we speak to, it’s gonna be epic.”

Stephen A.’s comments were a broadcast professional’s appeal, not merely a fan’s wish. Smith claims the private-speaking Jordan is energetic, perceptive, and brutally honest. He remarked emphatically, “The things he will say and the way he says and the way he breaks it down… that is on another level.” Jordan’s genuine, unfiltered voice might be toned down for the cameras, though, given NBC’s comeback is anticipated to appeal to a broad audience.

Smith jokingly remarked that Jordan with a cigar, “that brother got the cigar in his mouth, it’s a different cat,” provides a viewpoint no sanitized, sponsor-friendly version ever could. And with younger audiences watching, he playfully told NBC to “let him have the cigar.” Underneath the comedy came a strong point: Jordan’s value is not only his name but also the unfiltered knowledge he provides from decades of experience at all levels of the game, which will help build the perspective of the new generation.

Smith’s learning most notably shows respect for Jordan not only as a player but also as an intellectual personality in terms of basketball. He underlined, “This man don’t miss words.” Smith, who had spoken to Jordan off-camera throughout the years, said clearly that what the GOAT has to say about the NBA of today could impact a public discussion. It’s a possible change from Jordan being a remote legend to an active voice in how the modern game is understood.

Why NBC’s gamble on Michael Jordan isn’t just nostalgia, but Strategy

NBC’s decision to bring in the greatest, Michael Jordan, is not only a tribute to the network’s long history with the NBA but also a forward-looking action meant specifically to cause a stir in the present sports media hierarchy. NBC is all in to dominate with this action. NBC has positioned itself to hit the reset button with a heavyweight, who can define what the next phase of basketball coverage looks like as ESPN struggles and TNT’s NBA future stays uncertain because of rights shifts. Long choosy about public visibility, Jordan can provide a sort of analysis based on championship-caliber authority that goes beyond any punditry that the people are accustomed to.

In a media landscape where authenticity is more important than polish, Jordan’s presence might bring the tone to something more real, natural, and experience-driven, and not some rehearsed narratives. NBC’s investment is that his voice will not only attract viewers but also glue them to their content. It might be very understandable that having Michael Jordan will give any media organization the edge over its competitors.

The stakes are high given NBC’s goal to make a strong re-entry into NBA media coverage. Jordan’s involvement may be either a nostalgic flourish or a paradigm-changing influence in commentary on sports. The determining element? Whether the audience receives the polished public figure or something they could never expect, it will be interesting to see the firm competitor underneath. The NBA universe will be watching either way, as they cannot wait to see MJ’s punditry.