Michael Jordan is not expected to return to NBC Sports' coverage of the NBA this season. Jordan had joined the network as a "special on-air contributor" ahead of the 2025-26 season, marking his first regular basketball commentary appearances since the 2020 documentary "The Last Dance."

Jordan's contributions last season consisted of a single sit-down interview with Mike Tirico, which NBC divided into five taped segments titled "MJ: Insights to Excellence." Each segment ran roughly three to four minutes, covering topics including load management, playing at Madison Square Garden and his Olympic experiences. Jordan expressed strong views on player availability during one segment.

"I never wanted to miss a game," Jordan said, arguing that healthy stars have an obligation to play for fans.

Despite mixed reactions to Jordan's limited appearances, NBC received praise for its broader return to NBA coverage, which included the revival of John Tesh's "Roundball Rock" theme and appearances from veteran broadcasters including Bob Costas. NBC previously aired all six of Jordan's championship runs with the Chicago Bulls during its original NBA coverage era in the 1990s.

NBC will open its 2026-27 NBA season October 20 with a tripleheader featuring Celtics-Pistons, Knicks-76ers and Spurs-Thunder.

Sources indicated Jordan could still change his mind about participating, though current plans do not include him appearing on NBC's coverage this season.