Mike Tirico has clarified that Michael Jordan's much-hyped deal with NBC is far more limited than fans expected.
When NBC Sports announced they had recruited Michael Jordan for their NBA coverage in 2025, fans were very excited about hearing from His Airness.
However, Mike Tirico, the NBC analyst who interviewed Jordan for the 'Insights to Greatness' segments, has let some fans down, revealing that the network's new partnership with the NBA legend only includes a single pre-recorded interview.
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
Speaking to Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated, Mike Tirico said Michael Jordan's involvement was limited to a long-form sit-down interview conducted earlier this year.
The NBC analyst explained that Jordan's appearance was filmed months ago and that there are currently no plans for any live or ongoing role during the network's return to NBA coverage.
"Was it what everyone wanted? Probably not. Was it better than not hearing from Michael Jordan? You're damn right it was. And if we get another shot at it, will I be more than excited to be a part of it? You bet ya.
"In our world right now, all you want to do is make the final answer before you know everything. I love that Michael trusted us enough to sit and do something that he hasn't done in a long, long, long time."
"Nothing scheduled as of now that I know of, but it is a possibility. I hope there's something else after it. Michael was awesome."
The conversation lasted nearly two hours, filmed over two days, and focused on Jordan's reflections on the modern NBA. Tirico said the interview was valuable for fans who rarely hear from Jordan, even if the scope of his NBC deal fell short of expectations.
"Every time one airs, people say, 'Oh, this is from the same interview.' But they also talk about what he said… It starts a topic of conversation. His voice still resonates."
Despite NBC's announcement that Jordan would serve as a "special contributor" for its NBA broadcasts, the limited format has led to disappointment among some viewers.
Amid the debate over Jordan's limited role, there has also been speculation about the value of his NBC contract. Front Office Sports reported that online rumours suggesting Michael Jordan is being paid $40 million per year are inaccurate.
"… Internet rumours that NBC is paying Jordan $40 million annually. A source tells Front Office Sports that this number, which is about twice what Charles Barkley makes per year from TNT, is inaccurate. NBC declined to comment."
Industry sources told the outlet that while Jordan's deal is substantial, it does not approach that figure. NBC is believed to view the interview as a prestige project to launch its NBA return, rather than a long-term on-air partnership.
Tirico's confirmation that the interview was pre-recorded further reinforces that Jordan's NBC role will be limited to a single feature segment.
Despite the scaled-down expectations, the network is still expected to air the interview as a centrepiece of its NBA coverage.
For now, NBC has not indicated whether additional appearances will follow. But Tirico's comments suggest that the multi-million dollar deal surrounding Jordan's return to television may have been overstated from the start.
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