Michael Jordan Launches “MJ: Insights to Excellence” on NBC, Debuts at Rockets

Michael Jordan is headed back to the NBA airwaves in a new role with NBC. The network announced a season-long series, MJ: Insights to Excellence, featuring Jordan as a special contributor throughout the 2025–26 campaign. The first installment will air at halftime of Rockets–Thunder on Tuesday night.

What is “MJ: Insights to Excellence”?

NBA is back!
NBA on NBC is back!
Roundball Rock is back!
Michael Jordan is back! pic.twitter.com/DL5Ju5CR5j https://t.co/uLpX0aRp8J

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 21, 2025

The series is positioned as a recurring, pre-produced feature during NBC’s NBA coverage, with Jordan offering perspective drawn from his championship career and team leadership experience. Reporting indicates the segments will be taped interviews or analyses rather than live commentary.

Premiere Details

According to NBC’s coverage preview, Jordan’s first appearance under the MJ: Insights to Excellence banner lands during the Rockets vs. Thunder broadcast, giving fans a marquee debut on NBC’s opening night slate.

Why This Matters

NBC’s NBA return: The 2025–26 season marks NBC’s first year back carrying NBA games since 2002—part of the league’s new national media lineup. Jordan’s involvement adds immediate star power to the relaunch.
Jordan’s rare TV role: Although he’s one of the game’s most influential figures, Jordan has largely avoided traditional broadcasting roles, which heightens interest in the tone and depth of these segments.

Background: Jordan Joins NBC

Michael Jordan in 4K.

The definition of smooth. pic.twitter.com/gQ5S69Mvug

— JordanMuse (@JordanMuse_) October 18, 2025

NBC first revealed in May 2025 that Jordan would join its NBA coverage as a special contributor beginning this season. The announcement came during NBC Universal’s upfronts and was echoed by the NBA’s official channels.

What to Expect Ahead

While NBC hasn’t published a full calendar for Jordan’s appearances, reporting suggests MJ: Insights to Excellence will pop up at key moments across the season, especially around tentpole nights on NBC and Peacock.