Michael Jordanhas remained an integral part of the NBA since his days as a player, first as the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets and now as a potential NBA analyst with NBC. However, a recent report claiming that the basketball legend had secured a $40 million-per-year contract with NBC raised eyebrows—and has since been denied.
NBC is set to begin its 11-year broadcasting partnership with the NBA next season, and Jordan is expected to play a key role in the network’s coverage. Initial reports from outlets like US Sun and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith suggested that Jordan’s salary would dwarf that of his peers, at a staggering $40 million annually. Yet, Front Office Sports has since refuted those claims, stating the rumored salary is grossly exaggerated.
NBC has yet to comment on the speculation, but if the figure were accurate, Jordan’s deal would surpass even Tom Brady’s $37.5 million annual contract, making it the highest among sports analysts.
Within the NBA sphere, Charles Barkley, a staple of TNT’s coverage, reportedly earns less than half of Jordan’s rumored salary. While Jordan’s legendary status may warrant a premium, such a figure would set a new benchmark in sports broadcasting.
Charles Barkley speaks with Nikola Jokic during the 2023 NBA Finals, while working for TNT. (Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
Stephen A. Smith on Jordan’s role
In an appearance on Patrick Bet-David’s PBD Podcast, Stephen A. Smith shared his insights on what fans can expect from Jordan’s potential role as an analyst. “Let me tell you something about Michael Jordan. He’s going to be brutally honest,” Smith said. “He’s not gonna be somebody that’s gonna be passive about—not the Michael Jordan I know”.
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ESPN’s journalist emphasized that Jordan’s candid nature will shine through in his commentary. “The Michael Jordan I know, when talking basketball, he is as candid as it gets. He ain’t trying to hurt nobody’s feelings. He ain’t trying to be insulting. But he’s going to tell you what’s going on,” Smith added.
Smith also vowed to hold Jordan accountable if his analysis falls short of expectations. “I don’t think that he’s going to be shy about saying what he sees at all. As a matter of fact, if he is, he’s going to have to deal with me because I’m going to be in his ear telling him, ‘Oh, we getting shy now? That’s what we doing? That ain’t the MJ I know. What you doing? Let’s go!’” Smith concluded.
