Adam Silver ‘Surprised’ by Michael Jordan’s NBC Decision
Michael Jordan's decision to join the NBA on NBC surprised a lot of people--including Adam Silver.
NBC announced last month that Jordan would be appearing as a contributor during the network's return to NBA coverage in 2025-26. It will be the first time "His Airness" has done any kind of media work since his retirement from playing in 2003.
On Wednesday, Silver appeared on "The Dan Patrick Show," and Patrick asked the NBA commissioner what kind of role he had in bringing Jordan into the fold.
Silver revealed that not only did he not contribute to NBC landing the basketball legend, he didn't even think they had a shot at getting it done.
"They told me they were going to try and I said ‘good luck,'” Silver told Patrick. “I honestly didn’t think he was going to do it.”
Adam Silver on his reaction to NBC acquiring Michael Jordan for their NBA coverage next season:
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) June 11, 2025
"They told me they were gonna try, and I said, 'Good luck.' I honestly didn't think he was gonna do it." pic.twitter.com/mwKQAKRlNI
Silver went on to say that the NBA had trouble convincing Jordan to participate in The Last Dance, trying to years to get him to agree to the documentary before he finally relented.
As for NBC, Silver theorized that Jordan's fond memories of the network from his playing days, as well as his relationships with several key company figures, enabled him to feel comfortable enough to make the jump.
As for what Jordan will be doing, that's still a mystery, as is his salary. Silver hinted that he has some inkling of how Jordan will be utilized, but added that NBC is still ironing out details.
"They told me what their idea was for him in that role and I think that they’re still working through that,” Silver said. “I spoke to Michael about it. I mean, he’s excited about it. I think for him, it means he’s got to stay current with the game. Obviously he’s a [minority] owner still in Charlotte, but he’s so passionate about it.
“We talk about it all the time. He wants the game to be played the right way. He’s still got a huge business around the game with the Jordan Brand, but I think more importantly, he watches a lot of basketball and he knows it’s what defines him still. And so I think fans are gonna enjoy hearing his take on the modern league.”