The NBA made its return to NBC for the 2025-26 season, providing coverage for the league through analysts and former players. Some of the biggest news was the addition of Chicago Bulls and NBA legend Michael Jordan joining the crew.
At first, it was unknown exactly what Jordan’s role would be. Several former players were added to the network to serve as analysts before, during and after games. But for Jordan, it was just special interview sessions with Mike Tirico which aired during halftime of certain early season games. NBC recorded one interview with Jordan and broke them into special segments.
It was cool to see Jordan offer insight into what the NBA is right now but it felt like there was much more that could have been done. Now, a Hall of Famer and a friend of Jordan is criticizing NBC for how they handled things.
Charles Barkley calls out NBC for Michael Jordan’s role
NBC recorded an interview all in one shot, breaking into separate ones. They were aired early in the season and the thought was that they would be used all season long. For Barkley, he was excited but like the fans was a little disappointed. Here is what Barkley said during an interview on NBA radio on Sirius XM:
“I was excited,” said Barkley. “We need Michael Jordan affiliated with the NBA. But now you see this thing coming out with NBC, and you’re like, “Wait, y’all did one interview like five months ago and ya’ll gonna sprinkle it throughout the season?”
Barkley went on to say that it’s a bad look for NBC.
“Come on, man,” Barkley added.“That’s disingenuous by NBC. Listen, that’s crazy, man. I’m so disappointed with the way that it worked out. Because, you know, I talked to NBC. NBC has actually offered me a contract. But it’s a bad look for NBC. It’s just a bad look, plain and simple.”
We don’t know exactly what NBC has planned for Jordan the rest of the season, but if they were to do anything it likely would be another interview.
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