Michael Jordan’s Rumored Salary at NBC is Reportedly Not Accurate

Michael Jordan is scheduled to be part of NBC’s coverage when it makes its return to broadcasting the NBA during the 2025-26 season.

His Airness has rarely commented on the game of basketball since stepping away as the primary owner of the Charlotte Hornets, so news of his hiring raised eyebrows. It’s been widely assumed that Jordan wouldn’t have taken the gig if he wasn’t being paid handsomely.

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However, rumors of a $40 million yearly salary for the six-time NBA champion are false, according to Front Office Sports’ Ryan Glasspiegel. Glasspiegel did not report his own figure for Jordan’s compensation, but made clear it’s not that high.

Salary isn’t the only mystery around Jordan’s new gig. He’s been hired as a “contributor,” but no one seems to know yet exactly how–or how often–he will be used.

Puck’s John Ourand reported last month that Jordan will appear in pre-taped segments, but that has not been confirmed. When the Hall of Famer is on the air, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith expects Jordan to be blunt and candid with his analysis.

“Let me tell you something about Michael Jordan: He’s going to be brutally honest—I can assure you that,” Smith said on Patrick Bet-David’s podcast. “He’s not going to be somebody who’s going to be passive … 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.”

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As a player, Jordan helped spearhead the NBA on NBC, winning all of his championships with the Chicago Bulls while the network thrived.

“Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself. We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage,” NBC president Rick Cordella said when announcing Jordan’s hire last month.

Michael Jordan’s Rumored Salary at NBC is Reportedly Not Accurate first appeared on Men’s Journal on Jun 9, 2025