Inside the NBA Joins ESPN; Jordan Debuts on NBC

NBC returned to NBA broadcasting after more than two decades, opening the 2025–26 season with a Rockets–Thunder season opener that restored the Roundball Rock theme and used an AI-aided announcer voice; the Thunder edged the Rockets 125–124 in double overtime. Mike Tirico led NBC’s coverage, with veteran analysts Reggie Miller, Carmelo Anthony, Jamal Crawford, Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill. During halftime NBC debuted Michael Jordan as a special contributor in a taped series, MJ: Insights to Excellence—his first regular broadcasting role since retiring—and Jordan said he hasn't picked up a basketball in years, is prioritizing family, still misses competition and would take a "magic pill" to play again. Video later surfaced of the nervous free throw Jordan recounted, showing him make the shot and exhale in relief. Separately, the longtime Inside the NBA quartet of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal and Ernie Johnson Jr. made their ESPN debut as NBA Tip-Off, largely preserving the show's familiar, irreverent chemistry and drawing fan praise. Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said one of his players has learned to channel Jordan-style aggression while balancing team responsibilities.