Michael Jordan is a billionaire, but he’s reportedly not going to be adding $40 million annually from NBC to that sum.
It was revealed about a month ago that Jordan would be joining NBC’s NBA coverage beginning next season as a special contributor, which immediately sparked rumors about how much the network might be paying the 62-year-old.
Many believed the annual number for Jordan to be $40 million, but Front Office Sports’ Ryan Glasspiegel reported that the number is “inaccurate.”
Speculation about the NBA legend and former Bulls star’s payday spread on social media after the US Sun reported it, and Stephen A. Smith even spoke on it under the belief of it being true.
A $40 million-per-year salary would be roughly double what Charles Barkley makes from TNT, per Glasspiegel.
What Jordan’s NBC role will entail is a bit of a mystery, as all that’s known came from a CNBC outline that noted, “The initial plan is for Jordan to appear in taped segments during the season to provide analysis that will air during pregame shows or halftime shows.”
While his definitive role and the money he’ll be making remain unclear, one thing seems for certain: Jordan won’t shy away from keeping it real on air.
“He’s going to be brutally honest — I can assure you that,” Smith said. “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.”
The six-time NBA champion and Finals MVP has rarely made TV appearances since his retirement, but NBC acquiring rights for NBA coverage seemingly made him change his tune.
“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said. “The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project. I’m looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.”