Adding Jordan to its coverage is a coup for NBC, which lost broadcast rights to ABC and ESPN in 2002 but is back in the game for the 2025-26 season at the expense of Barkley’s longtime home on Turner Sports. All of Jordan’s biggest games en route to winning six NBA championships happened during the last “NBA on NBC” golden era.

While many players point to Michael Jordan as the most intimidating force on the court, Charles Barkley surprised fans by naming someone else, an opponent who actually scared him due to his all-around capacity.

Charles Barkley reacts to Michael Jordan's surprise NBC gig, saying he’s shocked but doubts Jordan will have an active TV role.