The signing of Michael Jordan as a commentator for NBC marks his return to the NBA world, this time from the screen. The arrival of the six-time champion coincides with the network's return to broadcasting the league after more than 20 years, as part of a new agreement that will begin this season and will extend for 11 years.
However, before his debut, the focus has shifted to his alleged salary. Various rumors indicated that Jordan would receive 40 million dollars annually, a figure that would double what Charles Barkley earns at TNT. Front Office Sports, the outlet that broke the news, cited a source who described that amount as "inaccurate", although did not completely deny it. NBC, meanwhile, made no official comments.
The salary context among high-profile commentators allows for a better understanding of the scope of the debate. The outlet specified that Barkley earns 21 million annually at TNT thanks to a 10-year, 210-million contract, while Shaquille O’Neal exceeds 15 million. Meanwhile, Tom Brady holds the highest salary in the field with his 37.5 million dollars annually at Fox.
