For decades, the answer to “What is Michael Jordan doing?” was simple: dominating. Now, the question of what michael jordan now occupies his time with has a surprising new answer. In a move that caught many by surprise, the intensely private basketball icon has stepped into a new public role, joining NBC as a special contributor for its NBA broadcasts. This pivot isn’t just a new job; it’s a signal of a profound shift in how the 61-year-old legend is choosing to engage with the world, his legacy, and his life after the game.
It’s a life that has recently come under intense public scrutiny, fueled by a viral photo that sparked widespread health concerns. This new chapter, however, is one Jordan is defining on his own terms��balancing newfound broadcasting duties with an unwavering commitment to family and the quiet life he has so carefully cultivated.
At a Glance: MJ’s Current Chapter
Here’s a quick look at what defines Michael Jordan’s life today:
- New Role with NBC: He has made his debut as a special contributor for NBA broadcasts, marking a significant return to the public eye.
- Prioritizing Family: Jordan states his primary focus is his family, explaining his general absence from the public spotlight.
- Health Status Clarified: Following a concerning photo, sources close to Jordan confirmed he is in good health, simply aging, and that the public reaction was overblown.
- Post-Hornets Business Focus: After selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for roughly $3 billion, his focus has shifted to other ventures like 23XI Racing.
- Detached from Playing: He revealed in a recent interview that he “hasn’t picked up a ball in years,” fully embracing his retirement from the physical act of playing.
- A Billionaire’s Portfolio: His net worth continues to grow, estimated to reach $3.8 billion by 2025, driven by the enduring power of the Jordan Brand and savvy investments.
The New Arena: Swapping the Owner’s Box for the Broadcast Booth
For years, Michael Jordan’s post-playing connection to the NBA was primarily as the league’s only Black majority team owner. His sale of the Charlotte Hornets in 2023 seemed to signal a further step back. That’s why his recent debut alongside Mike Tirico on an NBC broadcast was so unexpected.
Jordan explained his motivation was to “give back” to the game in a new way. Unlike the high-pressure, all-consuming world of team ownership, this contributor role offers a different kind of influence—one based on reflection rather than executive decisions.
What This Role Really Means
This isn’t a nightly analyst gig like those held by his contemporaries Charles Barkley or Shaquille O’Neal. Jordan’s position is curated and special, allowing him to appear selectively to offer unparalleled insight. Consider the difference:
- The Analyst: Reacts to nightly games, offers hot takes, and engages in studio banter.
- The Owner: Manages personnel, sets franchise direction, and deals with the financial pressures of running a team.
- The Special Contributor (Jordan’s Role): Acts as an elder statesman, providing deep-level context on greatness, legacy, and the pressures of stardom. His commentary is an event, not a routine.
This move allows Jordan to shape narratives around the league and its current stars without the daily grind. He can comment on the state of the game, the evolution of its players, and the mindset required to win—all from a perspective no one else on earth possesses.
From Hardwood to Home Life: A Deliberate Shift in Focus
During his interview with Tirico, Jordan made a striking admission for a man once defined by his relentless drive: he “hasn’t picked up a ball in years.” This statement reveals the core of michael jordan now. He is no longer the athlete, but the patriarch and businessman who has found a new competitive arena in his ventures and a new sense of purpose with his family.
He explicitly stated that his time is now focused on his wife, Yvette Prieto, and his children. This desire for privacy and normalcy is the primary reason for his rare public appearances. The man who lived his life in the brightest of spotlights now actively seeks the shade, a reality that sometimes clashes with the public’s unceasing fascination with him.
This deliberate withdrawal is what made a recent viral photo so jarring for many. Taken during a European vacation, the picture sparked a firestorm of speculation about his health. While sources close to him quickly debunked the rumors, the incident highlighted the public’s difficulty in reconciling the image of the invincible “Air Jordan” with that of a man in his 60s. These concerns, while often well-intentioned, are part of a pattern of public speculation and even death hoaxes that follow intensely private stars. Thankfully, the latest reports confirm the answer to the question Is Michael Jordan alive? is a definitive yes. He is in good health, simply getting older.
The Jordan Empire Now: A Post-Hornets Portfolio
Selling the Hornets wasn’t an exit from competition; it was a reallocation of capital and energy. Jordan’s business empire is more robust than ever, built on the foundation of the single most successful athlete-brand partnership in history.
His current ventures show a clear strategy: focus on high-growth, high-passion projects where his brand and competitive insight provide a unique edge.
| Venture | Current Role & Status | Strategic Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Brand (Nike) | Figurehead, Lifetime Partner | Remains the brand’s most powerful asset. The subsidiary generates over $5 billion in annual revenue for Nike, and Jordan earns a significant percentage (reportedly over $150 million annually). |
| 23XI Racing | Co-owner with Denny Hamlin | A major foray into NASCAR, leveraging Jordan’s brand to attract top-tier sponsors and diverse talent. This is his new “team” and a primary competitive outlet. |
| Cincoro Tequila | Co-founder | A luxury spirits brand co-founded with other NBA owners. This is a passion project in a highly lucrative market, showcasing his network and business acumen. |
| Minority Ownership | Charlotte Hornets, Miami Marlins | He retains a small, non-controlling stake in the Hornets, maintaining a connection to the team. He has also been a longtime investor in the MLB’s Miami Marlins. |
| Private Equity/VC | Various Investments | Jordan is an active investor in numerous companies, from tech startups to established brands, through his family office and other investment vehicles. |
| His move from majority to minority owner of the Hornets was a masterstroke. He sold at a peak valuation of $3 billion, crystallizing a massive return on his initial investment, while freeing himself from the operational headaches of running an NBA franchise. |
Quick Answers to Your Questions About Michael Jordan Now
Is Michael Jordan sick?
No. Following the circulation of a photo that raised concerns, a source close to the 61-year-old told The Daily Mail he is in “good health.” The source clarified he simply looks older, sees doctors regularly, and has no undisclosed illnesses. The yellowing of his eyes, also noted in “The Last Dance,” was speculated by a doctor in 2020 to be related to jaundice or a benign growth called a pinguecula, not a new or acute condition.
Why did Michael Jordan join NBC?
In his own words, his primary motivation was to “give back” to the game. This special contributor role allows him to share his unique perspective and stay connected to the NBA on his own terms, without the demanding schedule of a full-time analyst or team owner. It’s a low-commitment, high-impact way to engage with his legacy.
Does Michael Jordan still own the Hornets?
No, not as the majority owner. He sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets in August 2023 to a group led by Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin. However, he did retain a minority stake in the franchise, so he still has a financial connection to the team.
How much is Michael Jordan worth now?
As of early 2024, Michael Jordan’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.2 billion, with projections suggesting it could reach $3.8 billion by 2025. The sale of the Hornets significantly boosted his liquidity, adding to the immense wealth generated by his lifetime deal with Nike’s Jordan Brand and other diverse investments.
The Final Chapter? Jordan’s Next Play
Michael Jordan’s current chapter is one of intentionality. Every move, from selling a multi-billion dollar franchise to accepting a curated role on television, appears calculated to serve a new set of priorities: family first, legacy second, and business on his own terms. He has successfully transitioned from being the game’s greatest player to one of its most influential figures, all while fiercely guarding the private life he’s long coveted.
The man who once defied gravity on the court is now grounding himself in the realities of life in his 60s. He’s a grandfather, a husband, a motorsports enthusiast, and a businessman whose empire continues to expand. While his new role with NBC brings him back into the spotlight, it’s clear that michael jordan now is the one directing the light, and he’s shining it exactly where he wants it to be. The game is no longer on the court; it’s in the art of living a legendary life well-lived.
