Michael Jordan says his love of the game was 'the basis of my career'

“It was the basis of my career,” Michael Jordan said.

Michal Jordan’s love of the game was the focus of the latest “MJ: Insights to Excellence” conversation with Mike Tirico, which aired Tuesday as part of NBC’s coverage of the 2025-26 NBA season. Jordan talked about how his passion for the game was the foundation for everything. It was that love that fueled his legendary play, which then led to the off-the-court brand and everything else modern players try to emulate.

Jordan discussed the rare “love of the game” clause in his contract, something he told Tirico he was very proud of and doesn’t exist in today’s deals (where insurance concerns take precedence).

“If I was driving with you down the street and I see a basketball game on side of the road, I can go play in that basketball game