Michael Jordan is going home-to WBBM-Ch. 2.
The Bulls star has agreed to a contract with the local CBS affiliate, where he got his broadcasting start two years ago before jumping to WLS-Ch. 7. Terms of the deal weren`t disclosed, but Jordan reportedly earned nearly $25,000 an appearance last season as part of his deal with Channel 7.
”We`re glad to have him back,” Channel 2 sports director Johnny Morris said Tuesday. ”He started his television career here. We plan to use him on
`Sports Extra,` specials and promotions. He`ll be part of our station`s team.”
Bulls coach Phil Jackson will continue his assocation with Channel 2, giving WBBM ”a nice combination,” said Morris. ”We`ll probably alternate them on Sunday nights. It gives us a great 1-2 punch.”
With Jordan and Jackson tied up at Channel 2, that doesn`t leave much for WMAQ-Ch. 5, the local NBC affiliate. NBC is paying $600 million for four years for NBA broadcast rights.
”They had their chance,” said Morris of Channel 5 officials. ”They knew Michael was available.”
