Michael Jordan Joins Carmelo Anthony, Reggie Miller on NBC’s NBA Coverage
NBC announced Monday during its Upfront presentation that Michael Jordan will join the network as a special contributor to NBA broadcasts when the league returns to the network and Peacock this fall. Contract and specific role details weren’t disclosed, but this marks the first TV venture for His Airness since retiring from pro basketball in 2003 with six championships and five league MVPs. NBC Sports has already introduced former players Carmelo Anthony, Jamal Crawford, and Reggie Miller as analysts on the new broadcast team.
Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B Featured in New Spotify Audiobooks
Spotify plans to add more than 50 audiobooks to the platform from the 33 ⅓ audiobook series, with a select few coming with additional commentary and introductions from Spotify editors. Arriving Tuesday, some books coming include Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly by Sequoia Maner, Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy by Ma’Chell M. Duma, Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. by Geoffrey Himes, and Janelle Monáe’s The ArchAndroid by Alyssa Favreau.
Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe Team Up for NBC Comedy Series
Tracy Morgan is officially returning to NBC, and the veteran comedian is bringing Daniel Radcliffe with him. Per Variety, the network has authorized a series order for The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, a new comedy starring Morgan and the Harry Potter alum. First announced in March, Morgan plays the main role of Reggie Dinkins, “a disgraced former football player who is on a mission to rehabilitate his image.”
NFL Reportedly Taps Chiefs to Play Chargers in Brazil
The Kansas City Chiefs will reportedly be the team to take on the previously announced Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL’s Brazil game in São Paulo on Sept. 5. The NFL is also “closing in on an agreement” with YouTube to stream the AFC West showdown globally at no charge for viewers, setting the stage to potentially shatter viewership records, including the ones set by the Chiefs last season alone. The full NFL schedule drops this Wednesday.
Kid Cudi Set to Make Directorial Debut in Own Feature Film
Kid Cudi will direct and star in his very own feature film, When the Light Dies, due to arrive next year. The rapper shared news of the horror/romance film over the weekend, saying he’s wanted “to direct movies ever since I was a kid.” While this will be his directorial debut, Cudi, who also revealed he designed the cover art for his forthcoming autobiography, has made acting appearances in titles such as Entourage, One Tree Hill, Need for Speed, and more.
Ken Griffey Jr. Hits the Links for New Golf Series
Baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. and real-life friend, golf caddie-turned-ESPN analyst Michael Collins, will co-host a new unscripted golf series, a Monday exclusive from The Hollywood Reporter revealed. Caddie & the Kid will be co-produced by Kevin Hart’s production banner Hartbeat, and the duo will be joined by guests ranging from Super Bowl champions to former LPGA pros. The show premieres on May 15.
Damson Idris to Star as Miles Davis in Upcoming Film
Damson Idris has his next role: Miles Davis. The F1 star will portray the late jazz great in the period romance film, Miles & Juliette, produced by Mick Jagger’s Jagged Films. Playing opposite Idris is Anamaria Vartolomei, and the feature chronicles a 22-year-old Davis on a transformative trip to Paris in 1949, where he enters a romantic relationship with Juliette Gréco (Vartolomei).
Glenn Marten to Make Maison Margiela Debut with Couture Show
WWD exclusively revealed Monday that new Maison Margiela creative director Glenn Marten will present his debut collection during Haute Couture Week with a Maison Margiela Artisanal show for the Fall 2025 season. Held in Paris from July 7-10, the French luxury brand said this “marks the beginning of an inspiring new chapter for the maison, rooted in our core creative values and shaped by Margiela’s couture heritage.”
Google to Support AI-Focused Startups Through New Program
Google announced Monday the launch of its AI Futures Fund, a new venture in which the tech giant looks to back startups growing with the latest AI tools from Google DeepMind, the company’s AI R&D lab. Benefits of working with the AI Futures Fund include early access to select AI models from DeepMind, the chance to get hands-on consultations with Google experts, and the opportunity to receive direct investment from Google. Eligible startups can apply here.
Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti Named Next Brazil Coach
Carlo Ancelotti will exit Real Madrid as the most decorated coach in club history and take over as head of Brazil’s men’s national team, the Brazilian soccer federation confirmed Monday via Instagram. Assuming the reins on May 26, the Italian will be the Seleção’s first foreign manager in a century. Ancelotti will make his debut at Ecuador on June 5, and five days later, his first appearance in front of a home crowd against Paraguay in Sao Paulo.
Image: Kyle Terada / Imagn Images
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