As to the reasons for his return, he said, "I am returning as a player to the game I love because during the last year and a half, as a member of Washington Wizards' management, I enjoyed working with our players, and sharing my own experiences as a player. I feel there is no better way of teaching young players than to be on the court with them as a fellow player, not just in practice, but in actual N.B.A. games.

"While nothing can take away from the past, I am firmly focused on the future and the competitive challenge ahead of me."

"This is certainly an extremely important moment in the history of our franchise, however our excitement is muted by the world events that surround us," said Abe Pollin, the Washington Sports and Entertainment Chairman and the franchise's patriarch. "The greatest player in the history of the game is joining my team, and for that I am extremely honored and pleased. Michael has expressed his wishes that we focus on the national events of today rather than basketball. I concur and will certainly honor his wishes."

Jordan was prepared to announce his decision on Monday, but a sponsorship conflict between EA Sports, which manufactures a video game with Jordan's likeness, and Jordan's management team, put off the announcement. The N.B.A., which has a separate licensing agreement with Jordan dating back to 1992, helped bring about a resolution.

His decision changes the N.B.A. landscape in innumerable ways. Wizards preseason games will suddenly include a host of national news media, covering the team as if Jordan were a campaigning politician. NBC will also make changes in its 2002 N.B.A. programming, most likely beginning with Washington's visit to Chicago on Jan. 19 — a game that will now most certainly be televised.

"We're excited that Michael is returning," said Dick Ebersol, the N.B.C. sports chairman. "It will be fun to watch the greatest player ever match up against the N.B.A.'s new generation of stars." He added, "Any possible scheduling changes will be considered and discussed with the N.B.A. in the next week to 10 days."

Ebersol does not believe Jordan's return will have any impact on the current negotiations between the N.B.A. and the network on a new television contract. Jordan would be approaching 40 when the new deal began for the 2002-2003 season. But many industry analysts believe his marquee value will not hurt in skimpy economic times.