Michael Jordan built his career—and his billion-dollar brand—by going it alone. But Jordan himself explains how he pulled from Dr. J’s business acumen and Magic’s charisma to chart his flight, and even offered pointers to certain Icons who followed in his footsteps.

Host: Jackie MacMullan

Producers: Bobby Wagner, Noah Malale, Jonathan Kermah, Isaac Lee, Justin Verrier and Vikram Patel

Sound Design: Scott Somerville

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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Magic vs. Larry is the rivalry that, for many, defines the NBA. On-court battles between these bitter foes showed a ravenous public just how enticing the NBA could be. But how about Magic and Larry: friends? In this episode, Jackie compares and contrasts the icons of the '80s, tracing a bond how that went well beyond the court.

Host: Jackie MacMullan

Producers: Bobby Wagner, Noah Malale, Jonathan Kermah, Isaac Lee, Justin Verrier and Vikram Patel

Sound Design: Scott Somerville

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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Julius Erving ushered in a new era of the Icons Club. His unique style, on and off the court, brought a jolt to the game and opened doors to new marketing opportunities. And even as punches flew during his era, Dr. J forged relationships with his peers—and future Icons, like Michael Jordan—that made him arguably the most beloved member of the club.

Host: Jackie MacMullan

Producers: Bobby Wagner, Noah Malale, Jonathan Kermah, Isaac Lee, Justin Verrier, and Vikram Patel

Sound Design: Scott Somerville

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell are the founding members of the Icons Club. The big men navigated a completely different NBA than the one we know today and, along with stars like Oscar Robertson, put the league on course for unimaginable growth and success.

Host: Jackie MacMullan

Producers: Bobby Wagner, Noah Malale, Jonathan Kermah, Isaac Lee, Justin Verrier, and Vikram Patel

Sound Design: Scott Somerville

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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When Jackie started covering the NBA, it was every player for himself. But during Kobe Bryant's final season, he revealed to Jackie a secret mentorship with Michael Jordan, unlocking the door to a club that only the game's greatest players have access to.

Host: Jackie MacMullan

Producers: Bobby Wagner, Noah Malale, Jonathan Kermah, Isaac Lee, Justin Verrier, and Vikram Patel

Sound Design: Scott Somerville

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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From The Ringer and Spotify, ‘Icons Club’ will examine how an exclusive group of NBA superstars made the league what it is today. These icons were not just the best of the best on the court, but they also changed the NBA’s culture. Host Jackie MacMullan interviews Michael Jordan, Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Isiah Thomas, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dwyane Wade, and a host of other NBA icons about their relationships with each other, their places in the club, and how much superstardom has changed since the early days of the league.

‘Icons Club' premieres on March 18.

Host: Jackie MacMullan

Producers: Bobby Wagner, Noah Malale, Jonathan Kermah, Isaac Lee, Justin Verrier, and Vikram Patel

Sound Design: Scott Somerville

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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In the finale, we examine how the passing of time has changed the way we process the memory of Len Bias, what his death meant to the city of Boston and the Celtics franchise, and why his story lingers for sports fans and non-sports fans alike.

Host: Jordan Ritter Conn

Producers: Hannah Beal, Isaac Lee, Noah Malale, and Bobby Wagner

Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely

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By the summer of 1986, America’s relationship with drugs was already at the brink of combustion. And in the highly publicized death of Len Bias, policymakers found a spark to light the flame. The draconian legislation introduced on Capitol Hill thereafter, especially the ratification of mandatory minimum sentences, disproportionately targeted Black citizens — one of whom, ironically, was Len’s childhood friend.

Host: Jordan Ritter Conn

Producers: Hannah Beal, Isaac Lee, Noah Malale, and Bobby Wagner

Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely

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Despite the ongoing Brian Tribble investigation, there was still a question the press and public had no answer for: Who was to blame for the tragic cocaine intoxication of Maryland’s star basketball player? The spotlight shifted to Maryland University and the man who had built the basketball program up in his image: Lefty Driesell.

Host: Jordan Ritter Conn

Producers: Hannah Beal, Isaac Lee, Noah Malale, and Bobby Wagner

Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely

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Before the fallout from Len Bias’s death could ripple through society, the facts surrounding the night of his death had to be established. So why was that so difficult? In this episode, we examine Brian Tribble’s trial on charges of cocaine distribution, the public’s need to assign immediate blame for Bias’s death, and the ensuing chaos caused by that need.

Host: Jordan Ritter Conn

Producers: Hannah Beal, Isaac Lee, Noah Malale, and Bobby Wagner

Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely

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