Michael Jordan's net worth has become a topic of fascination for many, reflecting his immense success both on and off the basketball court.
One of the most iconic figures in the sport's history, Michael Jordan is one of the richest people in the world. While his fortune does not come close to that of Elon Musk or Bill Gates, he was the first professional athlete to reach billionaire status.
Today, we see many sports stars, such as David Beckham and Tyson Fury, following in his footsteps, but Jordan pioneered the ‘influencer’ persona, using his name to create a billion-dollar brand.
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According to Forbes, Michael Jordan has a net worth of around $3.2 billion. We look at how Michael Jordan built his fortune and what made him a billionaire.
Michael Jordan’s net worth as a basketball player
Michael Jordan’s basketball career is, in a word, legendary.
His most notable achievement was winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls between 1991 and 1998, where he was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) each time.
On top of these accolades, Jordan also holds the record for the highest career scoring average in NBA history. He scored an average of 30.1 points per game, and the record still stands to this day. Before his career in the NBA, Jordan represented his country at the Olympics, winning gold with the USA basketball team in 1984 and 1992.
With this track record, it’s no surprise the player was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009 – the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a basketball player.
Michael Jordan's career as a business mogul
Michael Jordan is not only one of the greatest basketball players of all time but also a highly successful businessman. He’s amassed a vast fortune through strategic partnerships and his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets.
In 2010, Jordan became the first former NBA player to become the majority owner of an NBA team when he took control of the Charlotte Bobcats, now known as the Charlotte Hornets. While the team has not achieved significant success, losing in the first round of the NBA playoffs three times in the past 13 years, it has nonetheless been a profitable investment for Jordan. He has since sold his stake in the team for $3 billion.
Then there’s Jordan’s partnership with Nike.
Starting in 1984, Jordan signed a deal with Nike to create a new line of sneakers called Air Jordans, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon. With sales booming, Nike expanded the brand into clothing and accessories.
Since the inception of this partnership, Jordans have become one of Nike's most successful product lines, with Forbes estimating that Jordan has earned $1.3billion from the sportswear giant since 1984.
Away from his main business ventures, Jordan has also dabbled in numerous other areas, including car dealerships, sports betting firms, a motorsports team in the NASCAR Cup Series and co-founding the tequila brand Cincoro alongside other NBA owners.
But regardless of what other sports stars come and go, Jordan’s name remains etched in history as one of the most marketed sports figures. He is associated with brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, and has appeared in more than 20 commercials for Gatorade, famously endorsing the song Be Like Mike.
Jordan’s competitive streak extends beyond the basketball court, driving him to success in the world of business. But despite his widespread appeal, he has maintained tight control over his image rights, building an air of exclusivity over the Michael Jordan brand.
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