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Michael Jordan Net Worth 2023 - The Basketball Legend's Financial Empire

Michael Jordan, often hailed as the greatest basketball player of all time, has not only left an indelible mark on the court but has also built a remarkable financial empire. In this article, we'll delve into the various facets of Michael Jordan net worth and the factors that have contributed to his immense wealth.

Author:Emily Sanchez
Reviewer:James Pierce
Sep 04, 202334.8K Shares571.9K Views
Michael Jordan, a name synonymous with basketball greatness, has not only left an indelible mark on the sport but has also carved a prominent niche in the world of finance. In this article, we will explore the factors that have contributed to remarkable Michael Jordan net worth, delving into his business ventures, endorsements, investments, and philanthropic efforts.

Quick Facts About Michael Jordan

NameMichael Jeffrey Jordan
BirthdayFebruary 17, 1963
ProfessionBasketball player
Net worth$3.5 billion

Early Life Of Michael Jordan

Michael Jeffrey Jordan, the basketball legend widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. However, he spent the majority of his childhood in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he grew up with his parents and four siblings.
Michael Jordan was the fourth of five children in the Jordan family. His father, James Raymond Jordan Sr., worked at an electric plant, and his mother, Deloris Jordan, worked at a bank. The Jordan household was a close-knit and supportive environment where young Michael developed a strong work ethic and competitive spirit.
From a young age, Jordan displayed a natural inclination for sports. He played baseball, football, and, of course, basketball in his neighborhood and at school. His older brother, Larry Jordan, was instrumental in nurturing his basketball talent and pushing him to excel in the sport.
Jordan attended Laney High School in Wilmington, where he continued to showcase his basketball prowess. As a sophomore, he was cut from the varsity team, a setback that fueled his determination to improve. Jordan's growth spurt and relentless practice paid off, and he not only made the varsity team in subsequent years but also established himself as a standout player.
During his senior year in high school, Jordan was named a McDonald's All-American and received a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina.

College Career Of Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan wearing a white basketball jersey
Michael Jordan wearing a white basketball jersey
Michael, who was now 6 feet 6 inches tall, was approached by a lot of colleges, like Syracuse, UVA, Duke, and the University of North Carolina. In the end, he decided to go to UNC.
At UNC, he scored 13.5 points per game and was named ACC Freshman of the Year. He led the team to the 1982 NCAA Championship against the Georgetown Hoyas. With 15 seconds left in the game, Michael made a shot over Georgetown Center Patrick Ewing that gave his team the lead. This shot would end up being the one that won the game. Michael would later say that this game and that shot were a big turning point for his confidence and his basketball career as a whole.

Michael Jordan NBA Career

Michael played for the UNC Tar Heels for three years. In 1984, he won both the Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year awards. He left UNC a year early to join the military in 1984. Michael went back to UNC in 1986 to finish his degree. He got a Bachelor's degree in geography, which is very impressive.
It's strange that he wasn't the first choice. He was picked third, after Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie. The Chicago Bulls took Michael with the third pick in the whole draft.
On September 12, 1984, Michael signed his first deal with the Bulls. The deal was for seven years and $6 million, which comes out to about $850,000 per season on average. In the year before Michael joined the team, only six games were sold out. When Michael was a newbie, the number of fans at games doubled.
At the end of Michael's fifth season, he and Chicago agreed to a new deal worth $25 million over the next eight years. It was the biggest deal ever made in the NBA up to that point. Because of this, Michael's pay went up to about $5 million per year. When this deal ended in 1996, Michael signed a one-year deal worth $30 million. He signed a one-year deal for $33.14 million the following year. Taking inflation into account, the second one is worth about $55 million today.
Michael left the NBA and came back twice. He quit once to play baseball in a small league. The second time he played in the NBA, he did so for two years with the Washington Wizards.

Michael Jordan Net Worth

Michael Jordan is a former American basketball player with a net worth of $3.5 billion. He owns a basketball team, endorses products, and runs his own business. Michael Jordan is probably still the most famous basketball player in the world. Michael Jordan is the player and person that everyone else tries to match up to. The press is always looking for the "next Michael Jordan," and every season, a new star is crowned (or saddled) with the title. In the meantime, Michael Jordan continues to enjoy his semi-retirement, his many endorsement and development deals, and his status as the best basketball player of all time.
Six NBA championships were won by the Chicago Bulls under Jordan's direction. He has won league MVP five times. He has the best career scoring average of all time, and on September 11, 2009, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Career Earnings Of Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan wearing a red basketball jersey
Michael Jordan wearing a red basketball jersey
Believe it or not, the six-time NBA winner only made about $90 million in his career, with $63 million coming from his last two seasons with the Chicago Bulls. As you probably know, Michael's NBA pay did not make him a billionaire. Michael made a total of $93.7 million during his time in the NBA. By comparison, LeBron James will have made over $500 million in NBA salary by the time he quits.
Michael Jordan was paid a lot when he played in the NBA, but he didn't get the huge deals that came along in the years after he left. Michael was the first athlete in history to make an income of more than $30 million a year. During the 1996-1997 season, when he made $30.14 million in base pay, he did this. He made $33.14 million the next season. Taking inflation into account, that would be the same as making $53.4 million today.

Nike Deal And Annual Royalties

Before Michael Jordan, James Worthy's $150,000-a-year deal with New Balance was the biggest shoe endorsement deal in the world. In 1984, when Nike decided to pay Jordan $500,000 a year for five years, it was the biggest endorsement deal ever. Jordan was also given stock options from Nike, which brought his total pay over five years to $7 million.
Michael had never worn Nike shoes before making the deal. He had wanted to sign with Adidas, but Nike's offer was too good to pass up and too much for Adidas to match.
When he first wore them, the NBA's rules about consistency were broken. Nike paid all of the league's fines and used the scandal to get people interested in the brand. When the Air Jordan shoe first came out in March 1985, it sold over a million pairs in just two months. Nike made $100 million in its first year of selling Air Jordan shoes. 58% of all basketball shoes sold today are Air Jordans, and the name makes Nike more than $2.5 billion a year.
In 1992, every pair of Jordan shoes that sold made Michael 25 cents. Today, he makes $4 for each shoe he sells. From 2002 to 2012, Nike gave Michael $480 million for the right to use his name on shoes. Michael Jordan's yearly check from Nike for royalties is usually between $80 and $100 million. But in recent years, his income check has been between $100 million and $120 million.

Endorsements Of Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan wearing a green coat
Michael Jordan wearing a green coat
Michael Jordan, the basketball legend, didn't just conquer the hardwood; he also became an iconic figure in the world of endorsements and branding. His association with various corporate brands and his ability to elevate their visibility is a testament to his marketability and star power. Let's delve into some of the key endorsements that have shaped Jordan's post-basketball career:
  • Gatorade- Gatorade, the sports drink giant, inked a significant deal with Jordan in 1989. The 10-year, $18 million endorsement contract was a landmark agreement at the time. The famous "Be Like Mike" campaign, which debuted after the Chicago Bulls won their first NBA championship, further solidified Jordan's status as a cultural icon. His partnership with Gatorade not only boosted the brand but also helped elevate Jordan's global popularity.
  • McDonald's- Michael Jordan's association with McDonald's also contributed to his widespread recognition. He appeared in numerous McDonald's commercials and promotions, making him one of the most recognizable faces in fast food advertising.
  • Coca-Cola- Jordan's endorsement deal with Coca-Cola added another heavyweight brand to his portfolio. His image appeared on Coca-Cola cans, and the partnership helped increase the company's visibility and appeal.
  • Chevrolet- Jordan endorsed Chevrolet, one of the most prominent names in the automotive industry. His association with Chevrolet showcased his broad appeal beyond the basketball court.
  • Hanes - The partnership with Hanes saw Jordan promoting their underwear and undershirt products. The "Hanes: Look who we've got our Hanes on now" campaign featured Jordan in a series of memorable commercials.
  • Upper Deck- Jordan also made his mark in the world of trading cards through his deal with Upper Deck. His basketball cards became highly coveted collectibles among fans and collectors.

Michael Jordan Sale Of Charlotte Hornets

In 2010, Michael Jordan bought the Charlotte Hornets for $275 million and became the team's main owner. With Jordan in charge for 13 years, the Hornets only made it to the playoffs twice.
In 2014, the Miami Heat swept Charlotte, and in 2016, they beat them again in a seven-game battle. During that time, the Hornets went 423-600 in regular season games, which was the 26th worst record during that time.
The six-time NBA champion agreed with and often made the team's sports choices. Jordan knew everything there was to know about drafting, trading, re-signing, and letting go of people.
As a player, the former North Carolina star was almost impossible to beat. He seemed to be such a bad boss that even Charles Barkley had to tell him. Because Barkley said things that MJ didn't like, the two used to be close friends. But they haven't talked to each other in more than ten years.
Michael Jordan seems to have gotten the last laugh after 13 years of being teased and attacked for being the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets. He has $3 billion worth of reasons to think that all those years weren't wasted.

Space Jam And The Last Dance Earnings

The Last Dance movie poster
The Last Dance movie poster
Space Jam (1996), in which he appeared with Bugs Bunny, is said to have earned MJ about $20 million. We have no idea how much money the Looney Tunes made.
Scottie Pippen, who used to be MJ's partner and wingman, wrote a book in which he said that Jordan was paid $10 million to be in the 2020 documentary series The Last Dance. The seven-part series told the story of Jordan's legendary career, focused on his last year with the Bulls in 1998. Pippen didn't like Jordan's attitude or pay, and he didn't hold back.

Michael Jordan Real Estate Properties

Michael Jordan's real estate holdings are a testament to his opulent lifestyle and the success he has enjoyed in his illustrious career. Here are some of his most notable properties:
  • Jupiter, Florida Mansion- Michael's primary residence today is a lavish mansion in Jupiter, Florida. This sprawling 26,000-square-foot estate features 11 bedrooms and sits on three acres of land within the ultra-exclusive Bear's Club community, designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Jordan acquired the lot in 2011 for $4.8 million and invested an additional $7.6 million over two years to construct his dream home.
  • Charlotte, North Carolina Lake House- In March 2013, Michael Jordan purchased a massive compound on a lake in Charlotte, North Carolina. This impressive property spans 12,310 square feet and boasts six bedrooms and eight bathrooms. Situated on a nearly 50,000-square-foot lot right on the water, the interior features vaulted ceilings, marble and hardwood floors, multiple fireplaces, an elevator, and jacuzzi tubs in some of the bathrooms. The house offers stunning views of the nearby lake through floor-to-ceiling windows. Outside, there is a pool and a pier leading to a gazebo set out in the lake.
  • Chicago Mansion- Back in Chicago, where he achieved much of his basketball glory, Michael still owns a large mansion in Highland Park. He purchased the lot in Highland Park in 1991 and proceeded to build his dream home. The end result is a sprawling 7-acre property, featuring a main house that spans an impressive 32,683 square feet. This mansion boasts nine bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, an NBA-quality basketball court, pool pavilion, 15-car garage, card room, tennis courts, PGA-quality putting green, cigar room, wine cellar, and many more luxurious amenities.
  • Highland Park Mansion- One of Jordan's most famous early real estate acquisitions was his Highland Park Mansion in the Chicago suburbs. This expansive property featured a full-size basketball court, a putting green, a tennis court, and nine bedrooms. Jordan lived in this mansion during his time with the Chicago Bulls.
  • Chicago Bulls Practice Facility- During his time with the Bulls, Michael Jordan had a 23,000-square-foot practice facility built in Deerfield, Illinois. This state-of-the-art facility not only served as a training ground for the team but also as a space for Jordan's personal workouts.
  • Grove XXIII Golf Club- Jordan, an avid golfer, has also invested in a private golf club called Grove XXIII in Hobe Sound, Florida. This exclusive club is known for its top-notch facilities and limited membership.
  • Lakefront Home in Cornelius, North Carolina- Jordan reportedly owns a beautiful lakefront home in Cornelius, North Carolina, which is situated on Lake Norman. The property offers stunning views and features a boat dock.
  • Park City, Utah Estate- Jordan's real estate portfolio also includes a luxury estate in Park City, Utah, which provides a serene mountain retreat and access to world-class skiing.

Michael Jordan Private Jet

Michael Jordan has a private Gulfstream G550 jet that cost him $50 million and was made just for him. It takes him to and from his homes all over the world. The famous "Jumpman" logo from Michael's shirt is on the tail of the jet, and the registration number, N236MJ, is both his jersey number and initials. Michael's jet is technically owned by a company called "Bank of Utah Trustee," which is a typical way for a trust to own an asset. The jet was made in 2005, and it has an engine made by Rolls-Royce called the BR 700 Series Turbo Fan.

Charity Works And Philanthropy Of Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan wearing a blue coat
Michael Jordan wearing a blue coat
Michael Jordan, often celebrated for his basketball prowess and business acumen, is also known for his philanthropic efforts and charitable contributions. Despite his immense wealth, Jordan has remained committed to making a positive impact on various causes and communities. Here are some of the notable aspects of Michael Jordan's charity work and philanthropy:
  • Michael Jordan Foundation - Established in 1988, the Michael Jordan Foundation has been a central platform for Jordan's philanthropic endeavors. The foundation focuses on various causes, including education, youth and family support, and community development. Through grants and donations, it has supported organizations working to improve the lives of underserved children and families.
  • Scholarships and Education - Education has been a key focus of Jordan's philanthropy. He has donated millions of dollars to educational initiatives, including scholarships for underprivileged students. One of his most significant contributions was a $7 million donation to fund a medical clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina, which provides healthcare services to at-risk communities.
  • Hurricane Relief - Michael Jordan has also stepped up in times of crisis. He donated $2 million to aid Hurricane Florence relief efforts in 2018, offering support to those affected by the devastating storm in North Carolina.
  • Healthcare - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jordan made a substantial $10 million donation to establish two medical clinics in underserved communities in North Carolina. This donation aimed to improve access to quality healthcare in areas with limited resources.
  • Racial Equality and Social Justice - In 2020, amid a renewed focus on racial equality and social justice, Michael Jordan pledged a $100 million donation over ten years to organizations dedicated to combating systemic racism and promoting racial equality. This significant commitment demonstrated his dedication to addressing critical societal issues.

Juanita Jordan And Michael Jordan Divorce Settlement

In September 1989, Michael married Juanita Vanoy. Together, they had three children. After 13 years of marriage, Michael filed for divorce from Juanita Jordan in 2002. In the end, he had to pay her a $168 million divorce payment. It was one of the divorces that cost the most money in history. The deal gave them money, stocks, and the value of the different properties they owned.
Since April 2013, Michael has been married to the Cuban-American model Yvette Prieto. In February 2014, she gave birth to twin girls who were exactly the same. In 2019, Jordan's daughter Jasmine gave birth to a boy, making him a grandfather.

Interesting Facts About Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan wearing a gray coat
Michael Jordan wearing a gray coat
  • In 1994, during his first retirement from basketball, Jordan briefly pursued a career in professional baseball. He signed with the Chicago White Sox and played for the Birmingham Barons, the White Sox's minor league affiliate.
  • While Michael Jordan is renowned for his scoring ability, he also had an impressive free throw percentage. He retired with an 83.5% free throw accuracy, which is quite high for a shooting guard.
  • Jordan has a well-known fear of water. He is not a fan of swimming and has mentioned his fear of drowning as the reason. This fear is one of the reasons he didn't take part in the famous Gatorade dunking commercials.
  • Jordan's game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA championship game for the University of North Carolina against Georgetown is considered one of the most iconic moments in college basketball history.
  • The Air Jordan brand, created by Nike, has become a cultural phenomenon. The first pair of Air Jordans was banned by the NBA because the black and red colorway violated the league's uniform policy. Jordan was fined $5,000 every time he wore them on the court, but Nike covered those fines as part of their marketing strategy.
  • Michael Jordan starred in the 1996 live-action/animated film "Space Jam," alongside the Looney Tunes characters. A sequel, "Space Jam: A New Legacy," was released in 2021 with LeBron James taking the lead role.
  • In his famous "Double-Nickel" game in 1995, Jordan scored 55 points against the New York Knicks, just five games into his comeback from his first retirement. He wore the number 45 jersey in this game.
  • Jordan won the NBA Finals MVP award every time his team won an NBA championship. He has six NBA championships and six NBA Finals MVP awards to his name.
  • Jordan holds the record for the most consecutive games (866) scoring in double digits. This streak spanned from March 25, 1986, to December 26, 2001.
  • After retiring from basketball for the second time, Jordan developed a passion for golf and has played at a high level. He even hosted the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament for many years.

People Also Ask

What Is Michael Jordan's Career Scoring Average?

Michael Jordan's career scoring average in the NBA is 30.1 points per game, the highest in league history.

How Many NBA Championships Did Michael Jordan Win?

Michael Jordan won a total of six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s.

Did Michael Jordan Ever Win An Olympic Gold Medal?

Yes, Michael Jordan won two Olympic gold medals as a member of the United States men's basketball team, known as the "Dream Team," in 1992 and 1996.

What Is Michael Jordan's Shoe Size?

Michael Jordan's shoe size is 13.

Conclusion

In the annals of sports history, few names shine as brightly as Michael Jordan. His journey from a young basketball prodigy to a global icon is a testament to his unparalleled skill, work ethic, and determination. Beyond his legendary exploits on the basketball court, Michael Jordan's net worth is a reflection of his remarkable business acumen.
From the groundbreaking Jordan Brand to his ownership stakes in NBA franchises and strategic investments, Jordan's financial empire is a testament to his ability to turn success on the court into a lasting legacy. Moreover, his commitment to philanthropy underscores his desire to make a positive impact on the world. As his net worth continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: Michael Jordan is not just a basketball legend; he is a financial powerhouse whose influence extends far beyond the confines of the game.
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Emily Sanchez

Emily Sanchez

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James Pierce

James Pierce

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