Its been four decades since the iconic partnership between sports legend Michael Jordan and the renowned sports brand Nike. This enduring and iconic partnership dominated the athletic footwear market with the introduction of Air Jordan. From Blue Ribbon Sport to Nike, the sports brand has come a long way. This deal has benefited =Jordan as well as Nike and played a major role in their success.
Michael Jordan is regarded as one of the NBA’s greatest all-term players, who won six titles with the Chicago Bulls. His total salary during the time of his career was estimated at around $90 million. Not only that he has also earned $1.8 billion from such corporate partners as Nike, Gatorade, and Hanes.
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Michael Jordan’s Earnings From Nike Partnership
According to Front Office Sports, Michael Jordan earns about 5% on Jordan Brand sales as part of his licensing deal with Nikes. Their sources also reported that Jordan received $256 million from the deal in 2022 itself. As of 2023, Forbes listed Jordan’s approximate net worth as $2 billion. The NBA legend is the owner of the Charlotte Hornets and he also made $90 million in salary over his NBA career.
The relationship between Jordan and Nike also made it to the big screens and was directed by Ben Affleck. Affleck also plays Nike co-founder Phil Knight. The film focuses on how Nike’s basketball department signed Jordan in his initial year. Surprisingly the deal became the most profitable athlete-brand partnership in history.
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How Did The Deal Between Michael Jordan And Nike Happen?
The credit goes to Michael Jordan’s agent, David Falk who convinced Jordan to sign a deal with the sports brand Nike. Before Nike, the NBA player wanted to partner up with Adidas. Unfortunately, Addidas could not make shoes fit Jordan, meanwhile, Falk was impressed with Nike. Hence, the birth of the deal between Jordan and Nike took place.
Birth of the Air Jordan is seen as a monumental event in the history of sporting events. On 18 October 1984, Jordan wore the first Air Jordan- which were distinctive red-black and white sneakers. Although NBA followed strict guidelines about the color of the shoes the player wore and each time Jordan wore playing this he was fined. But Nike paid for all the fines thinking it might initiate a marketing campaign.
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