What is Michael Jordan’s Net Worth?

Michael Jordan is on an extremely short list of the most famous athletes in recorded history.

If that sounds like hyperbole, it’s not. It’s just a reflection of the world’s increased awareness and access tied to the exploding information age.

Jordan won championships, pushed a shoe company into the earnings stratosphere and helped his sport gain a strong foothold in the United States and internationally.

Born in New York and raised in North Carolina, Jordan made his big money through contracts with NBA teams and his partnerships with large corporations.

His six championships with the Chicago Bulls headline the many reasons he remains the greatest-ever NBA player.

If the best online sportsbooks had been around during his playing years, you can guarantee there would have been tons of betting markets on his performance.

He’s been at or near the top of “richest athletes” lists for several years, and made it to the Forbes 400 in 2023.

Here we reveal Michael Jordan’s net worth and how he made his millions.

Michael Jordan Net Worth

Michael Jordan’s net worth is reported to be an astounding $3 billion, making him the first athlete to join The Forbes 400, a list of the wealthiest people in America.

Given his NBA success, along with peripheral excellence including All-Star MVP and Slam Dunk champion, Jordan became a natural fit for the advertising world.

Salary & Career Earnings

Michael Jordan’s net worth of around $3 billion includes nearly $100 million earned via salary and bonuses, just through his 15-year NBA career.

Only twice was Jordan the highest-paid NBA player, 1997 and 1998, but he is likely able to console himself with his business-side earnings.

In the late summer of 2023, Jordan sold his majority stake in the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets for a reported $3 billion, which certainly adds to Jordan’s immense net worth.

Endorsements & Sponsors

Michael Jordan’s endorsements, sponsors and other sources of income outpace the on-court earnings MJ accrued.

His business enterprises began in earnest with his Nike deal.

He agreed to partner with the fledgling shoe company in 1984, immediately boosting its appeal and beginning a long, lucrative association.

Jordan launched his own brand through Nike in later years, and reportedly earns $260 million in yearly royalties.

At the height of his popularity, Jordan expanded into film in 1996 and co-starred with one of the most influential actors of the last century: Bugs Bunny.

The movie Space Jam was a cultural touchpoint for a generation of pre-teens and teens, and it reportedly made $250 million worldwide.

His hunger to boost his personal brand found a home with McDonald’s, where he appeared in numerous – and very popular – commercials throughout his playing days.

Also, according to Forbes, Jordan pulled in about $2.4 billion through his partnerships with iconic global businesses including Hanes, McDonald’s, Gatorade, Wheaties, Coca-Cola, and Nike.

Raised in North Carolina – home of NASCAR – helped his bottom line, too, as Jordan formed his own racing team and recently watched as one of his drivers, Tyler Reddick, won a NASCAR Cup Series race at the famous Talladega Speedway.

Michael Jordan & Nike

There is almost no description of Michael Jordan’s life without a mention of Nike, the company with whom Jordan began his amazing run of business associations.

As a much-sought-after target for endorsements when coming out of college in the early 1980s, Jordan chose Nike in 1984 and the rest is history.

Jordan launched his “Air Jordan” brand within the Nike sphere and its popularity has grown even more following Jordan’s retirement from playing basketball.

Recent reports say the brand has made in excess of $2 billion every year since 2018.

The Hall of Famer also has seen his “Jumpman” logo adorn the clothing of athletes and non-athletes alike.

It’s even been on the uniforms of college teams including the Oklahoma Sooners, North Carolina Tarheels, Houston Cougars, Michigan Wolverines, UCLA Bruins, Georgetown Hoyas, and Florida Gators.

Business Ventures

In addition to Nike money via apparel and his own “Jordan Brand” line, Michael Jordan’s economic might covers the culinary empire, too.

In 1993, after Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their third consecutive NBA championship, Jordan retired (he would come back to win three more titles consecutively from 1996-98).

He opened Michael Jordan’s Steak House in Chicago, a city famous for its competitive upscale restaurants, and has branched out into other states.

With further dining-establishment ventures including Urbanbelly and the MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill, Jordan’s drive to conquer multiple aspects of American culture became clear.

Jordan is a co-owner Cincoro, a popular brand of tequila, which, according to CNBC, has won more than 20 awards in spirits competitions.

The product is not cheap, either, with bottles selling from $300 up to more than $4,000.

Conclusion

Michael Jordan remains a global icon as he enters his 60s, showing few signs of settling down.

His hands-on leadership of his NASCAR team and his influence on the NBA remain key components of Jordan’s day-to-day activity.

Jordan Brand, his Nike division, designed and has sponsored the NBA’s All-Star uniforms for several years.

His recent sale of his ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets leaves Jordan with even more options for investment – and for his beloved hobby, golf.

A stereotype retirement, however, doesn’t seem to be in the cards.