Michael Jordan’s hard work on the NBA court has paid off handsomely. As for his billionaire status, the Chicago Bulls legend didn’t make money solely through his salary as a player, although he was one of the highest-paid athletes at the time. Jordan was the first athlete to earn more than $30 million a year, and after his second three-peat and subsequent retirement, he built an empire that is now worth $3 billion.
The six-time NBA champion is also reportedly one of the highest-paid celebrity endorsers. celebrity net worth, who has earned approximately $1.4 billion from endorsements alone. The website adds that Jordan earns approximately $100 million annually from his endorsements and other business ventures.
His billionaire status comes with his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan became a billionaire in 2014 after buying a stake in the team for $175 million in 2010, when reports emerged that he had increased his stake in the team then known as the Charlotte Bobcats. In 2019, he sold a small stake in the Hornets, which at that time was valued at $1.5 billion.
He sold the team earlier this year to a team led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall.according to ESPNCharlotte auction worth up to $3 billion.
See how Michael Jordan built his massive $3 billion empire
Michael Jordan’s NBA career earnings have more than doubled in 2022 alone, largely thanks to his long-term licensing deal with sports giant Nike. His Jordan Brand earned a whopping $5.1 billion in fiscal 2022, and the Bulls icon reportedly received a 5% cut as part of his deal with the brand.
Based on that number alone, Forbes estimates Jordan’s earnings last year were about $256.1 million. It helps that Jordan Brand continues to be successful in the footwear market. In 2020, its revenue was $3.6 billion and grew significantly in 2021 to $4.8 billion.
It’s safe to say that the amount of money Michael Jordan earned after his career played a role in his billionaire status.
All told, he earned $94 million before taxes during his one season with the Bulls and two years with the Washington Wizards — about the same amount his sponsors made over the next decade that made him even richer. Compared to 2016, this number has declined. He is now the only billionaire player in the NBA alongside LeBron James.