Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan, or MJ, is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time. He dominated the NBA between 1984 and 2003, winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. He is known and revered for his exceptional athleticism, scoring ability, and defense, Jordan's impact on the court made him a global icon.

Beyond his basketball achievements, which include five NBA MVP awards and six NBA Finals MVP awards, Jordan has amassed a staggering $3.5 billion net worth in 2025 through strategic endorsements and business deals. Out of these, his collaboration with Nike for the Air Jordan brand remains the highlight of them all.

What Is Michael Jordan’s Net Worth?

As of Feb 2025, Michael Jordan has a net worth of $3.5 billion.

Michael Jeffrey Jordan, a.k.a The G.O.A.T/ MJ/ His Airness is one of the most successful American athletes, both professionally and financially. His net worth of $3.5 billion makes him the richest athlete of all time.

Michael Jordan earned a total of approximately $93.6 million during his NBA career. He became the highest-paid player in the NBA during the latter part of his career, signing two one-year contracts with the Bulls worth $30.1 million and $33.1 million for the 1995-96 and 1997-98 seasons, respectively.

But his significant wealth comes primarily from endorsements and partnerships. At the peak of his playing career, Michael Jordan earned approximately $30 million annually from endorsements, significantly exceeding his annual NBA salary. He endorsed major brands like McDonald’s, Gatorade, Coca-Cola, and Hanes.

Jordan’s biggest money making endorsement was Nike. Initially, just earnings $500K per year, it was reported that in 2022, he earned $256 million through his Nike and Jordan Brand shoe deals alone. Overall with Nike, he made $2.4 billion (pre-tax) through the iconic Air Jordan brand. While his total earnings from endorsements (other than Nike) throughout his career are estimated to be around $1.8 billion.

The biggest single payday of Jordan’s career came from his sale of the Charlotte Hornets in 2023 for around $3 billion. This came after he bought a majority stake in the team for $275 million in 2010. He still retains a minority stake in the team.

Besides that, Jordan has diversified his investments through ventures like DraftKings and Cincoro Tequila, and he co-owns a NASCAR team. Despite facing financial challenges, particularly with the initial struggles of the Bobcats, he successfully navigated these obstacles. That being said, at present, he earns between $300 to $400 million annually from various business ventures.

"His Airness," has also had a brief career on the big screen. He reportedly earned around $20 million for starring in Space Jam (1996). In contrast, Forbes reported that he made $3–$4 million from the 2020 docuseries The Last Dance. However, his former teammate Scottie Pippen has claimed that Jordan actually received $10 million for the project.

But he didn’t always make money, as per Wikipedia, after the divorce settlement with his first wife, he had to part away with $168 million in 2006, this amount, adjusted for inflation, is approximately $257 million. Thus making it the largest divorce settlement on public record at the time. 

What is Michael Jordan’s Claim to Fame?

Michael Jordan's claim to fame rests on his achievements and impact on basketball, transforming him into a global icon. Jordan's leaping ability, highlighted by slam dunks from the free-throw line, earned him nicknames like "Air Jordan" and “His Airness.”

• Winning shot in the 1982 NCAA finals: On March 29, 1982, Michael Jordan, then a freshman at the University of North Carolina (UNC), hit a game-winning shot in the NCAA Championship game against the Georgetown Hoyas. Some 62,000 fans watched the game live at the Louisiana Superdome, with about 17 million watching on television. This shot is often regarded as the launching point of Jordan's legendary basketball career.
• First season with Chicago Bulls: Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984. He quickly became a league star and was named ‘Rookie of the Year’ after leading the league in scoring in his first season. 
• Brief Retirement (1993): Michael Jordan's brief retirement from basketball in October 1993, at the age of 30, shocked the sports world. He announced at the peak of his career, Jordan stated he had lost the desire to play and felt he had nothing left to prove. The recent murder of his father, James Jordan, also deeply affected him, as he wanted to spend more time with his family.
• Baseball Stint (1994): Michael Jordan's baseball stint began in 1994 after he retired from basketball, a decision influenced by the tragic murder of his father, who had always dreamed of him playing baseball. Jordan signed a Minor League Baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox. This unexpected career change generated significant media attention and curiosity. However, his baseball career didn’t last long.
• Return to the NBA and Second Three-Peat (1995-1998): MJ returned to the Bulls in March 1995, creating a massive buzz and excitement among fans. He led the Bulls to three more championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998, achieving a second three-peat. 

What businesses does Michael Jordan own?

Michael Jordan’s career as an athlete is legendary, but his business acumen has made sure he has an impressive portfolio of diverse ventures. Here's a breakdown of his key businesses:

• Jordan Brand (Nike Subsidiary): One of the most iconic and successful ventures of MJ to date has been the Jordan Brand line of Nike. The deal was inked in 1985, and the brand specializes in basketball shoes, apparel, and accessories. Jordan Brand makes a reported $6.6 billion in annual sales for Nike. Furthermore, there is also a subsidiary named Jumpman 23. It is responsible for producing and marketing Jordan Brand products.
• Charlotte Hornets: In 2006, Jordan purchased a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats and became the Managing Member of Basketball Operations. In 2010, he bought a majority share in the Bobcats for $275 million (adjusted for inflation, it would be worth $508 million in 2023). In 2019, he sold a minority stake (20 percent) in the team at $1.5 billion eventually selling the majority stake for $3 billion in 2023. As of now, he still retains a minority stake in the team.
• Miami Marlins: In 2017, Michael Jordan joined an investment group led by Derek Jeter and Bruce Sherman that successfully bid $1.2 billion to buy the Miami Marlins. Jordan's stake in the team was small, estimated at 0.5%. With this deal, Jordan, already the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, joined the ranks of major league owners.
• Washington Wizards: Michael Jordan's relationship with the Washington Wizards began in 2000 when he became President of Basketball Operations. Jordan was part of an ownership group that bought the Washington Capitals and 44% of the Washington Wizards. MJ himself owned 10 percent of the team with an option to increase it to 20 percent. However, he had to divest his ownership stake to return to playing for the team from 2001 to 2003. Jordan continued as President until 2004, when he was relieved of his duties due to ongoing team struggles and internal conflicts, concluding his direct involvement with the franchise.
• Washington Capitals: Michael Jordan owned (between 2000 and 2001) a 12 percent stake in the Washington Capitals through Lincoln Holdings. He was part of an ownership group led by Ted Leonsis, who also owns the Washington Wizards.
• Grove XXIII: Opened in 2019, this is an exclusive golf course situated in Hobe Sound, Florida. MJ’s private course has gained popularity among professional golfers and high-profile individuals. The club’s name nods to Jordan’s iconic jersey number, i.e., 23. It offers an 18-hole course, a grand clubhouse, a gatehouse, a state-of-the-art learning facility, and a practice range.
• Michael Jordan Motorsports (MJM): It is a motorcycle racing team founded in 2004. The AMA Superbike team operated from 2003 to 2013. MJ's interest in the sport began after a chance encounter with a local rider named James Casmay, eventually leading to the formation of the team. The team competed in the AMA Superbike Championship but failed to achieve any considerable success. Their best Superbike class finish was 4th place in 2007.
• 23XI Racing: MJ co-owns the NASCAR team with NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. He invested around $150 million in the team and is actively involved with the team, attending around 10 races in 2023, giving pep talks, and holding regular conversations with team executives. Founded in 2020, the team competes in the NASCAR Cup Series and is named to reflect Jordan's iconic number 23 and Hamlin's number 11. The team made its debut in the 2021 season after purchasing a charter from Germain Racing. The team's headquarters, named "Airspeed," opened in Huntersville, North Carolina, ina in May 2024.
• Michael Jordan Nissan (Team 23): It is a car dealership in partnership with Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. It offers new Nissan vehicles and used cars. Features an online experience with transparent pricing and home delivery within a 100-mile radius.
• Michael Jordan's Steakhouse: This is a restaurant chain owned by MJ and is present in Illinois, Connecticut, and Washington. It is known for its high-quality dining experience, featuring prime steaks and gourmet dishes.
• Cincoro Tequila: The alcohol brand is co-owned by MJ and Jeanie Buss, Wes Edens, Wyc Grousbeck, and Emilia Fazzalari. The luxury tequila brand sells bottles ranging from $300 to over $4,500 for a limited edition. Just three years into business in 2022, the brand has sold 1.5 million bottles nationally and has won 23 awards in spirit competitions.
• DraftKings: Started in 2012, MJ became an investor and special advisor in this sports betting company around 2020. As of June 2023, DraftKings has a market capitalization of about $11.8 billion.

What Brands Does Michael Jordan Endorse?

Michael Jordan’s name and face attached to any brand is a sure-shot way for commercial success. His endorsement portfolio clearly shows how well he is leveraging his athletic fame into enduring brand partnerships.

• Nike (Air Jordan): Signed in 1984, this deal would prove to be a money spinner for MJ. Initially, he signed a five-year deal worth $500,000 annually with royalties. This evolved into the Air Jordan brand, where Jordan was deeply involved in the design and marketing. The Air Jordan line exceeded $5 billion in annual revenue and has now become a cultural icon, blending basketball performance with street style. Jordan earns approximately 5% in royalties from Air Jordan sales. In 2022 alone, this amounted to $256 million. 
• Hanes: Signed in 1989, as part of the deal, Jordan appeared in commercials and marketing campaigns for Hanes underwear and apparel. He reportedly earned about $14 million over the years. Jordan helped promote Hanes' Lay Flat Collar undershirts, which were designed to prevent "bacon neck." The endorsement deal ended in 2021.
• Gatorade: Jordan signed a 10-year deal with Gatorade in February 1991. The deal was worth $13.5 million. The deal was part of Gatorade's "Be Like Mike" campaign, which combined Jordan's star power with a catchy jingle. This Gatorade expands into 24 countries.
• Upper Deck: The deal started in 1992 and Michael Jordan renewed his deal with Upper Deck on April 5, 2018. The new agreement made Upper Deck the sole producer of Jordan's memorabilia and trading cards. In June 2024, a signed 2003-04 Upper Deck Jordan card sold for $2.9 million, a record for any Jordan card.
• Coca-Cola: Michael Jordan signed a deal with Coca-Cola in 1985. He remained under contract with Coca-Cola until July 31, 1991. Michael Jordan left Coca-Cola for Gatorade in 1991 after Gatorade offered him a more lucrative and prominent 10-year, $1.4 million-per-year endorsement deal, a commitment Coca-Cola was unwilling to match.
• McDonald's: Michael Jordan signed a deal with McDonald's in 1981 and even named a meal after Jordan in 1992, the McJordan special, which was a quarter pounder with bacon and barbecue sauce, a drink, and fries. Michael Jordan earned approximately $800,000 from his endorsement deal.
• Chevrolet: Michael Jordan was paid $200,000 after agreeing to his first endorsement with Chevrolet as a rookie in 1984. Michael Jordan and Chevrolet partnered in 1998 for a basketball card promotion. The promotion was a collaboration between Upper Deck and Chevrolet to bring together fans of Michael Jordan and Chevy Blazer drivers.
• General Mills (Wheaties): Michael Jordan signed a deal with Wheaties in 1988. He was the seventh spokesperson for the brand since 1958. Jordan appeared on Wheaties boxes. As per the Wheaties' website, no athlete has appeared on more boxes than Jordan (19 appearances). For the deal, MJ was reportedly paid $2 million.
• Guy Laroche: In the 80s, Michael Jordan signed a deal with the brand Guy Laroche. It is a brand owned by a French designer who gave MJ his line of watches called 'Time Jordan' priced at $125 each.

How does Michael Jordan spend his millions/billions?

Michael Jordan's vast fortune allows him to indulge in a lifestyle of luxury and strategic investments. A significant portion of his wealth is tied to real estate, including an opulent 26,000-square-foot mansion purchased for $4.8 million in 2011, with over $7.5 million spent on renovations. He also owns property in Charlotte, North Carolina, and potentially in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jordan's love for transportation is evident through his private jet, a Gulfstream G550, bearing his Jumpman logo. He also charters a 230-foot yacht and owns a collection of high-end cars, including Aston Martins, Ferraris, and Mercedes-Benz models. He also owns a custom golf cart adorned with the Jumpman logo.

Michael Jordan’s Real Estate Portfolio 

Michael Jordan's real estate investments reflect not just his wealth but also his lifestyle preferences and commitment to creating spaces that resonate with his legacy as a basketball icon. His properties are not only luxurious retreats but also serve as strategic assets that contribute to his overall net worth. 

Furthermore, Jordan has also expressed interest in expanding his portfolio internationally, recently exploring properties along the French Riviera valued at around $64 million.

• Jupiter Mansion, Florida: This property was purchased for $4.8 million in 2013, and then Michael Jordan renovated it for an additional $7.6 million. It is approximately 11,000 square feet in size and is located in the Bear's Club community; it features luxurious amenities suitable for family gatherings and entertainment. This property serves as a retreat for Jordan and his family, where he enjoys golfing and leisure time.
• Cornelius Home, North Carolina: MJ acquired this property for $2.8 million in 2013. The property includes six bedrooms located on the Peninsula golf course. This home is strategically located near the Charlotte Hornets' arena, where Jordan was the majority owner. 
• Charlotte Trust Condos, North Carolina: Michael Jordan bought this 7,000-square-foot condo on the entire seventh floor of The Trust Condos in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $3.15 million in 2010. He combined two condos on the top level to create his condo. The condo is located at the corner of Fourth Street and Tryon Street, about two blocks from Time Warner Cable Arena.
• Park City Home, Utah: Michael Jordan bought his Park City, Utah home for $7.9 million in 2007. He later listed the home for sale in 2019 for $7.5 million. The 9,574-square-foot home was built in 2006. The home is located on a 4-acre lot near Glenwild Golf Course and has five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. The home includes a golf simulator, an infinity pool, cascading waterfalls, and a private theater. The home also has a gym, wet bar, grilling pavilion, and a six-car garage.
• Highland Park Mansion, Illinois: MJ got this property for an estimated price of $2.8 million in 1991 (land). He sold it for $9.5 million in December 2024 after being on the market since 2012. The property is approximately 56,000 square feet, including outdoor spaces. Its features include a regulation-sized basketball court with a Jumpman logo, an infinity pool, a tennis court, a cigar room, a game room, and multiple sitting rooms. This mansion was custom-built to Jordan’s specifications and reflects his style, including a gate marked with his iconic jersey number, "23".

Vehicles Owned By Michael Jordan Over The Years

Michael Jordan's car collection is valued at over $5 million; his collection includes everything from Ferraris and Porsches to Cadillacs and Corvettes.

• Pininfarina Battista Targamerica: Michael Jordan is the owner of a one-off Pininfarina Battista Targamerica, making it the world's first coach-built electric hypercar. The keys to the bespoke silver color Battista were handed over to Jordan in the US earlier in October 2024.
• Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster: Michael Jordan has recently added a blue Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster, which he purchased for $3.5 million. It is one of only 30 units produced, making it an extremely exclusive model. Jordan took delivery of the Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster in early February 2025. The handover took place at Jordan’s private golf club, Grove XXIII, where Hennessey CEO John Hennessey personally delivered the vehicle.
• Porsche 930 Turbo Cabriolet ‘Flat Nose’: Purchased in 1989, it is one of fewer than 600 brought to the US. This car inspired the design of the Air Jordan 6 sneaker. The license plate was personalized with ‘MJ JJ’ to signify his father, James Jordan.
• Mercedes-Benz SLR  McLaren 722 Edition: One of only 150 ever made, this rare supercar was bought by MJ for $480,000 and has been put up for sale by a Miami-based dealership in 2024 for $649,9952. It features a supercharged V-8 engine and a black leather/Alcantara interior with red stitching.

For the entire list of his $8.3 million car collection, you can go to our Michael Jordan’s car collection article.

Other Vehicles

Apart from cars, MJ currently operates two Gulfstream ultra-long-range business jets that cater to his extensive travel needs and also has an impressive collection of luxury yachts.

• Gulfstream G650ER: Jordan got this for approximately $70 million,n and it was handed over to him in October 2024. The interior is custom-designed, featuring premium leather recliner seats, a fully stocked bar with LED lighting, a private dining area, and a bedroom for long-haul flights. The exterior sports a unique gray, white, and black elephant print design reminiscent of the Air Jordan sneakers. Jordan debuted this jet during a trip to the Yellawood 500 NASCAR race, reflecting his involvement in motorsports as a partial owner of the 23XI Racing team.
• Gulfstream G550: MJ acquired this jet in August 2016. It includes features such as a bar and cigar station, fine dining facilities, and entertainment systems. The aircraft can fly for about 12 hours continuously without refueling. This jet has been upgraded with custom paint jobs over the years, including a design that reflects Jordan's branding with the iconic Jumpman logo.
• Superyacht "Joy": MJ acquired it for $80 million in 2016. It is over 230 feet long. The yacht features eight luxurious cabins, an indoor jacuzzi, a cinema, a spa, and a dining area. It also includes a penthouse suite, personal office, and a terrace with stunning ocean views. Notably, it has a basketball court and gym, too, and requires a permanent crew of 19 members. The upkeep of the yacht is approximately $800,000 per week, totaling about $3.2 million per month for upkeep. The yacht is available for charter at around $840,000 per week.
• Yacht "Mr. Terrible": Michael purchased this yacht in 2022 for $21 million. It measures 154 feet long. Features include an indoor bar, dining room, and outdoor dining area, making it suitable for entertaining guests.

What Are Michael Jordan’s Charitable Contributions?

Michael Jordan has significantly impacted society through his charitable contributions focusing on education, healthcare, and social justice.

• Make-A-Wish America: Jordan made a record-breaking $10 million donation to Make-A-Wish America on his 60th birthday in 2023. By 2019, he had raised over $5 million for the foundation,n and the donation in 2023 raised the entire donation amount to more than $15 million.
• Black Community Commitment (BCC): Through Jordan Brand, Michael Jordan has committed $100 million over 10 years to combat systemic racism and support Black communities. The BCC is a 10-year initiative that began in 2020.
• NAACP Legal Defense Fund: Michael Jordan 2016 gave $1 million to the ‘Institute for Community-Police Relations’ and $1 million to the ‘NAACP Legal Defense Fund’. His contribution is aimed at building trust between Black Americans and law enforcement.
• Hurricane Florence Victims: In 2018, Jordan donated $2 million to support Hurricane Florence victims in North Carolina, thus making it one of the largest individual contributions.
• Feeding America: In November 2020, Jordan donated $2 million to Feeding America in the wake of COVID-19, which had pushed several Americans into food insecurity. The money came from the earnings he had from the documentary series The Last Dance. 
• 9/11-related charities: Donated his entire 2001-02 NBA salary to 9/11-related charities.
• Charlotte Hornets' initiatives: Since becoming the majority owner of the Hornets, Jordan and the team in 2019 have given away more than $3 million for causes related to education, hunger, wellness, and the military.
• Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament: MJ regularly hosts the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament. Each such tournament raises a ballpark figure of around $7 million, which is then directed towards various charitable organizations.
• Literacy: MJ has donated up to $500,000 to literacy via stocking libraries, preschools, child care centers, community centers, and nonprofits in Charlotte’s low-income areas.

What’s Next For Michael Jordan?

Michael Jordan's future focuses on expanding his business empire and philanthropic endeavors while maintaining his brand.

The Jordan Brand has a full calendar of releases planned for 2025, including the Air Jordan 1 High OG "UNC Reimagined" and the Air Jordan 4 OG "White Cement"4. Nike, Jordan Brand, and Converse have unveiled plans to dominate the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend in the Bay Area, with exclusive drops, immersive exhibitions, and community showcases.

Jordan is expected to continue his philanthropic efforts through the Black Community Commitment and support for organizations like Make-A-Wish.