How Africa News
Michael Jordan’s contract with Nike has stood the test of time as one of the most dynamic partnerships for nearly four decades.
However, the magic between the two almost didn’t happen in 1984 until Deloris Jordan, the basketball legend’s mother, stepped in.
Initially, Jordan was leaning toward a deal with adidas, but they weren’t looking to collaborate on a shoe with him, whereas Nike was.
“My mother said, ‘You’re gonna go listen. You may not like it, but you’re gonna go listen,” Jordan said in ESPN’s “The Last Dance” documentary, according to NBC Sports. “She made me get on that plane and go listen.”
“I go into that meeting not wanting to be there, and Nike made this big pitch,” Jordan said, according to NBC Sports, “My father said, ‘You’d have to be a fool not taking this deal. This is the best deal.’”
Air Jordan has become a cultural icon since its inception.
The Jordan Brand began operating independently in 1997 and now generates over $5 billion in annual revenue.
A report broke down the difference between what Jordan has made from Nike and vice versa to see how “mutually beneficial” the relationship is.
According to Front Office Sports, Nike’s Jordan Brand earned $5.1 billion in fiscal 2022.
Jordan, on the other hand, is said to have earned an estimated $256.1 million — a reported 5% increase as a result of his deal with the company.
The Jordan Brand earned $19.4 billion in revenue over the last five fiscal years, according to the outlet.
While the figures for fiscal 2022 are estimates, Jordan’s net worth, according to Forbes, is $1.7 billion.
Furthermore, the outlet reported in 2020 that he had earned more than $1 billion from Nike.
