Widely considered one of the greatest hoopsters ever, Michael Jordan is also one of the world's wealthiest athletes. His estimated net worth in 2023 is around $2.2 billion making him the first billionaire NBA player. How did he amass such staggering wealth? What are his income sources and investments? How does he spend and donate his money? Let's explore Michael Jordan's net worth in 2023, from his iconic NBA career to smart ventures.
But, before going into details, let's have a look at basic information regarding him.
| Category | Value |
| Net Worth | $2.2 billion |
| Salary | $93.7 million (NBA) + $1.8 billion (endorsements) |
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1963 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Profession | Former pro basketball player, businessman, team owner |
| Nationality | American |
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What is Michael Jordan's Net Worth?
Michael Jordan's estimated net worth in 2023 is $2 billion as per Forbes. This makes him the wealthiest NBA player ever and one of the richest African Americans. His net worth largely stems from lucrative endorsement deals, especially with Nike, his stake in the Charlotte Hornets and real estate/sports/entertainment investments.
Annual Income
Jordan's estimated annual income in 2023 is around $145 million. This includes earnings from endorsements, Nike royalties and investment dividends - more than any active NBA player.
Career Earnings
Jordan earned a total of $93.7 million in salary over his 15-season NBA career. He played for the Chicago Bulls from 1984-1993 and 1995-1998, winning six rings and five MVPs. After retiring from the Bulls in 1999, he returned with the Washington Wizards from 2001-2003. He donated his entire 2001 salary of $1 million and 2002 salary of $1.03 million to 9/11 attack victims. His endorsement deals during his career added $1.8 billion.
| Season | Team | Salary |
| 1984-85 | Chicago Bulls | $550,000 |
| 1985-86 | Chicago Bulls | $630,000 |
| 1986-87 | Chicago Bulls | $737,500 |
| 1987-88 | Chicago Bulls | $845,000 |
| 1988-89 | Chicago Bulls | $2 million |
| 1989-90 | Chicago Bulls | $2.25 million |
| 1990-91 | Chicago Bulls | $2.5 million |
| 1991-92 | Chicago Bulls | $3.25 million |
| 1992-93 | Chicago Bulls | $4 million |
| 1993-94 | Chicago Bulls (retired) | N/A |
| 1994-95 | Chicago Bulls (returned) | $3.85 million |
| 1995-96 | Chicago Bulls | $3.85 million |
| 1996-97 | Chicago Bulls | $30.14 million |
| 1997-98 | Chicago Bulls (retired) | $33.14 million |
| 1998-99 | Chicago Bulls (retired) | N/A |
| 1999-00 | Chicago Bulls/Washington Wizards (executive) | N/A |
| 2000-01 | Washington Wizards (executive/part-owner) | N/A |
| 2001-02 | Washington Wizards (returned) | $1 million |
| 2002-03 | Washington Wizards (retired) | $1.03 million |
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N/A is used because there was no applicable salary for those specific seasons.
Endorsement Deals
One of the most marketable athletes ever, Jordan has signed deals with Nike, Gatorade, Hanes, McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Chevrolet, Wheaties, Upper Deck and more. But his most lucrative and impactful partnership is with Nike's Air Jordan brand, launched in 1984.
1 - DraftKings
In 2020, Jordan became a special advisor and equity stakeholder in DraftKings. The sports betting/fantasy sports platform got a 13% stock boost from the deal.
2 - Cincoro Tequila
Jordan co-founded the premium tequila brand in 2019 with fellow NBA owners Jeanie Buss, Wes Edens, Wyc Grousbeck and Wyc's wife Emilia Fazzalari. Cincoro's expressions range from $70 to $1,600 per bottle. Jordan reportedly invested $3 million for a 40% stake.
3 - NASCAR
In 2020, Jordan teamed up with friend and 3-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin to form a new NASCAR Cup Series team, 23XI Racing. They hired Bubba Wallace, NASCAR's only black driver, to pilot the car. The team debuted at the 2021 Daytona 500.
4 - Nike Deal and Royalties
Jordan's 1984 Nike deal launched the Air Jordan brand and changed sports marketing forever. The 5-year, $500,000/year contract plus royalties and stock options propelled Nike in basketball against Adidas and Converse. Though banned briefly by the NBA, Air Jordan 1s sold $100 million in year one. Jordan now earns around $130 million per year from Nike - more than its entire stable of active NBA players combined. His lifetime deal exceeds $1 billion.
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Cash and Investments
Jordan has a diverse investment portfolio across sports, tech, healthcare and more.
1 - Charlotte Hornets
Jordan became majority owner of the Hornets in 2010, buying 65% for $175 million. He now holds 97% stake in the team, valued at $1.5 billion - his most valuable asset.
2 - MLB and MLS Teams
Jordan owns minority stakes in MLB's Miami Marlins (4%) and MLS's D.C. United (5%). Each stake is worth around $60 million.
3 - Axiomatic Gaming
Jordan invested $26 million in esports' Axiomatic (parent of Team Liquid, Epic Games, etc.) in 2018.
4 - Sportradar
In 2015, Jordan joined Mark Cuban, Ted Leonsis, Michael Dell and others investing $44 million in sports data firm Sportradar.
5 - Heal
Jordan invested in the doctor/nurse house call platform Heal alongside Lionel Richie, Jeb Bush Jr. and others in 2016.
6 - Gigster
Jordan participated in software freelancing site Gigster's $20 million Series B funding in 2016. Jordan also has an estimated $30 million in cash reserves as of 2020 per Celebrity Net Worth.
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Michael Jordan's Philanthropic Work
Jordan also donates to various causes through his foundation and personal contributions.
1 - Jordan Brand Wings Program
Launched in 2015, Wings has provided full scholarships to over 1,800 academically excellent, community-minded students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
2 - Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics
Jordan donated $10 million in 2019-2020 to open medical clinics providing healthcare services to underserved Charlotte communities.
3 - Hurricane Relief
Jordan donated $2 million to Hurricane Florence relief in 2018 and $1 million to Hurricane Dorian relief in the Bahamas in 2019.
4 - Social Justice
In 2020, Jordan pledged $100 million over 10 years to organizations dedicated to racial equality, social justice and education access.
5 - Other Causes
Jordan has also generously supported Charlotte clinics, African American museums, Chicago literacy programs, police training institutes, youth organizations, HBCUs and more over the years.
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Juanita Jordan Divorce Settlement
Jordan married Juanita Vanoy in 1989, having 3 kids together. They divorced in 2006, with Juanita receiving $168 million - one of the biggest celebrity settlements ever. She also got custody of their children, their Chicago estate and other assets.
Michael Jordan's Journey: Early Life to Success
Jordan's path from humble beginnings to basketball glory and business success remains one of sports' most inspiring stories.
Childhood and High School
Born in Brooklyn in 1963 as the youngest of five kids, Jordan moved to Wilmington, NC as a toddler. He excelled at basketball early on, playing for Laney HS after failing to make varsity as a sophomore. He averaged 25 points his junior year and made varsity. He also played baseball and football.
College and Olympics
Jordan received a basketball scholarship to UNC, playing under Dean Smith from 1981-1984. He won the 1982 NCAA Championship as a freshman and Naismith College Player of the Year in 1984. Though leaving UNC as a junior to enter the NBA draft, he returned to finish his geography degree in 1986. Jordan won Olympic gold with Team USA in 1984 and as part of 1992's legendary 'Dream Team.'
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NBA Career
Drafted 3rd by the Bulls in 1984, Jordan quickly became a superstar, earning Rookie of the Year and All-Star honors while dazzling with his aerial artistry. He led Chicago to 6 titles in 2 three-peats: 1991-1993 and 1996-1998. He holds numerous NBA records, including highest regular season (30.12 ppg) and playoff (33.45 ppg) scoring averages. Jordan retired briefly 3 times: in 1993 after his father's passing, 1999 after his second Bulls three-peat and for good in 2003 after two Wizards seasons. Considered basketball's GOAT, he inspired generations.
Business Empire & Branding
Off court, Jordan built a business empire, starting with Nike's Air Jordan brand. His shoes, apparel and subsequent endorsements with McDonald's, Gatorade, Upper Deck, Hanes, Coca-Cola, Chevrolet and more made him a global icon. Jordan became majority owner of NBA's Charlotte Hornets in 2010, now worth $1.5 billion. He also holds ownership stakes in the Miami Marlins, DC United, Sportradar, motorcycle racing teams and luxury tequila.
|Also Read: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Net Worth
Final Take
With an estimated $2.2 billion net worth in 2023, Jordan is the wealthiest NBA player ever on the strength of his legendary career, Air Jordan brand empire, Hornets ownership and diverse investment portfolio spanning sports, entertainment, spirits, technology and real estate. The six-time NBA champion has also donated millions to education, healthcare, social justice, disaster relief and youth causes through his foundation. Michael Jordan's journey from humble roots to hoops immortality and business success remains an inspiration. The man nicknamed 'Air Jordan' continues to soar to new heights as a player, tycoon and philanthropist.
FAQs
Q: How much has Jordan made from Nike?
Jordan earns around $130 million per year just from Nike royalties - more than any athlete's endorsements combined. His lifetime Nike deal exceeds $1 billion total.
Q: How much does Jordan get per Air Jordan shoe sold?
Jordan reportedly gets approximately 5% of the wholesale price per Air Jordan sold, ranging from $5 to $10 as wholesalers generally sell at 50% of retail value.
Q: Who is the richest NBA player?
With an estimated $2.2 billion net worth, Michael Jordan is the wealthiest NBA player ever as of 2023.
Q: How many championship rings does Jordan have?
Jordan won 6 NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls - in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998. He was named Finals MVP in each championship run.
Q: What is Michael Jordan's jersey number?
Jordan wore #23 for most of his Bulls/Wizards career. He also briefly wore #45 upon returning from retirement in 1995. For the 1984 and 1992 Olympic gold medal Team USA squads, he wore #9.