Michael Jordan and Nike’s partnership has been one of the most lucrative sponsorship deals in the NBA. The Ghost of Chicago’s association with the world-renowned shoe and apparel brand has earned him over a billion dollars in payments. Moreover, the Chicago Bulls legend continues to collect over $150 million in royalties each year. Michael’s son, Marcus Jordan decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. He tried to make it to the NBA.

Marcus started his college basketball career at the University of Central Florida in 2009. However, he did something during the preseason exhibition game that resulted in Adidas pulling out of the sponsorship deal with his school. 

Marcus Jordan and his team won the exhibition game against Saint Leo University by 84-65. During the game, the young hooper wore the Rising Sun Air Jordan XIIs and the higher-ups at Adidas were not too happy about it. The university authorities had already promised him that he would be able to wear Jordans during the games. The regional head at Adidas also gave a green signal on the matter.

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Unfortunately, the brand decided to drop the school and pull out the sponsorship estimated at around $3 million. The controversy was reported widely by media outlets but Marcus refrained from opening up on the issue at that time.

Marcus Jordan once cost UCF a $3 million deal

Marcus’ basketball career did not last long. He left the UCL basketball team in 2012. He opened up a high-end sneaker store in 2016 named ‘Trophy Room’ in Orlando. The same year, Jordan’s youngest son decided to open up the Air Jordan controversy during his basketball days at UCF. 

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Talking to Complex about the situation, Marcus Jordan said, “They understood, with me being Michael Jordan’s son, it would only make sense that I wear Jordans.” However, the situation didn’t go quite as planned.

Michael Jordan wasn’t affected by the situation

Things escalated quickly when he donned the Jordans during the exhibition game. Adidas was not impressed and pulled out the sponsorship. As a result, UCF was left with no apparel and sports equipment. The school had already committed to Marcus and they kept their word. However, it resulted in a critical situation for them.

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Marcus was communicating with his dad during the time. Michael Jordan didn’t initiate any decisions. However, Nike offered to pick up the sponsorship at UCF. Nike came in to save the day and the university got everything they needed to play the game. It was not a surprise how quickly Nike agreed to take on the sponsorship deal considering Michael Jordan’s influence on the brand.