Michael Jordan, Who Has Earned Over $1 Billion from Nike, Mocked His Own Agent’s Iconic Suggestion That Eventually Helped Him Earn Millions After 1985

Published 10/30/2022, 6:00 PM EDT

Fans are probably aware of the iconic contract between Michael Jordan and Nike. The endorsement deal not only changed Nike’s future but also gave a career boost to Jordan. At the time, Nike was not a big name in the industry. Moreover, Jordan already had his sights set on Adidas. However, due to a lack of interest from them, MJ decided to move forth with Converse.

Michael Jordan was on the verge of sealing the deal with Converse. However, the shoe brand failed to meet Jordan’s demands. That’s when Nike jumped in. While Adidas and Converse could not get on board with Jordan, Nike desperately needed him. Moreover, Jordan’s agent, David Falk wanted him to sign with Nike as most of his clients wore that particular brand. However, MJ was adamant on signing with Adidas and had asked Falk to make it happen. Finding no other way, Falk went to MJ’s parents and told them about the Nike presentation Jordan needed to be at. Eventually, Jordan attended the meeting along with his parents and Falk.

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After a little more persuasion, MJ got on board with the contract and the rest is history. Did you know that the brand name that now represents Jordan all over the world was given by Falk?

Michael Jordan finds David Falk’s suggestion ridiculously funny

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After having a successful season as a rookie, Michael Jordan went on to the second season with the Chicago Bulls. However, things took an ugly turn when Jordan sustained a fracture in his left foot. By that time, MJ had only played three games in his second season. The future wasn’t looking good for both Jordan and Nike. However, the launch of Air Jordan series bought over $100 million annual revenue to the company. From then on, things only started getting better for the two parties.

“The irony of the Air Jordan deal, it’s probably the best deal I’ve ever made and it’s probably the worst deal I’ve ever made because no one had a clue—including Nike—that you could sell $100 million worth of shoes for a rookie in his first year,” said Falk.

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Therefore, it can probably be said that the Air Jordan brand played a major part in saving Nike. According to SI, it was Falk who came up with the iconic name Air Jordan. However, Falk was laughed at by His Airness when he first suggested the name to him. Wonder what Jordan has got to say, now that he still earns millions of dollars per year from his Nike contract. Probably thanks to Falk, MJ has earned over $1 billion from the Jordan Brand.

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Written by:

Siyari Debbarma is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. She is currently pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering from Abascus Institute of Engineering and Management. She previously interned at the Y-East Organization as a content writer.

Edited by:

Satagni Sikder

Michael Jordan, Who Has Earned Over $1 Billion from Nike, Mocked His Own Agent’s Iconic Suggestion That Eventually Helped Him Earn Millions After 1985

Michael Jordan finds David Falk’s suggestion ridiculously funny

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