When Did Michael Jordan Sign for Nike? Contract Details, Current Sales, & More
Follow Us
Michael Jordan is all about the superlatives because nothing below that can define any of his deals. The Chicago Bulls great took seven seasons to win his first NBA Championship but took no time in winning mega money contracts.
His first and easily the most important signing came from Phil Knight’s Nike. Walking in the shoes of legendary Walt “Clyde” Frazier, a youthful MJ signed the deal of his life as a rookie. What are the must-know facts from his career-defining contract that changed the sneaker game forever?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Michael Jordan and his successful marriage with Nike
In 1984, Michael Jordan signed a contract with Nike as more of a legacy deal. In those days, when Converse and Adidas ruled the sneaker business, it was a bet that both Nike and MJ placed on each other. The iconic 5-year deal awarded Air Jordan USD 500,000 per year and also promised his own signature line.
Now, MJ went on to play each of the 82 games that season and averaged an unheard 28.2 points. He unanimously won the Rookie of the Year award and all that on-court success benefitted his shoe sales.
Trending
Why Did Caleb Love Leave UNC? Is Ex-Teammate’s Girlfriend The Reason Behind This Move?
November 11, 2023 03:27 PM EST
Is Keyshawn Johnson Related to Arizona Wildcats Guard Keshad Johnson?
November 11, 2023 08:11 AM EST
Who’s UConn Coach Dan Hurley’s Wife Andrea? Everything You Need to Know About College Sweethearts and Their Two Children
March 28, 2024 06:53 PM EDT
Allen Iverson Takes a Backseat in $10 Billion Company’s Decisions While Leaving It to the “Smartest” Shaquille O’Neal
March 28, 2024 07:57 PM EDT
Michael Jordan Only Had 5 Words After Scottie Pippen’s Stinging Betrayal Hit Hard, as Per ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith
March 28, 2024 03:44 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
In his rookie year as a shoe-selling face, Air Jordan sold $126 million worth of units. Nike’s first release of Jordans also faced some controversy when his shoes were banned for not meeting the design standards. But none of those things kept the marriage of Nike and MJ from thriving and breaking every record possible.
“The Jumpman”: The Curious Case of Michael Jordan Brand’s Iconic Logo
What are the current sales and performance?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
16 years into his final retirement, MJ sold sneakers worth a whopping $130 million in 2019 alone. This was 4x of what LeBron James’ line sold in the same year, making Air Jordan the undisputed king of the shoe business. Moreover, this sale of Air Jordans captured 86% of the market, something that only one word can define perfectly: Monopoly.
Michael Jordan’s $2.1 billion net worth has a lot to credit Nike for it. In the fiscal year ending May 2019, 8% ($3.1 billion) of Nike’s annual revenue came from the selling of the Jumpman logo shoes. Also, the growth of MJ’s sneakers is nowhere close to going down. With the release of The Last Dance and the evergreen GOAT debate heating up, even Gen Z is now crazy about showing off their Jordans.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
We only see greater success for MJ in the future. Do you agree with this and also do you own Air Jordans? Help us know in the comments.
Watch this story – Michael Jordan’s Most Creative Ads for Nike and Other Brands