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17 Years Ago, Michael Jordan Not Only Lost $168,000,000 to Ex-Wife but Also a Prized Possession That Is Now Up for Sale

Published 09/01/2023, 8:12 AM EDT

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With the 3rd pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls altered their franchise forever. A 21-year-old Michael Jordan would join the team and leave his mark in historic fashion. Notably, also in 1984, MJ met his first wife Juanita Vanoy. The former model and NBA star would marry 5 years later. They welcomed three children during their relationship but decided to split in the year 2006. Notably, Jordan paid a whopping alimony to his ex-wife in the settlement. Along with the money, Juanita also bagged a priced possession of Black Jesus.

The twenty-eight-year-old “personalized”  gift was finally put up on sale after 17 long years. MJ’s cherished possession is estimated to be sold for at least a modest five-figure sum.

The lost literary treasure from the divorce of Michael Jordan

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With all his possessions, ventures and investments, Michael Jordan‘s worth is well over $3.5 billion. This makes him one of the wealthiest athletes in the world, and by far the wealthiest former NBA player. All this after losing a significant amount of his money to his ex-wife in one of the most expensive divorce settlements in American history. 

via Getty

Jordan and his ex-wife, Juanita Vanoy, broke the wedlock of 17 years in 2006. His Airness set a new record for the most expensive divorce of any athlete at that time.  In the settlement, the Chicago Bulls star had to pay over $168 million to Vanoy as alimony.

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Along with the money, Jordan also lost one of his priced possessions.

In 1995, famous author Harper Lee gifted MJ a personalized book on the 35th anniversary of “To Kill A Mocking Bird”. Jordan safely stored the book, in his library, which Juanita received during the settlement.

The book was put up for sale by his ex-wife and was estimated to be priced around $24,000.

Jordan’s record-breaking settlement

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Michael Jordan married Juanita Vanoy in 1989. During their time together, the couple has given birth to three offspring: Jeffrey, Marcus, and Jasmine.  Jordan and Juanita’s relationship was taken aback in 2002 when Juanita filed for a divorce.

However, the couple reconciled to get separated in the year 2006. They chose not to disclose the reasons behind their split. 

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The couple issued a statement through Jordan’s lawyer, Frederick  J. “Michael and Juanita Jordan mutually and amicably decided to end their 17-year marriage, A judgment for dissolution of their marriage was entered today. There will be no further statements.”

The divorce settlement estimated that Jordan would bear the cost of over $168 million, which recorded it as the costliest settlement ever during that time. However, Hollywood actor Mel Gibson broke Jordan’s not-so-proud record by paying over $425 million in 2006.

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Written by:

Amey Dhume

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Amey is an NBA content writer at EssentialySports. As an NBA enthusiast, Amey closely follows the league and stays updated on the latest happenings. With a background as a state-level basketball player, he brings a unique perspective to his writing about the sport.
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Edited by:

Aakash Nair