‘Made More Money From Nike Than He Made Playing for Chicago Bulls’ – Journalist Tells Victoria Azarenka About Michael Jordan Revolutionizing Sports Economics

Belarusian tennis star, Victoria Azarenka, is having an average year. Even after performing consistently, she has failed to go past the quarterfinals in the tournaments. Apart from tennis, the 33-year-old also hosts a Spotify chat show. The Belarusian recently hosted senior sports journalist, Jon Wertheim.

The two discussed the relationship between athletes and the media. They also touched upon the way social media is impacting athletes. Wertheim narrated an instance from 1984 when Michael Jordan revolutionized the way athletes earn.

When Michael Jordan changed the way athletes made money

According to Wertheim, the change happened in 1984. After Michael Jordan’s arrival, the American changed the way athletes earned from endorsements.

“1984 was really sort of this critical point where this was the summer that Michael Jordan got drafted and he said I am more than just a basketball player I want to build my own brand, I want to build my own kind of shoe and that was crazy at the time,” he said.

He further added, “the idea of an athlete is more than just a performer, a public figure. Michael Jordan made more money from Nike than he made playing for the Chicago bulls.”

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With the arrival of social media, the market for athletes might be ready for another such change.

Victoria Azarenka withdraws from Ukraine aid event

USTA is organizing a charity event in solidarity with Ukrainian conflict victims. To make the message more effective, the USTA planned to draft Belarusian and Russian players for the event. While Azarenka signed up for it earlier, the former world number one has withdrawn from the event.

In a statement from the USTA, it was revealed that the 33-year-old will no longer be considered for participation. The reason is sensitivity to Ukrainian players and the ongoing conflict. Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition will raise funds for the victims of Ukraine. Relief work for Ukraine is on a high after

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Big names like Rafael Nadal and world number Iga Swiatek will also take part in the event. Even though Azarenka is out of the event, she will be able to participate in the US Open.