Michael Jordan, a former professional basketball player, Olympic athlete and businessman is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
He dominated the NBA from the mid-1980s to the late 1990s, winning multiple championships and earning multiple MVPs.
takes a look at the life, career and business empire of the legendary basketballer.
Michael Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York.
His parents, James Jordan, Sr. and Deloris Jordan, moved the family to Wilmington, North Carolina, when he was a toddler.
Growing up in a competitive household with four siblings, Jordan developed a strong work ethic, instilled by his father, who worked as a General Electric plant supervisor, and his mother, who worked in banking.
According to reports Jordan found his passion for basketball while attending Emsley A. Laney High School.
His dedication paid off, and he earned a scholarship to the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill.
At UNC, Jordan played under legendary coach Dean Smith. He quickly became a star, making a name for himself when he hit the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship against Georgetown.
That shot was a turning point, marking the beginning of his rise to basketball superstardom.
In the 1984 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan as the third overall pick. He made an immediate impact, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1985.
His electrifying style, high-flying dunks, and scoring ability turned the struggling Bulls into playoff contenders.
Despite early playoff struggles, Jordan’s dominance grew. In the 1990-91 season, he led the Bulls to their first NBA championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals.
He won the Finals MVP, a title he would claim in every championship series he played.
From 1991 to 1993, Jordan led the Bulls to three consecutive NBA titles, forming a dynasty.
However, tragedy struck in 1993 when his father was murdered. Devastated, Jordan announced his retirement from basketball.
In 1995, Jordan shocked the world, returning to the Bulls, he quickly regained his dominance, leading the team to another three consecutive NBA titles from 1996 to 1998.
Following the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz where he scored the winning shot, he retired for the second time, leaving the NBA on top.
In 2001, Jordan made a surprising comeback with the Washington Wizards, where he played two seasons.
Though he was past his prime, he still displayed flashes of brilliance, recording multiple 40-point games and averaging over 20 points per game. He retired for the final time in 2003.
, and a global sports icon. He remains widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time.
Michael Jordan married his first wife, Juanita Vanoy, in 1989. The couple had three children: Jeffrey, Marcus, and Jasmine.
However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2006, with Juanita receiving a $168 million settlement, one of the largest in celebrity divorce history.
In 2013, The couple welcomed twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel, in 2014.
Michael Jordan’s impact on business is nearly as legendary as his basketball career.
In 1984, he signed a deal with the company to create his signature Air Jordan sneaker. The Air Jordan line revolutionized the sneaker industry, and it remains one of the most successful athlete endorsements in history.
The Jordan Brand, a subsidiary of Nike, generates billions in annual revenue. Jordan himself earns an estimated 5% in royalties from Jordan Brand sales, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars per year.
In 2010, Jordan became the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, making him the first former NBA player to own a franchise. Though the team struggled to achieve championship success, the value of the franchise skyrocketed under his leadership.
In 2023,, making a massive profit from his initial investment.
Beyond basketball, Jordan has built a vast business empire. His endorsement deals include partnerships with Gatorade, Hanes, Upper Deck, and McDonald’s. He also owns restaurants, car dealerships, and a stake in DraftKings, a sports betting company.
His wealth primarily comes from, Nike and Jordan Brand royalties ($250M+ annually), business ventures and endorsements, investments in sports franchises and companies and proceeds from selling his stake in the Charlotte Hornets.
Jordan’s financial success has made him one of the richest former athletes in history. and his wealth continues to grow through passive income from Jordan Brand, strategic investments, and endorsements.
Michael Jordan’s journey from a competitive young athlete in North Carolina to a global icon and billionaire businessman is nothing short of remarkable.
His dominance on the court set records that still stand, and In 2025, his legacy as the greatest basketball player of all time remains undisputed, and his financial empire continues to thrive.