Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, has transformed his on-court success into an impressive financial empire.
In this article, you will know Michael Jordan’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Michael Jordan’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Jeffrey Jordan |
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1963 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York |
| Height | 6′ 5½” (1.97 m) |
| Nicknames | His Airness, Air Jordan, MJ |
| College | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| NBA Teams | Chicago Bulls (1984-1993, 1995-1998), Washington Wizards (2001-2003) |
| Jersey Numbers | 23, 45, 12 (one game only) |
| NBA Championships | 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) |
| MVP Awards | 5 (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998) |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 2 (1984, 1992) |
| Career Points | 32,292 |
| Career Average | 30.1 points per game |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 2009 |
| Current Role | Former majority owner of Charlotte Hornets (sold in 2024) |
Early Career
Michael Jordan’s basketball journey began at Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina.
As a sophomore, he was cut from the varsity team, which motivated him to work harder.
In his final 2 years of high school, Jordan averaged 25 points per game and was selected to the McDonald’s All-American Team as a senior.
He was named College Player of the Year in both his sophomore and junior seasons and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1984.
Professional Career
Michael Jordan’s professional basketball career is one of the most illustrious in the history of the sport.
Drafted by the Chicago Bulls as the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, Jordan quickly established himself as a dominant force on the court.
In his rookie season, he averaged 28.2 points per game and earned the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Over his career, Jordan won six NBA championships with the Bulls, securing the Finals MVP award each time.
He led the league in scoring for 10 seasons, a record he shares with Wilt Chamberlain, and was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player 5 times.
Wife
Michael Jordan has been married twice and has 5 children. His first marriage was to Juanita Vanoy in 1989, and they had 3 children together: Jeffrey, Marcus, and Jasmine.
In 2013, Michael Jordan married Cuban-American model Yvette Prieto. The couple has twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel, born in February 2014.
Michael Jordan’s Net Worth Details
Michael Jordan’s net worth is estimated to be $3.5 billion as of 2025.
Contract
Michael Jordan’s initial contract with the Chicago Bulls was a 7-year, $6.3 million rookie deal signed in 1984.
In 1988, Jordan signed an 8-year, $25.7 million contract extension with the Bulls. After coming out of retirement for the 2nd time, Jordan signed with the Washington Wizards.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1984/85 | Chicago Bulls | $550,000 |
| 1985/86 | Chicago Bulls | $630,000 |
| 1986/87 | Chicago Bulls | $737,500 |
| 1987/88 | Chicago Bulls | $845,000 |
| 1988/89 | Chicago Bulls | $2,000,000 |
| 1989/90 | Chicago Bulls | $2,250,000 |
| 1990/91 | Chicago Bulls | $2,500,000 |
| 1991/92 | Chicago Bulls | $3,250,000 |
| 1992/93 | Chicago Bulls | $4,000,000 |
| 1993/94 | Chicago Bulls | $4,000,000 |
| 1994/95 | Chicago Bulls | $3,850,000 |
| 1995/96 | Chicago Bulls | $3,850,000 |
| 1996/97 | Chicago Bulls | $30,140,000 |
| 1997/98 | Chicago Bulls | $33,140,000 |
| 2001/02 | Washington Wizards | $1,000,000 |
| 2002/03 | Washington Wizards | $1,030,000 |
| Total | $93,877,500 |
Endorsements
Nike/Jordan Brand
- Jordan signed with Nike in 1984 for $500,000 per year, plus royalties
- The Air Jordan line was created specifically for him
- Jordan receives approximately 5% royalty on all Jordan Brand sales
Gatorade
- The partnership began in 1991 with a 10-year, $13.5 million deal
- Famous “Be Like Mike” campaign launched
- Jordan has appeared in over 20 Gatorade commercials since 1991
2K Sports
- Featured on multiple NBA 2K video game covers
- Earned approximately $2.5 million from 2 separate endorsement contracts
Other Notable Endorsements
- Coca-Cola (early in his career, before switching to Gatorade)
- McDonald’s (featured in a famous commercial with Larry Bird)
Career Stats
| Record | Statistic |
|---|---|
| NBA Championships | 6 |
| NBA Finals MVP Awards | 6 |
| Regular Season MVP Awards | 5 |
| NBA Scoring Titles | 10 |
| Consecutive Scoring Titles | 7 |
| Career Regular Season Scoring Average | 30.1 ppg |
| Career Playoff Scoring Average | 33.4 ppg |
| All-NBA First Team Selections | 10 |
| All-Defensive First Team Selections | 9 |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 14 |
| All-Star Game MVP Awards | 3 |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 2 |
| Defensive Player of the Year Awards | 1 |
| Career High Points in a Game | 69 |
| Career High Points in a Playoff Game | 63 |
| Consecutive Games Scoring 10+ Points | 866 |
| Career Steals | 2,514 |
| Career Points | 32,292 |
FAQs
1. When was Michael Jordan born?
Michael Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, and later attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he began his journey to becoming a basketball legend.
2. How many NBA championships did Michael Jordan win?
Michael Jordan won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. These titles were achieved during two separate three-peats: 1991–1993 and 1996–1998. He was named Finals MVP for all six championships.
3. What is Michael Jordan’s net worth?
Michael Jordan’s net worth is estimated at $3.2 billion. His wealth stems from his NBA career, endorsements like Nike’s Air Jordan brand, and business ventures such as owning the Charlotte Hornets and investments in industries like sports betting.
4. Why is Michael Jordan considered the greatest basketball player of all time?
Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest due to his unmatched skills, athleticism, competitive drive, and clutch performances. Over his career, he earned five league MVPs, ten scoring titles, six Finals MVPs, and revolutionized basketball globally.
5. What is the significance of Air Jordans?
Air Jordans are iconic sneakers launched by Nike in collaboration with Michael Jordan in the 1980s. They revolutionized sports marketing and remain a dominant brand in the sneaker market, contributing significantly to Jordan’s financial success.
6. What was Michael Jordan’s role in popularizing basketball globally?
Jordan’s talent and charisma helped expand the NBA’s global reach during the 1980s and 1990s. His performances and marketability made him a cultural icon, inspiring fans worldwide and elevating basketball’s popularity internationally.
7. What awards did Michael Jordan win during his NBA career?
Michael Jordan won numerous awards, including five league MVPs, ten scoring titles, Defensive Player of the Year (1988), six Finals MVPs, and was selected for 14 NBA All-Star games. He also earned two Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
8. Why did Michael Jordan retire three times?
Jordan retired first in 1993 due to personal reasons and exhaustion from fame. He retired again in 1999 after winning six championships. His final retirement came in 2003 after playing two seasons with the Washington Wizards.
9. What businesses does Michael Jordan own?
Jordan is the principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets NBA team and co-owner of NASCAR’s 23XI Racing team. He also invests in DraftKings and other ventures that diversify his income streams beyond basketball.
10. What is “The Flu Game”?
“The Flu Game” refers to Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals when Jordan played despite being severely ill with flu-like symptoms. He scored 38 points to lead the Bulls to victory over the Utah Jazz, showcasing his resilience and determination.
