Shortly after The Last Dance aired in 2020, Jordan Brand had about $3.6 billion in sales over the previous 12 months. In 2023 — a full two decades after Jordan’s final NBA game — Jordan Brand shoes hit $6.6 billion in sales. And because Jordan knows the power of a good brand, he set up a fantastic deal with Nike. He receives a 5% royalty on all Jordan Brand revenue.

Five percent of $6.6 billion is $330 million. That’s how much Michael Jordan made from Nike in 2023.Even though Michael Jordan left the NBA in 2003, the sport has continued to be associated with him. Before selling the franchise last year, he briefly owned the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets. The younger generation has been acquainted to him through media features like The Last Dance and Air.

Air brought attention to what was arguably the most significant relationship in Jordan’s life: his collaboration with Nike. He turned down offers to sign with more established businesses like Converse and Adidas in favor of the new shoe company, and the decision has proven to be extremely beneficial for both parties. Fans all across the world wanted to be like Mike Jordan as his career developed and his Jordan Brand line grew in popularity.

In 2020, not long after The Last Dance premiered, Jordan Brand possessed roughly $3.6

Jordan earned more in 2023 than the largest contract in NBA history — and that contract is a five-year deal. The Nike royalties are especially staggering when you consider Jordan’s career on-court earnings.

In 15 NBA seasons, Jordan made $94,022,050, with about two-thirds of that coming in his final two seasons with the Chicago Bulls. He earned about 3.5 times his entire NBA career salary in 2023 alone.

The Nike deal is a significant factor in Jordan becoming a billionaire, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon. At his current pace, Jordan could hit $500 million in annual royalties in the next decade, which would double his net worth to $5.2 billion.

Jordan’s deal with Nike is very likely the best business decision an athlete has ever made. It’s still paying dividends decades after his retirement — and will continue to do so as long as people are playing basketball.