It’s never been easier for athletes to make more money, thanks to new companies like LIV Golf and the cash-rich Saudi Pro League that have increased pay caps through TV deals. But despite the fresh riches, it was a sports advertising deal inked 40 years ago that has set the path for the highest-paid athlete in the entire history of sports.

When Nike signed Michael Jordan in 1984, it changed the lives of both the star and the company in a big way for the next 40 years. Michael Jordan makes many times as much each year as he did when he played more than twenty years ago, thanks to the Jordan Brand’s rising sales.

Presently as per sources, in 2024, since leaving North Carolina, the six-time NBA champion has earned $3 billion—$3.75 billion adjusted for inflation. He is the highest-paid athlete of all time, ahead of superstars from 17 countries and nine sports. They have made a total of $50 billion from wages, cash prizes, endorsements, and other income lines related to their fame, or $35.5 billion if you don’t count inflation.

Jordan only made the most money as an NBA player twice in his 15-year career. He made a total of $94 million with the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards. He was the first NBA player to make the list of the 10 highest-paid athletes of all time. After Jordan, LeBron James is the only NBA player in the Top 5.

Jordan is one of 12 basketball players in the top 50, and LeBron James is the next highest-ranked player, worth $1.7 billion after inflation. Sudden shore up of Jordan’s worth $750,000,000 is beyond Bron’s grasp and grip.

via Imago

In 2023, LeBron James made a huge $119.5 million. Most of this amount, $84.5 million, comes from how well he played hoops. Just the $35 million he makes from multiple partnerships is better than his play on the court. This shows how famous he is outside of basketball. But while LeBron James’s wealth is impressive, Michael Jordan’s is simply huge.

Jordan’s status as a superstar, nevertheless, paid dividends. In addition to his huge deal with Nike, he promoted underwear, Gatorade, and McDonald’s. These deals kept the money coming in. During his retirement, he also joined a privileged group by acquiring the Charlotte Hornets, an NBA team.

Michael Jordan’s net worth comes from his NBA pay, endorsement deals and his Jordan Brand.

In a move worth about $3 billion, Jordan sold most of his Hornets shares. With a projected net worth of $3.75 billion, Michael Jordan is now the richest NBA player of all time.