Michael Jordan Biography: Michael Jeffrey Jordan born February 17, 1963, commonly known by his initials MJ, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. He is currently a minority owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA between 1984 and 2003, winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls.
Michael Jordan Biography
Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, as the fourth of five children to James and Deloris Jordan. His father worked as a mechanic, while his mother was employed as a bank teller. Concerned about the safety of their Brooklyn neighborhood, the family relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina shortly after Michael’s birth. From a young age, Jordan showed a strong interest in sports, though his first passion was baseball. He often played catch with his father, who shared a love for the game. Michael eventually turned to basketball, inspired by his older brother, Larry, whom he greatly admired. While attending Laney High School, Jordan tried out for the varsity basketball team as a sophomore but was cut due to his lack of experience and smaller stature. Undeterred, he spent the summer training intensely and grew four inches taller.
Michael Jordan Biography 2025 Details
| Born | February 17, 1963 (age 62) Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 216 lb (98 kg) |
| High school | Emsley A. Laney (Wilmington, North Carolina) |
| College | North Carolina (1981–1984) |
| NBA draft | 1984: 1st round, 3rd overall pick |
| Drafted by | Chicago Bulls |
| Playing career | 1984–1993, 1995–1998, 2001–2003 |
| Position | Shooting guard / small forward |
| Number | 23, 12, 45 |
| Category | Football Biographies |
See More:
About Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan, also known by his initials MJ, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player, who is currently a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association.
Michael Jordan Achievements
Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he played a key role in elevating the global popularity of basketball and the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s, becoming an international cultural icon. Jordan played college basketball for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, where he was part of the 1982 national championship team as a freshman. He entered the NBA in 1984 as the third overall pick by the Chicago Bulls and quickly became a standout player, known for his scoring prowess and elite defensive skills.
Michael Jordan Wiki
- Born: 17 February 1963 (age 62 years), Cumberland Hospital
- Spouse: Yvette Prieto (m. 2013), Juanita Vanoy (m. 1989–2006)
- Number: 23 (Chicago Bulls / Shooting guard) ·
- Net worth: 350 crores USD (2025) Forbes
- Dates joined: 2001 (Washington Wizards), 1995 (Chicago Bulls) ·
- Height: 98 m
- Children: Marcus Jordan, Jeffrey Michael Jordan, Jasmine M. Jordan
Early Life
Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, at Cumberland Hospital in Brooklyn, New York City, to Deloris (née Peoples), a bank employee, and James R. Jordan Sr., an equipment supervisor. He is one of five children, with two older brothers—James Jr. and Larry—an older sister, Deloris, and a younger sister, Roslyn. The Jordan family was raised in the Methodist faith. In 1968, the family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina. Jordan attended Emsley A. Laney High School, where he played basketball, baseball, and football.
As a sophomore, he tried out for the varsity basketball team but was considered too short at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m). Determined to improve, he became a standout on the junior varsity squad, even posting multiple 40-point games. That summer, Jordan experienced a growth spurt of four inches (10 cm) and trained intensely. He eventually made the varsity team, where he averaged over 25 points per game in his final two high school seasons.
How Did Michael Jordan Become Famous?
Michael Jordan first gained national attention after hitting the game-winning shot for the University of North Carolina in the 1982 NCAA Championship against Georgetown. His stardom skyrocketed when he was selected third overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft. From there, he built what is widely regarded as the greatest career in NBA history—winning six NBA championships, six Finals MVP awards, five regular-season MVPs, and earning 14 All-Star selections. His Air Jordan sneakers, launched by Nike, helped him become a global icon and pop culture phenomenon.
Is Michael Jordan a Billionaire?
Yes. Michael Jordan officially became a billionaire in 2014. His business acumen, especially his stake in the Charlotte Hornets and enduring revenue from the Jordan Brand with Nike, are the main contributors to his billionaire status.
Does Nike Still Pay Michael Jordan?
Absolutely. Nike continues to produce Air Jordan sneakers, and Jordan still receives royalties from sales. According to his longtime agent David Falk, Nike expected to sell $3 million worth of Air Jordans in the first four years—but sold $126 million in the first year alone. In 2022, Jordan earned about $256 million from his deal with Nike.
How Much Does Michael Jordan Make a Day?
While it’s impossible to know his daily earnings precisely, estimates suggest Jordan earns hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars daily, largely due to Jordan Brand royalties and investment income.
How Much Did Michael Jordan Pay for the Hornets?
Jordan purchased the then-Charlotte Bobcats in 2010 for about $275 million. He sold the majority stake in 2023 at a valuation of approximately $3 billion, while keeping a minority interest.
What Was Jordan’s Rookie Contract?
Jordan signed a seven-year deal worth $6.7 million after being drafted in 1984. While the exact amount he made in his rookie year isn’t publicly confirmed, it would have been a portion of that total.
How Much Did He Make for ‘The Last Dance’?
Jordan reportedly earned $10 million for his appearance in the 2020 ESPN/Netflix docuseries The Last Dance. His former teammate Scottie Pippen noted that the rest of the team did not receive compensation for participating.
How Much Did He Earn Playing Baseball?
Exact details of Jordan’s Minor League Baseball contract are unclear, but typical minor leaguers earned about $1,100 per month. Meanwhile, the Bulls continued paying him $4 million during his time with the Chicago White Sox organization.
Who Owns the Michael Jordan Logo?
Nike owns the famous Jumpman logo. In 2019, the company won a lawsuit against photographer Jacobus Rentmeester, who claimed the logo was based on his copyrighted photo of Jordan.
What Companies Does Michael Jordan Own?
Jordan is a co-owner of 23XI Racing, a NASCAR team. He previously owned a majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets and continues to hold a minority interest in the team.
Is Jordan Brand Still Owned by Nike?
Yes. Jordan Brand is a Nike subsidiary and was officially launched on September 9, 1997. It continues to be one of the most successful sneaker lines ever.
Does Michael Jordan Play Golf?
Yes—frequently. In an interview with RSNG, Jordan revealed he plays golf almost every day, often playing 36 holes. He finds it both therapeutic and competitive.
Does Jordan Own a Golf Course?
Yes. He owns The Grove XXIII, a private golf club tailored to his playing style. PGA golfer Rickie Fowler once referred to it as “Slaughterhouse XXIII,” noting it’s designed to give shorter hitters—like Jordan—a slight edge.
What Is Michael Jordan’s Net Worth in 2025?
According to Forbes, Michael Jordan’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $3.5 billion. Although he earned about $90 million in NBA salary over his playing career, the bulk of his wealth comes from endorsement deals—with Nike and Gatorade being the most lucrative. He has also invested in multiple businesses, including DraftKings and a NASCAR team. Jordan was the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets from 2010 to 2023. He bought the franchise for approximately $275 million and sold his majority stake at a valuation of about $3 billion, while retaining a minority share—a massive return on investment.
FAQs
What brands has Michael Jordan endorsed besides Nike?
In addition to his iconic partnership with Nike, Michael Jordan has endorsed several major brands throughout his career, including Gatorade, Hanes, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Wheaties, and Upper Deck. These deals played a significant role in cementing his status as a global marketing powerhouse.
When did Michael Jordan become the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets?
Michael Jordan became the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets (then called the Charlotte Bobcats) in 2010, making him the first former NBA player to own a majority stake in a franchise. His ownership tenure lasted until 2023, when he sold most of his stake while retaining a minority interest.
How did the Air Jordan brand start?
The Air Jordan brand began in 1984 when Nike signed Michael Jordan to a then-groundbreaking endorsement deal. The first shoe, the Air Jordan 1, was released in 1985 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The brand has since grown into one of the most successful and influential lines in sneaker history.
What made Michael Jordan’s 1997–98 season contract historic?
Jordan’s salary during the 1997–98 NBA season was $33.1 million, the highest single-season salary in NBA history at the time. It was a significant milestone that reflected his impact on the sport and his unmatched market value.
How did Michael Jordan influence basketball globally?
Michael Jordan’s success and charisma helped transform the NBA into a global brand. During the 1990s, his dominance on the court, endorsement deals, and international appeal made basketball popular worldwide, particularly through televised games, merchandise, and his role on the 1992 U.S. Olympic “Dream Team.”
Does Michael Jordan still earn money from “Space Jam”?
While Jordan reportedly earned around $20 million for the original Space Jam (1996), there are no confirmed reports of ongoing royalties. However, the film’s lasting popularity contributes to his brand visibility and pop culture legacy, indirectly benefiting his business ventures.