When you look at the five highest-paid players this season, there are some names that have made a lasting change in the sport as a whole. Steph Curry has become synonymous with the 3-point shot and its effect on the league. The King, on the other hand, was responsible for ushering in the player movement era, defining nearly 15 years of the NBA.
Jordan was the first NBA superstar to sign an exclusive brand deal with a signature shoe line. The Jordans, about as famous as any sports-related accessory, were frowned upon by the league. As a result, the first couple of years saw the five-time MVP pay an extra fine for wearing his signatures.
Over time, however, the name and brand persevered. Today, it is the singular example most athletes look towards. Further, it has also provided all of them with a model to follow for their shoe deals. All five of this season’s highest-paid stars – whose earnings add up to a staggering $241,679,748 – have exclusive brand-specific deals for their shoes with signature lines. But that’s where MJ is a class apart.
In terms of sales and popularity, none of their signature shoes and deals are as grand as Jordan’s. As Joe Pompliano would break down, the six-time NBA champion’s stranglehold atop the revenue food chain is insurmountable. For the calendar year, Nike made $6.6 billion, owing to the Jordan Brand. Taking into account His Airness’ approximate 5% share, that equates to his earnings at around the $330,000,000 mark. But those statistics might just be the beginning.
