Athlete Who Retired 20 Years Ago Tops List Of '100 Highest-paid Athletes of All Time': Inside His Brilliant Money Moves

Michael Jordan, the basketball legend who hung up his trainers over two decades ago, has clinched the top spot on the list of the 100 highest-paid athletes of all time, raking in an astonishing £83 billion ($110 billion) in inflation-adjusted earnings, as revealed on 7 April 2025 per a report.

According to a Daily Mail article, the 100 wealthiest athletes collectively earned £4.8 billion ($6.3 billion) last year alone. Jordan's financial empire, built on savvy endorsements and shrewd investments, outshines even today's biggest stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James.

How did a man who last played in 2003 soar to such financial heights? Of course, more than his wealth, Jordan is best known for his athletic achievements. His six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and unmatched global appeal with the Chicago Bulls made him a cultural phenomenon, cementing his status as one of history's most valuable athletes.

Let's decipher the brilliant money moves that cemented his legacy on and off the court.

The Nike Deal That Changed Everything

Jordan's partnership with Nike, forged in 1984, is the cornerstone of his fortune. His initial five-year contract, worth £390,000 ($518,000) annually plus royalties, was a gamble that paid off spectacularly.

The Air Jordan brand, now a cultural juggernaut, generated £5.4 billion ($7 billion) in sales last year, as noted in a Sportico report. Jordan's 5% royalty deal nets him hundreds of millions annually, with estimates suggesting he earned £234 million ($311 million) in 2024 alone.

'What's most exciting is we're still diversifying the Jordan portfolio,' former Nike CEO Mark Parker once said, highlighting the brand's expansion into women's gear and global markets. From trainers to apparel, Jordan's Jumpman logo remains a global icon, proving his marketability endures long after his final dunk.

Owning the Game: Investments and Ownership

While his Nike deal is legendary, Jordan's business acumen extends far beyond endorsements. In 2010, he purchased a majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for £214 million ($284 million), a move that paid dividends when he sold it in 2023 for a deal valuing the franchise at £2.3 billion ($3 billion), per Forbes.

His stake in the Hornets, coupled with minority investments in ventures like DraftKings and Cincoro tequila, showcases his knack for spotting lucrative opportunities. Jordan also co-owns 23XI Racing, a NASCAR team valued at £117 million ($155 million), which expanded in 2025 with driver Riley Herbst.

These ventures, paired with his philanthropy, including £2.3 million ($3 million) donated to the National Museum of African American History, reflect a man who plays to win in business and impact.

A Legacy That Transcends Sport

Jordan's financial triumph is not just about numbers; it's about redefining what an athlete can achieve. Unlike active stars like Ronaldo, who earned £202 million ($260 million) in 2024, Jordan's wealth flows from a brand built on his charisma and competitive spirit.

Only 6% of his earnings came from his NBA salaries, a testament to his off-court hustle. His story, immortalised in the 2023 film Air, underscores how a rookie's bold bet on Nike transformed sports marketing.

As Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis put it, 'Michael's one of the few people that have had success three times,' referring to his prowess as a player, owner, and brand icon. On 7 April 2025, as the world marvels at his £83 billion ($110 billion) empire, Jordan proves that true greatness knows no retirement.

His blueprint for success, blending vision with relentless drive, inspires entrepreneurs far beyond the court. From Chicago's hardwood to global boardrooms, Jordan's influence endures, a masterclass in turning talent into timeless wealth.