History of Michael Jordan in Timeline
Michael Jordan, or MJ, is an American businessman and retired professional basketball player, considered one of the greatest of all time. He played 15 seasons in the NBA between 1984 and 2003, securing six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan played a key role in globally popularizing basketball and the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s. He currently holds a minority stake in the Charlotte Hornets. With a net worth of $4.3 billion as of 2026, he's also one of the world's wealthiest celebrities.
3 hours ago : Jordan and Barkley Repair Friendship After 14 Years, Plan Golf Outing
Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley took a significant step towards repairing their 14-year fractured friendship. They reconciled and made plans to play golf together, marking a new chapter in their relationship.
February 17, 1963: Michael Jordan's Birth
On February 17, 1963, Michael Jeffrey Jordan, later known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, was born.
1968: Family Moves to Wilmington
In 1968, the Jordan family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina.
1976: ABA-NBA Merger Year
Since 1976, the year of the ABA–NBA merger, Michael Jordan and Pippen are the only two players to win six NBA Finals playing for one team.
1980: Accepts Scholarship to UNC
In 1980, Michael Jordan accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in cultural geography.
1981: McDonald's All-American Game Selection
As a senior, in 1981, Michael Jordan was selected for the McDonald's All-American Game and scored 30 points.
1982: NCAA Championship Game-Winning Shot
In 1982, Michael Jordan made the game-winning jump shot in the NCAA Championship game against Georgetown, marking a major turning point in his basketball career.
1982: National Championship
In 1982, Michael Jordan, as a freshman, was a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels' national championship team.
1983: Jordan Debuts for U.S. National Team
In 1983, Michael Jordan debuted as a college player for the U.S. national basketball team at the Pan American Games in Caracas, Venezuela, leading the team to a gold medal with 17.3 ppg.
1983: NCAA All-American First Team
In 1983, Michael Jordan was selected by consensus to the NCAA All-American First Team.
1983: Pan American Games Gold Medal
In 1983, Michael Jordan was selected to play for the United States national team and won a gold medal at the Pan American Games.
November 1984: Jordan Compared to Julius Erving
By November 1984, during his first NBA season, Michael Jordan was being compared to Julius Erving, with Larry Bird calling him the best player he had ever seen.
1984: NBA Career Start
In 1984, Michael Jordan began his NBA career, marking the start of his professional basketball journey.
1984: Joins the Bulls
In 1984, Michael Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls as the third overall draft pick and quickly became a league star.
1984: Jordan wins an Olympic Gold Medal
In 1984, Michael Jordan was part of the U.S. men's basketball team that won the Olympic gold medal.
1984: Air Jordan Signature Shoe Created
In 1984, Nike created a signature shoe for Michael Jordan called the Air Jordan. This led to popular commercials and the creation of the Jordan Brand division.
1984: Air Jordan Sneakers Introduced
In 1984, Nike's Air Jordan sneakers were introduced, fueling the success of one of the most effectively marketed athletes.
1984: Leaves UNC for NBA Draft
In 1984, after winning the Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year awards, Michael Jordan left North Carolina to enter the NBA draft.
1984: Drafted by Chicago Bulls
In 1984, the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick of the NBA draft.
1985: Rookie Season
During his rookie 1984-85 season with the Bulls, Michael Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game and helped the Bulls improve and qualify for the postseason.
April 20, 1986: Jordan Scores 63 Points Against Celtics
On April 20, 1986, Michael Jordan set a single-game playoff record of 63 points against the Boston Celtics, leading Larry Bird to describe him as "God disguised as Michael Jordan".
1986: Completes Degree at UNC
In 1986, Michael Jordan returned to North Carolina to complete his degree, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography.
1986: Prolific Scoring Season
In the 1986-87 season, Michael Jordan had one of the most prolific scoring seasons in NBA history; he became the only player other than Wilt Chamberlain to score 3,000 points in a season.
1986: Jordan's Durable Period
Starting in 1986, Michael Jordan began a long streak of consistent play, avoiding missing four or more games in a full season.
1987: Jordan Wins Slam Dunk Contest
In 1987, Michael Jordan won the Slam Dunk Contest championship, showcasing his athletic leaping ability.
1987: First League MVP Award
In the 1987-88 season, Michael Jordan led the league in scoring and won his first league MVP Award and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
1988: League Scoring Leader
During the 1988-89 season, Michael Jordan again led the league in scoring, averaging 32.5 ppg.
1988: Jordan's Field Goal Percentage
In 1988, Michael Jordan began a series of seasons with at least 50% shooting, part of his overall effective field goal percentage of 51%.
1988: Jordan Wins Defensive Player and MVP Awards
In 1988, Michael Jordan won both the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards, setting seasonal and career records for blocked shots by a guard.
1988: Jordan Wins Slam Dunk Contest
In 1988, Michael Jordan won the Slam Dunk Contest championship, showcasing his athletic leaping ability.
1989: Jordan Improves Three Point Shooting
In 1989, Michael Jordan improved his three-point shooting. During the 1989–90 season he shot 37% from three.
1989: Team on the Rise
The Bulls entered the 1989-90 season as a team on the rise, with their core group of Jordan and young improving players like Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, and under the guidance of new coach Phil Jackson.
March 28, 1990: Career-High 69 Points
On March 28, 1990, Michael Jordan scored a career-high 69 points in a 117–113 road win over the Cavaliers.
1990: Jordan's Performance and Bulls' Success in 1990-91 Season
In 1990, Michael Jordan averaged 31.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 53.9%, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 5.5 assists per game, leading to his second MVP award. The Chicago Bulls finished first in their division for the first time in sixteen years and achieved a franchise record of 61 wins during the regular season.
1990: "Republicans buy sneakers, too"
In 1990, Michael Jordan declined to endorse Democratic candidate Harvey Gantt in his race against incumbent U.S. Senator Jesse Helms, reportedly remarking, "Republicans buy sneakers, too." He later clarified it was a joke.
1990: Acquisition of Nissan Dealership
In 1990, Michael Jordan's automotive group acquired a Nissan dealership in Durham, North Carolina, expanding his business ventures beyond sports.
1990: Bulls' franchise record in 1990
In 1990, the Chicago Bulls set a franchise record with 61 wins during the regular season.
1991: Alleged Affair with Karla Knafel
In 1991, Karla Knafel claimed to be pregnant, and a DNA test showed that Jordan was not the father of the child. Jordan allegedly paid Knafel $250,000 to keep their relationship a secret, but she later claimed he promised her $5 million.
1991: Bulls' Dominance and Jordan's Second MVP Award in 1991-92
In 1991, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls established a 67-15 record, surpassing their previous franchise record. Jordan won his second consecutive MVP award, averaging 30.1 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game and 6.1 assists per game.
1991: First NBA Title
In 1991, Michael Jordan won his first NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
1991: "Be Like Mike" Commercials for Gatorade
Since 1991, Michael Jordan has appeared in over 20 commercials for Gatorade, including the "Be Like Mike" commercials in which a song was sung by children wishing to be like Jordan.
1992: Jordan's First Game 7 Since 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals
After winning, the Bulls moved on for a rematch with the Jazz in the Finals and was the first time Michael Jordan had played in a Game 7 since the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals with the New York Knicks.
1992: Second NBA Title
In 1992, Michael Jordan and the Bulls won their second NBA title.
1992: Jordan Appears in Super Bowl Commercial and Music Video
In 1992, Michael Jordan appeared in a Nike commercial with Bugs Bunny during Super Bowl XXVI and also made an appearance in the music video for Michael Jackson's "Jam".
1992: Jordan Improves Three Point Shooting
In 1992, Michael Jordan continued to improve his three-point shooting. During the 1992–93 season he shot 35% from three.
1992: Jordan's performance during the 1992-93 season
In 1992, Michael Jordan had a campaign with 32.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, and 5.5 apg, including a second-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
1992: Jordan's Field Goal Percentage
In 1992, Michael Jordan had consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting, contributing to his overall effective field goal percentage of 51%.
1992: Jordan wins an Olympic Gold Medal
In 1992, Michael Jordan was part of the U.S. men's basketball team that won the Olympic gold medal.
July 23, 1993: Murder of Jordan's Father on July 23, 1993
On July 23, 1993, James R. Jordan Sr., Michael Jordan's father, was murdered at a highway rest area in Lumberton, North Carolina. Two teenagers carjacked his Lexus, and his body was later found in a South Carolina swamp.
October 6, 1993: Jordan Announces His Retirement on October 6, 1993
On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from basketball, citing a loss of desire to play. He later attributed the decision partly to the murder of his father.
1993: Rumors of Secret Suspension for Gambling
David Stern, the commissioner of the NBA, denied in 1995 and 2006 that Michael Jordan's 1993 retirement was a secret suspension by the league for gambling, but the rumor spread widely.
1993: Jordan Seen Gambling in Atlantic City
During the 1993 NBA playoffs, Michael Jordan was observed gambling in Atlantic City, raising questions about his behavior during a crucial time in his career.
1993: Third NBA Championship and Finals MVP for Jordan in 1993
In 1993, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their third NBA championship. Jordan achieved a Finals-record 41.0 points per game during the six-game series and won his third consecutive Finals MVP award.
1993: Third NBA Title and First Retirement
In 1993, Michael Jordan won his third consecutive NBA title with the Bulls and then abruptly retired to play Minor League Baseball.
November 1, 1994: Jordan's Number Retired and Sculpture Erected on November 1, 1994
On November 1, 1994, the Chicago Bulls retired Michael Jordan's No. 23 in a ceremony that included the unveiling of a permanent sculpture known as The Spirit outside the new United Center.
1994: Jordan's three point shooting
In 1994, Michael Jordan had a period of improved three point shooting.
1994: Jordan's previous comeback
In 1994, Michael Jordan had previously returned from his first retirement.
March 18, 1995: Jordan Announces NBA Comeback on March 18, 1995
On March 18, 1995, Michael Jordan announced his return to the NBA with a two-word press release: "I'm back."
March 28, 1995: Jordan Scores 55 Points Against Knicks on March 28, 1995
On March 28, 1995, Michael Jordan scored 55 points against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
1995: Jordan Trains Aggressively for the 1995-96 Season
After the playoff defeat, in 1995, Michael Jordan trained aggressively for the 1995–96 season.
1995: Return to the Bulls
In 1995, Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls after his stint in Minor League Baseball.
1995: Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
In 1995, Michael Jordan's automotive group added a Lincoln-Mercury dealership to its portfolio, diversifying his business interests further.
1995: NBA Denies Suspension Rumors
In 1995, NBA commissioner David Stern denied rumors that Michael Jordan's 1993 retirement was due to a secret suspension by the league for gambling.
September 1996: Jordan Named Greatest Athlete of Past 50 Years
In the September 1996 issue of Sport, Michael Jordan was named the greatest athlete of the past 50 years.
1996: David Thompson Presents Jordan at Hall of Fame
In 1996, David Thompson presented Michael Jordan at the Hall of Fame. Jordan had selected Thompson, a Class of 1996 member, to present him.
1996: Fourth NBA Title
In 1996, Michael Jordan led the Bulls to their fourth NBA championship and a then-record 72 regular season wins.
1996: Release of Space Jam
In 1996, Michael Jordan starred as himself in the comedy film "Space Jam". Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box office success, grossing $230 million worldwide and generating over $1 billion in merchandise sales.
1996: Jordan Named One of 50 Greatest Players
In 1996, Michael Jordan was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
1996: Bulls End Season with 69-13 Record in 1996-97
In the 1996-97 season, the Bulls concluded the season with a 69-13 record, narrowly missing a second consecutive 70-win season.
1997: Filming for The Last Dance
During the 1997–98 NBA season, an NBA Entertainment crew shot approximately 500 hours of candid film of Michael Jordan and his teammates' off-court activities for use in a future documentary, which eventually became "The Last Dance" released in 2020.
1997: Fifth NBA Title
In 1997, Michael Jordan and the Bulls secured their fifth NBA championship.
1997: Jordan's three point shooting
In 1997, Michael Jordan had a period of improved three point shooting.
1997: Bulls' 62-20 Record and Jordan's MVP Award in 1997-98
In the 1997-98 season, the Bulls achieved a 62-20 record. Michael Jordan led the league with 28.7 points per game, earning his fifth regular season MVP award.
June 14, 1998: Jordan's Clutch Performance in Game 6 on June 14, 1998
On June 14, 1998, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan executed a series of plays that are considered to be one of the greatest clutch performances in NBA Finals history.
1998: Jordan's Clutch Performance
By 1998, Michael Jordan was well known throughout the league as a clutch performer, highlighted by his Finals-winning shot against the Jazz.
1998: Jordan's Advice to Abe Pollin During 1998 Labor Dispute
During the 1998 labor dispute, Michael Jordan told Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin, "If you can't make a profit, you should sell your team."
1998: Sixth NBA Title
In 1998, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their sixth NBA championship.
1998: Jordan's Game-Winning Shot and Sixth Championship in 1998
In 1998, Michael Jordan made the climactic shot of his Bulls career, a top-key jumper over Bryon Russell, securing the Bulls' sixth NBA championship. He was also voted Finals MVP for a record sixth time.
1998: Jordan's Autobiography 'For the Love of the Game' in 1998
In 1998, Michael Jordan wrote in his autobiography 'For the Love of the Game' by Michael Jordan that he was preparing for retirement as early as the summer of 1992.
1998: Focus of Michael Jordan to the Max
The 1998 NBA playoffs with the Chicago Bulls, which were covered in the 2000 IMAX documentary "Michael Jordan to the Max", became a significant focus of Michael Jordan's career retrospectives.
1998: Game-worn Jersey from 1998 NBA Finals
The game-worn jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals was eventually sold for $10.1 million dollars in September 2022, making it the most expensive game-worn memorabilia in history.
January 13, 1999: Jordan's Second Retirement on January 13, 1999
On January 13, 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time due to Phil Jackson's contract expiring, the pending departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and an owner-induced lockout of NBA players.
January 1999: Jordan Claims He's Unlikely to Return to the NBA
In January 1999, Michael Jordan claimed he was "99.9% certain" he would never play another NBA game, indicating a seeming finality to his basketball career at the time.
December 1999: Jordan Ranked Among Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century
In December 1999, Michael Jordan placed second to Babe Ruth in the Associated Press' list of 20th-century athletes and was voted the greatest basketball player of the 20th century by the same organization.
1999: Second Retirement
In 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time from the NBA.
1999: Greatest North American Athlete
In 1999, Michael Jordan was named the 20th century's greatest North American athlete by ESPN.
January 19, 2000: Jordan Returns as Part Owner and President of Basketball Operations on January 19, 2000
On January 19, 2000, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA as part owner and president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards.
2000: Release of Michael Jordan to the Max
In 2000, Michael Jordan was the subject of an IMAX documentary, "Michael Jordan to the Max", focusing on his career with the Chicago Bulls, particularly the 1998 NBA playoffs.
September 25, 2001: Jordan Announces NBA Return with the Wizards
On September 25, 2001, Michael Jordan announced his return to the NBA, joining the Washington Wizards and pledging his salary to 9/11 relief efforts.
2001: Jordan's Dominance Compared to O'Neal
During the 2001 NBA Finals, Phil Jackson compared Michael Jordan's dominance to Shaquille O'Neal, noting Jordan's ability to overcome fouls and still perform at a high level.
2001: Inaugural Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational
In 2001, Michael Jordan initiated the annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament, dedicated to raising funds for various charitable causes.
2001: Jordan's Knee Injury
In 2001, Michael Jordan injured his right knee, missing several games.
2001: Jordan's Criticism of Kwame Brown
In 2001, Michael Jordan openly criticized Kwame Brown, the number-one draft pick, citing a lack of focus and intensity.
2001: Joins Washington Wizards
In 2001, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA for two seasons as a member of the Washington Wizards.
2001: Wizards Draft Kwame Brown in 2001
In 2001, as president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards, Michael Jordan used the first pick in the NBA draft to select high school student Kwame Brown.
January 4, 2002: Jordans File for Divorce
On January 4, 2002, Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple later reconciled.
2002: Greatest Athlete in ACC History
In 2002, Michael Jordan was selected to the ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball team and named the greatest athlete in ACC history.
2002: Possible Influence in Trade
In 2002, Michael Jordan's previous tenure had mixed results and may have influenced the trade of Richard "Rip" Hamilton for Jerry Stackhouse, although Jordan was not technically the Director of Basketball Operations at the time.
2002: Recognition of Jordan's Final Season
In 2002, tributes were paid throughout the NBA in recognition that the 2002–03 season would be Michael Jordan's final season.
February 21, 2003: Jordan Scores 43 Points at Age 40
On February 21, 2003, Michael Jordan became the first 40-year-old to score 43 points in an NBA game.
April 16, 2003: Jordan's Final NBA Game
On April 16, 2003, Michael Jordan played his final NBA game in Philadelphia, receiving a three-minute standing ovation after being intentionally fouled so he could leave the game.
May 7, 2003: Jordan Fired by Wizards Owner
On May 7, 2003, Abe Pollin, the owner of the Washington Wizards, fired Michael Jordan from his position as Director of Basketball Operations after his third retirement from playing.
2003: Third Retirement
In 2003, Michael Jordan retired for the third and final time from the NBA.
2003: Retirement from NBA
In 2003, Michael Jordan retired from the NBA, ending his illustrious professional basketball career.
2004: Jordan Owned Michael Jordan Motorsports
In 2004, Michael Jordan founded Michael Jordan Motorsports, a professional motorcycle road racing team.
June 15, 2006: Jordan Buys Stake in Charlotte Bobcats
On June 15, 2006, Michael Jordan purchased a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats (later known as the Hornets since 2013), becoming the team's second-largest shareholder and taking control of basketball operations.
December 29, 2006: Jordan's Divorce from Juanita Finalized
On December 29, 2006, Michael Jordan's divorce from Juanita Vanoy was finalized. Juanita received a $168 million settlement, which was the largest celebrity divorce settlement on public record at the time.
2006: Part-Owner of Charlotte Hornets
In 2006, Michael Jordan became part-owner and head of basketball operations for the Charlotte Hornets (then named the Bobcats).
2006: NBA Again Denies Suspension Rumors
In 2006, NBA commissioner David Stern again denied rumors that Michael Jordan's 1993 retirement was due to a secret suspension by the league for gambling.
2008: Endorsement Income
In 2008, Michael Jordan's yearly income from endorsements was estimated to be over $40 million, demonstrating his continued marketability and brand power.
2008: Chief Wish Ambassador
In 2008, The Make-A-Wish Foundation named Michael Jordan its Chief Wish Ambassador, recognizing his long-standing support for the organization.
June 2009: Earnings Period
Between June 2009 and June 2010, Michael Jordan earned $55 million, contributing to his ranking as the 20th most powerful celebrity according to Forbes.
August 2009: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Opens Jordan Exhibit
In August 2009, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame opened an exhibit dedicated to Michael Jordan, honoring his career and achievements.
September 2009: Jordan's Hall of Fame Induction Speech
In September 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and gave an emotional induction speech. During the speech, Stephan Savoia, an Associated Press photographer, captured Jordan crying, which later became the "Crying Jordan" meme on social media.
2009: Hall of Fame Induction
In 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career.
2009: Closure of Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
In 2009, Michael Jordan's Lincoln-Mercury dealership closed, marking a change in his automotive business ventures.
February 2010: Jordan Seeks Majority Ownership of Bobcats
In February 2010, it was reported that Michael Jordan was seeking majority ownership of the Charlotte Bobcats. Jordan and former Houston Rockets president George Postolos were the leading contenders for ownership of the team, and on February 27 an agreement was reached for Jordan to buy the team.
June 2010: Forbes Ranking
In June 2010, Forbes ranked Michael Jordan as the 20th most powerful celebrity in the world, reporting earnings of $55 million between June 2009 and June 2010.
2010: Controlling Interest in Hornets
In 2010, Michael Jordan bought a controlling interest in the Charlotte Hornets.
2010: Hall of Fame Induction
In 2010, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team ("The Dream Team").
2010: Director Dismisses Suspension Theory
In 2010, Ron Shelton, director of Jordan Rides the Bus, stated that he had initially believed Michael Jordan's 1993 retirement was a result of an NBA suspension, but his research convinced him it was not true.
2011: Jordan Advocates for Hardline Stance During NBA Lockout
During the 2011 NBA lockout, Michael Jordan reportedly led a group of hardline owners who wanted to cap the players' share of basketball-related income. This led to accusations of hypocrisy due to his previous player status.
2011: Bobcats Post Worst Record in NBA History
During the 2011–12 NBA season, shortened by a lockout, the Charlotte Bobcats, owned by Michael Jordan, had a 7–59 record, the worst winning percentage (.106) in NBA history, ending the season with a 23-game losing streak.
April 27, 2013: Jordan Marries Yvette Prieto
On April 27, 2013, Michael Jordan married Yvette Prieto at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.
November 30, 2013: Jordan and Prieto Expecting First Child
On November 30, 2013, it was announced that Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto were expecting their first child together.
2013: End of Michael Jordan Motorsports
At the end of the 2013 season, Michael Jordan's professional closed-course motorcycle road racing team, Michael Jordan Motorsports, ceased operations.
2013: 200th Wish Granted
In 2013, Michael Jordan granted his 200th wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, highlighting his continued involvement with the organization.
2013: Charlotte Bobcats Rebranded as Hornets
In 2013, the Charlotte Bobcats were renamed to the Charlotte Hornets. Michael Jordan was a shareholder in the team at the time.
February 11, 2014: Prieto Gives Birth to Twin Daughters
On February 11, 2014, Yvette Prieto gave birth to identical twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel, with Michael Jordan.
June 2014: Billionaire Status
In June 2014, Michael Jordan became the first NBA player to achieve billionaire status after increasing his stake in the Charlotte Hornets to 89.5%.
2014: First Billionaire NBA Player
In 2014, Michael Jordan became the first billionaire player in NBA history.
2014: Final Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational
In 2014, the final Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament was held, concluding a series of events that raised money for charities from 2001 to 2014.
2015: Highest Retired Athlete Income
In 2015, Michael Jordan's income was an estimated $110 million, making him the highest-paid retired athlete at that time, primarily from Jordan Brand income and endorsements.
2015: Golden State Warriors break Bulls' Record in 2015-16
Two decades later in 2015, the Golden State Warriors broke The Bulls' record with the best regular season in NBA history, 72–10.
2016: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2016, Michael Jordan was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, recognizing his contributions to sports and American culture.
2016: Donations to NAACP and Institute for Community-Police Relations
In 2016, amid public unrest, Michael Jordan made $1 million donations each to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Institute for Community-Police Relations to foster trust between communities and law enforcement.
2017: Highest Career Earnings
In 2017, Forbes designated Michael Jordan as the athlete with the highest career earnings, solidifying his financial legacy.
2017: Funding for Novant Health Clinics
In 2017, Michael Jordan donated $7 million to fund two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking his biggest donation to that point.
2018: Steakhouse Closure
In 2018, Michael Jordan's steakhouse located in New York City's Grand Central Terminal closed, ending his venture in the restaurant industry at that location.
2019: Funds Raised for Make-A-Wish
As of 2019, Michael Jordan had raised more than $5 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, demonstrating his significant contribution to the charity.
2019: Jordan Sells Minority Stake in Hornets
During the 2019 NBA offseason, Michael Jordan sold a minority piece of the Charlotte Hornets to Gabe Plotkin and Daniel Sundheim, retaining the majority stake for himself, as well as the role of chairman.
2019: Hurricane Dorian Relief Donation
In 2019, Michael Jordan donated $1 million to aid the Bahamas' recovery following Hurricane Dorian, supporting disaster relief efforts.
June 5, 2020: $100 Million Pledge
On June 5, 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Michael Jordan and his brand announced a joint commitment to donate $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations focused on racial equality, social justice, and access to education.
September 2020: Investment and Advisor for DraftKings
In September 2020, Michael Jordan became an investor and advisor for DraftKings, marking his entry into the sports betting industry.
September 21, 2020: Jordan and Hamlin Announce NASCAR Team
On September 21, 2020, Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin announced they would be fielding a NASCAR Cup Series team with Bubba Wallace driving, beginning competition in the 2021 season.
2020: The Last Dance Documentary
In 2020, Michael Jordan was the focus of the Emmy-winning documentary series The Last Dance.
2020: Jordan Claims Food Poisoning in The Last Dance in 2020
In the 2020 docuseries "The Last Dance", Michael Jordan claimed his illness during "The Flu Game" was due to food poisoning.
February 2021: Novant Health Clinic Funding
In February 2021, Michael Jordan provided $10 million to fund two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in New Hanover County, North Carolina.
October 2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, Michael Jordan was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing him as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
2021: Jordan Selected to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Michael Jordan was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: 23XI Racing Begins Competition
In 2021, Michael Jordan's NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, began competition in the NASCAR Cup Series with Bubba Wallace driving.
2021: Ticket Stub Auction Record
In 2021, a ticket stub from Michael Jordan's NBA debut game on October 26, 1984, sold at auction for $264,000, setting a record for a collectible ticket stub.
September 2022: Jersey Sold for Record Price
In September 2022, Michael Jordan's jersey from the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals was sold for $10.1 million, setting a record as the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia in history.
December 2022: NBA Unveils MVP Trophy Named After Jordan
In December 2022, the NBA unveiled a new regular season MVP trophy named in honor of Michael Jordan. Beginning with the 2022-23 season, this trophy replaced the original trophy, named in honor of former NBA commissioner Maurice Podoloff.
2022: NBA Finals Television Ratings Lagging
As late as 2022, NBA Finals television ratings had not returned to the level reached during Michael Jordan's last championship-winning season, highlighting his lasting impact on the game's popularity.
2022: Appearance in The Captain
In 2022, Michael Jordan appeared in "The Captain", a miniseries chronicling the life and career of Derek Jeter.
August 2023: Jordan Finalizes Sale of Majority Stake in Hornets
In August 2023, Michael Jordan finalized the sale of his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets to Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall for approximately $3 billion, ending his 13-year tenure as majority owner, while retaining a minority stake.
2023: $10 Million Donation to Make-A-Wish
In 2023, Michael Jordan donated $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for his 60th birthday, furthering his commitment to the organization.
2023: Sells Stake in Hornets
In 2023, Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets.
2023: 23XI Racing Fields Third Car at Daytona 500
In 2023, Michael Jordan's NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, fielded a third car, No. 67, driven by Travis Pastrana, in the Daytona 500.
2024: Novant Health Clinic Opening
In 2024, Michael Jordan funded the opening of another Novant Health Clinic in Wilmington, further expanding access to healthcare.
2024: Study Reveals Discrepancy in Jordan's Steals Numbers
In 2024, a study by Tom Haberstroh revealed discrepancies in Michael Jordan's steals numbers, indicating potential stat inflation during the 1988 season.
May 2025: Special Contributor for NBA on NBC
In May 2025, Michael Jordan was announced as a special contributor for the revived NBA on NBC, with his role later revealed to be a segment called MJ: Insights to Excellence featuring excerpts from an interview.
December 31, 2025: Highest-Paid Athlete
As of December 31, 2025, Michael Jordan was ranked as the highest-paid athlete in history by Sportico, with earnings estimated at $4.5 billion when adjusted for inflation; the official announcement was made in April 2026.
April 2026: Highest-Paid Athlete in History
In April 2026, Sportico ranked Michael Jordan as the highest-paid athlete in history as of December 31, 2025, with earnings estimated at $4.5 billion adjusted for inflation.
2026: Net Worth Estimate
As of 2026, Forbes estimated Michael Jordan's net worth at $4.3 billion, making him the fourth-richest African-American and one of the wealthiest celebrities.
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