History of Michael Jordan in Timeline
Michael Jordan, also known as MJ, is a celebrated American businessman and former professional basketball player. Renowned for his 15 seasons in the NBA (1984-2003), he secured six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan played a pivotal role in globalizing basketball and the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s. His outstanding athletic abilities and iconic status transformed him into a worldwide cultural phenomenon.
February 17, 1963: Michael Jordan's Birth
On February 17, 1963, Michael Jeffrey Jordan, also known as MJ, was born. He later became a professional basketball player and businessman.
1968: Family Moved to Wilmington, North Carolina
In 1968, Michael Jordan's family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina.
1975: Highest Nielsen rating game
In 1975, Michael Jordan's return to the court had the highest Nielsen rating of any regular season NBA game since 1975.
1976: ABA-NBA Merger
Since 1976, the year of the ABA–NBA merger, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are the only two players to win six NBA Finals playing for one team.
1981: Accepted Basketball Scholarship to UNC
In 1981, 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
In 1981, Michael Jordan was selected for the McDonald's All-American Game, where he scored 30 points.
1982: Game-Winning Shot in NCAA Championship
In 1982, Michael Jordan made the game-winning jump shot in the NCAA Championship game against Georgetown, which he later described as a major turning point in his basketball career.
1982: National Championship with North Carolina Tar Heels
In 1982, Michael Jordan, as a freshman, was a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels' national championship team.
1983: Pan American Games Gold Medal
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 in scoring with 17.3 ppg and winning the gold medal.
1983: NCAA All-American First Team Selection
In 1983, Michael Jordan was selected by consensus to the NCAA All-American First Team.
November 1984: Comparisons to Julius Erving
By November 1984, Michael Jordan was being compared to Julius Erving due to his talent in his first NBA season.
1984: Joined Chicago Bulls
In 1984, Michael Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls as the third overall draft pick and quickly became a league star.
1984: Summer Olympics Gold Medal
In 1984, Michael Jordan won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics, leading the team in scoring with 17.1 ppg.
1984: Creation of Air Jordan Shoe
In 1984, Nike created a signature shoe for Michael Jordan, called the Air Jordan. Hype and demand for the shoes even brought on a spate of "shoe-jackings".
1984: Introduction of Air Jordan Sneakers
In 1984, Nike introduced Air Jordan sneakers, which were endorsed by Michael Jordan and became very successful.
April 20, 1986: 63 Points Against the Boston Celtics
On April 20, 1986, after Michael Jordan established the single game playoff record of 63 points against the Boston Celtics, Larry Bird described him as "God disguised as Michael Jordan".
1986: Returned from Injury for Postseason
After recovering from a broken foot, Michael Jordan returned in time for the 1986 postseason. Despite the Bulls' record, Jordan performed well, although the Celtics swept the series.
1986: Graduated from North Carolina
In 1986, Michael Jordan returned to North Carolina to complete his degree, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography.
1986: Start of Full Seasons Without Missing Games
Starting in 1986-87, Michael Jordan did not miss four or more games in a full season until 2001-02, showcasing his durability.
1987: Led League in Scoring
In 1987, Michael Jordan led the league in scoring and won his first league MVP Award.
1987: Slam Dunk Contest championship
In 1987, Michael Jordan won the Slam Dunk Contest championship. His athletic leaping ability influenced a generation of young players.
1988: Led League in Scoring
In 1988, Michael Jordan again led the league in scoring, averaging 32.5 ppg, along with 8.0 rpg and 8.0 apg. He had 10 triple-doubles in 11 games as a point guard.
1988: High Shooting Percentage Seasons
In 1988, Michael Jordan began a streak of five consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting.
1988: Back-to-Back Slam Dunk Contest Championships
In 1988, Michael Jordan secured his second consecutive Slam Dunk Contest championship. This display of athleticism influenced a generation of young players.
1988: NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
In 1988, Michael Jordan was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
1988: NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player
In 1988, Michael Jordan won both the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and the Most Valuable Player awards, becoming the first NBA player to win both in a career, let alone a single season.
1989: Improved Three-Point Shooting
In the 1989–90 season, Michael Jordan improved his three-point shooting, achieving 37%.
1989: Bulls entered season as a team on the rise
The Bulls entered the 1989 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: Acquisition of Nissan dealership in Durham, North Carolina
In 1990, Michael Jordan acquired a Nissan dealership in Durham, North Carolina, as part of his automotive group.
1990: Jordan wins second MVP award
In 1990, Michael Jordan won his second MVP award, averaging 31.5 points per game with a 53.9% shooting accuracy, alongside 6.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists for the regular season. The Bulls finished first in their division for the first time in sixteen years, achieving a franchise record of 61 wins. With Scottie Pippen's emergence as an All-Star, the Bulls' performance improved significantly.
1990: Bulls reach franchise record
In 1990, The Chicago Bulls set a franchise record with 61 wins in the regular season, marking a significant milestone in the team's history.
1991: Alleged Relationship and Paternity Suit
In 1991, Karla Knafel claimed Michael Jordan promised her $5 million for remaining silent and agreeing not to file a paternity suit after Knafel learned she was pregnant.
1991: Bulls dominate and Jordan wins second MVP in a row
In 1991, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls continued their dominance, establishing a 67–15 record. Jordan won his second consecutive MVP award with averages of 30.1 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, and 6.1 assists per game on 52% shooting. The Bulls defeated the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs and advanced to the NBA Finals against Clyde Drexler and the Portland Trail Blazers.
1991: First NBA Title with the Chicago Bulls
In 1991, Michael Jordan won his first NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
1991: Appeared in Gatorade Commercials
Since 1991, Michael Jordan appeared in over 20 commercials for Gatorade, including the "Be Like Mike" commercials.
1992: Nike commercial during Super Bowl XXVI and Michael Jackson's "Jam" music video
In 1992, Michael Jordan appeared in a Nike commercial with Bugs Bunny during Super Bowl XXVI, playing basketball, and he also made an appearance in the music video for Michael Jackson's "Jam".
1992: High Shooting Percentage Seasons
In 1992, Michael Jordan ended a streak of five consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting.
1992: Jordan loses MVP streak
In 1992, Michael Jordan had a strong season with 32.6 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, and 5.5 assists per game. Despite his performance, Jordan's streak of consecutive MVP seasons ended as he lost the award to his friend Charles Barkley.
1992: Game 7 versus New York Knicks
In 1992, Michael Jordan played in a Game 7 during the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks.
1992: Dream Team Career
In 1992, Michael Jordan was a part of the "Dream Team". Items from this career were displayed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2009.
1992: NBA Title with the Chicago Bulls
In 1992, Michael Jordan won another NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
1992: Improved Three-Point Shooting
In the 1992–93 season, Michael Jordan improved his three-point shooting, achieving 35%.
1992: Olympic Gold Medal
Michael Jordan won a gold medal with the 1992 U.S. men's basketball team.
July 23, 1993: Murder of James R. Jordan Sr.
On July 23, 1993, Michael Jordan's father, James R. Jordan Sr., was murdered at a highway rest area in Lumberton, North Carolina, by two teenagers, Daniel Green and Larry Martin Demery. They carjacked his Lexus, and his body was found in a South Carolina swamp on August 3.
October 6, 1993: Jordan announces retirement
On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from basketball, citing a loss of desire to play. He later attributed the decision to the murder of his father.
1993: Jordan wins third NBA championship
In 1993, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their third NBA championship, defeating Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals. Jordan averaged a Finals-record 41.0 points per game during the six-game series and was named Finals MVP for the third consecutive time. Jordan scored more than 30 points in every game of the series.
1993: Jordan quits baseball
In 1993, Michael Jordan decided to quit baseball because he feared he might become a replacement player during the Major League Baseball strike.
1993: Gambling allegations surface
In 1993, Michael Jordan faced scrutiny for gambling activities during the NBA playoffs, including being seen gambling in Atlantic City the night before Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks. Allegations of gambling losses and claims by author Richard Esquinas also surfaced, sparking controversy.
1993: NBA Title and First Retirement
In 1993, Michael Jordan secured a three-peat with the Chicago Bulls and then abruptly retired from basketball to play Minor League Baseball.
November 1, 1994: Jordan's number retired by the Bulls
On November 1, 1994, Michael Jordan's No. 23 was retired by the Chicago Bulls in a ceremony that included the erection of a permanent sculpture known as The Spirit outside the new United Center.
1994: Three-Point Line Movement
From 1994 to 1997, the three-point line was temporarily moved inwards, impacting Michael Jordan's shooting percentages.
1994: Bulls without Jordan
In 1994, the Chicago Bulls went 55–27 without Michael Jordan in the lineup and lost to the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs.
1994: Return from First Retirement
Michael Jordan's 2001-02 season was the fewest he had played since returning from his first retirement during the 1994-95 season.
March 1995: Return to the Chicago Bulls
In March 1995, Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls after playing Minor League Baseball.
March 1995: Jordan returns to the court
In March 1995, Michael Jordan returned to the court with the Chicago Bulls to face the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, scoring 19 points. Jordan wore No. 45, his baseball number, instead of his original number.
March 18, 1995: Jordan announces NBA comeback
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, Michael Jordan scored 55 points against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in his next game after returning.
1995: Acquisition of Lincoln-Mercury dealership
In 1995, Michael Jordan acquired a Lincoln-Mercury dealership, which was part of his automotive group.
1995: Jordan trains for the next season
In 1995, Michael Jordan was freshly motivated by the playoff defeat, and he trained aggressively for the 1995–96 season.
1995: Rumors of secret suspension
In 1995, NBA commissioner David Stern denied rumors that Michael Jordan's 1993 retirement was a secret suspension by the league for gambling.
September 1996: Named Greatest Athlete of the Past 50 Years
In the September 1996 issue of Sport, which was the publication's 50th-anniversary issue, Michael Jordan was named the greatest athlete of the past 50 years.
1996: David Thompson Class of 1996 Member
In 1996, David Thompson was part of a Hall of Fame Class. Michael Jordan selected Thompson to present him at the Hall of Fame induction in September 2009.
1996: NBA Title and Record Season Wins
In 1996, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to another championship and a then-record 72 regular-season wins.
1996: Release of Space Jam film
In 1996, Michael Jordan played himself in the comedy film Space Jam, which became a box office success.
1996: Release of the movie Space Jam
In 1996, Michael Jordan starred alongside Bugs Bunny in the live-action/animated film "Space Jam," which was set during his first retirement from basketball.
1996: Named One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History
In 1996, Michael Jordan was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team Selection
In 1996, Michael Jordan was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team.
1996: Bulls start on 69-11 record
In the 1996-97 season, the Chicago Bulls started with a 69-11 record but failed to win 70 games for the second year in a row.
1997: Filming of off-court activities for future documentary
During the 1997-98 NBA season, an NBA Entertainment crew filmed approximately 500 hours of off-court activities of Michael Jordan and his teammates, later used in the documentary "The Last Dance", released in 2020.
1997: Three-Point Line Movement
From 1994 to 1997, the three-point line was temporarily moved inwards, impacting Michael Jordan's shooting percentages.
1997: NBA Title with the Chicago Bulls
In 1997, Michael Jordan secured another NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
1997: "The Flu Game"
In 1997, during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan played despite being feverish and dehydrated from a stomach virus, known as "The Flu Game". He scored 38 points, including the game-winning three-pointer with 25 seconds remaining, leading the Bulls to a 90–88 victory.
1998: Finals-Winning Shot Against the Jazz
By 1998, during the season of his Finals-winning shot against the Jazz, Michael Jordan was well known throughout the league as a clutch performer, always asking for the ball at crunch time.
1998: Advised Wizards Owner to Sell if Unprofitable
During the labor dispute in 1998, Michael Jordan advised Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin to sell the team if he couldn't make a profit, a statement that later fueled accusations of hypocrisy during the 2011 lockout.
1998: Sixth NBA Championship
In 1998, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth NBA championship.
1998: Played the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals
In 1998, Michael Jordan played the opening game of the NBA Finals. His jersey from that game was sold for a record amount in September 2022.
1998: Autobiography published
In 1998, Michael Jordan's autobiography, "For the Love of the Game", was published. In the book, Jordan wrote that he was preparing for retirement as early as the summer of 1992.
1998: Chicago Bulls Playoff run featured in documentary
The 1998 NBA playoffs featuring Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were the focus of the IMAX documentary "Michael Jordan to the Max", released in 2000, and the later TV documentary "The Last Dance", released in 2020.
January 13, 1999: Second Retirement
On January 13, 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time due to Phil Jackson's contract expiring, the looming departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and an owner-induced lockout of NBA players.
January 1999: Second Retirement
In January 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time from the NBA.
January 1999: Interest in Another Comeback
In January 1999, despite claiming he was "99.9% certain" he would never play another NBA game, Michael Jordan expressed interest in making another comeback.
December 1999: Ranked Among the Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century
In December 1999, Michael Jordan was ranked as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century by ESPN and the Associated Press, solidifying his legacy as a basketball icon.
1999: Greatest North American Athlete of the 20th Century
In 1999, Michael Jordan was named the 20th century's greatest North American athlete by ESPN.
January 19, 2000: Return to NBA as Part Owner and President of Basketball Operations for the Washington Wizards
On January 19, 2000, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA, not as a player, but as part owner and president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards, controlling all aspects of the team's basketball operations and personnel matters.
2000: Release of IMAX documentary Michael Jordan to the Max
In 2000, Michael Jordan was the subject of an IMAX documentary, "Michael Jordan to the Max," about his career with the Chicago Bulls, especially the 1998 NBA playoffs.
September 25, 2001: Announcement of Return to NBA with Washington Wizards
On September 25, 2001, Michael Jordan announced his return to the NBA to play for the Washington Wizards, with the intention of donating his salary to a relief effort for the victims of the September 11 attacks.
2001: Comparison to Shaquille O'Neal
During the 2001 NBA Finals, Phil Jackson compared Michael Jordan's dominance to Shaquille O'Neal, stating that Jordan would get fouled on every play and still have to play through it.
2001: Hosted annual golf tournament
From 2001 to 2014, Michael Jordan hosted the annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament, raising money for various charities.
2001: Kwame Brown Drafted by Wizards
In 2001, Kwame Brown was drafted as the number-one pick by the Wizards.
2001: Return to NBA with Washington Wizards
In 2001, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA for two seasons as a member of the Washington Wizards.
2001: End of Full Seasons Without Missing Games
Starting in 1986-87, Michael Jordan did not miss four or more games in a full season until 2001-02, showcasing his durability.
January 4, 2002: Filed for Divorce from Juanita Vanoy
On January 4, 2002, Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, but later reconciled.
2002: Named to ACC 50th Anniversary Men's Basketball Team
In 2002, Michael Jordan was named to the ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball team, honoring the 50 greatest players in ACC history.
2002: Potential Influence on Wizards Trade
In 2002, Michael Jordan's previous tenure may have influenced the Washington Wizards' trade of Richard "Rip" Hamilton for Jerry Stackhouse, though Jordan was not technically Director of Basketball Operations at the time.
2002: Jordan's Final Season Recognition
Throughout the NBA during the 2002-03 season, tributes were paid to Michael Jordan in recognition of it being his final season.
February 21, 2003: Jordan Scores 43 Points at 40 Years Old
On February 21, 2003, Michael Jordan became the first 40-year-old to tally 43 points in an NBA game while playing for the Washington Wizards.
April 16, 2003: Jordan's Final NBA Game
On April 16, 2003, Michael Jordan played in his final NBA game in Philadelphia, scoring 13 points and receiving a standing ovation as he left the court.
May 7, 2003: Fired by the Wizards
On May 7, 2003, Michael Jordan was fired from his role as Director of Basketball Operations with the Washington Wizards by owner Abe Pollin.
2003: Final NBA Season
In 2003, Michael Jordan played his final NBA season as a member of the Washington Wizards.
2004: Founded Michael Jordan Motorsports
Since 2004, Michael Jordan has owned Michael Jordan Motorsports, a professional closed-course motorcycle road racing team.
2005: Jordan discusses gambling
In 2005, Michael Jordan discussed his gambling habits with Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes, admitting to making reckless decisions.
June 15, 2006: Bought Stake in Charlotte Bobcats
On June 15, 2006, Michael Jordan bought a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats, becoming the team's second-largest shareholder and taking full control over basketball operations.
July 21, 2006: Ruled Not to Owe Karla Knafel Money
On July 21, 2006, a judge ruled that Michael Jordan did not owe Karla Knafel $5 million in a breach of contract claim.
December 29, 2006: Finalized Divorce from Juanita Vanoy
On December 29, 2006, Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy finalized their divorce, with Juanita reportedly receiving a $168 million settlement.
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: Stern denies suspension rumors again
In 2006, NBA commissioner David Stern again denied rumors that Michael Jordan's 1993 retirement was a secret suspension by the league for gambling.
2008: Endorsement income exceeds $40 million
In 2008, Michael Jordan's annual income from endorsements was estimated to be over $40 million.
2008: Named Chief Wish Ambassador
In 2008, the Make-A-Wish Foundation named Michael Jordan its Chief Wish Ambassador.
June 2009: Earned $55 million
Between June 2009 and June 2010, Michael Jordan earned $55 million.
June 2009: Closure of Lincoln-Mercury dealership
In June 2009, Michael Jordan's Lincoln-Mercury dealership closed.
August 2009: Michael Jordan Exhibit Opened at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In August 2009, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, opened a Michael Jordan exhibit containing items from his college and NBA careers, as well as from the 1992 "Dream Team"; the exhibit also has a batting baseball glove to signify Jordan's short career in the Minor League Baseball.
September 2009: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In September 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Hall of Fame, selecting David Thompson to present him. His emotional reaction during his speech, when Jordan began to cry, was captured by Associated Press photographer Stephan Savoia and later went viral as the "Crying Jordan" Internet meme.
2009: Induction into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.
February 2010: Sought Majority Ownership of the Bobcats
In February 2010, Michael Jordan sought and reached an agreement to buy the Charlotte Bobcats, pending NBA approval, eventually becoming the first former player to become the majority owner of an NBA team.
June 2010: Ranked as the 20th-most-powerful celebrity by Forbes
In June 2010, Forbes ranked Michael Jordan as the 20th-most-powerful celebrity in the world, estimating his earnings between June 2009 and June 2010 at $55 million.
2010: Bought Controlling Interest in Charlotte 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 and also into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
2010: Documentary questions suspension claims
In 2010, Ron Shelton, the director of Jordan Rides the Bus, stated that he initially believed the NBA had suspended Michael Jordan but later research convinced him that it was not the case.
2011: Took Hardline Stance During NBA Lockout
During the 2011 NBA lockout, Michael Jordan led a group of hardline owners seeking to cap the players' share of basketball-related income, drawing criticism and comparisons to his past statements.
2011: Bobcats 7-59 Record
During the 2011–12 NBA season that was shortened to 66 games by the lockout, the Bobcats posted a 7–59 record.
April 27, 2013: Married Yvette Prieto
On April 27, 2013, Michael Jordan married Yvette Prieto at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.
November 30, 2013: Announced Expecting First Child with Yvette Prieto
On November 30, 2013, it was announced that Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto were expecting their first child together.
2013: Michael Jordan Motorsports Ended Participation in AMA Superbike Championship
At the end of the 2013 season, Michael Jordan Motorsports ended its participation in the premier Superbike championship sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).
2013: Granted 200th wish for Make-A-Wish Foundation
In 2013, Michael Jordan granted his 200th wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
2013: Charlotte Bobcats change name to Charlotte Hornets
In 2013, the Charlotte Bobcats were renamed to the Charlotte Hornets. Michael Jordan had bought a stake in the Bobcats in June 15, 2006.
February 11, 2014: Birth of Twin Daughters
On February 11, 2014, Yvette Prieto gave birth to Michael Jordan's identical twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel.
June 2014: Named first NBA player to become a billionaire
In June 2014, Michael Jordan was named the first NBA player to become a billionaire after increasing his stake in the Charlotte Hornets from 80% to 89.5%.
2014: Final year hosting annual golf tournament
From 2001 to 2014, Michael Jordan hosted the annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament, raising money for various charities. 2014 was the last year of the tournament.
January 20, 2015: Honored as Charlotte Business Journal's Business Person of the Year for 2014
On January 20, 2015, Michael Jordan was honored with the Charlotte Business Journal's Business Person of the Year award for his achievements in 2014.
2015: FIBA Hall of Fame Induction
In 2015, Michael Jordan was inducted as an individual member of the FIBA Hall of Fame.
2015: Jordan Brand income estimated at $110 million
In 2015, Michael Jordan's income from the Jordan Brand and endorsements was estimated at $110 million, the most of any retired athlete.
2015: 72-10 record broken
In 2015, The Bulls finished with the best regular season record in NBA history, 72–10, a mark broken two decades later by the 2015–16 Golden State Warriors.
2016: First Billionaire Player in NBA History
In 2016, Michael Jordan became the first billionaire player in NBA history and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
2016: Honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2016, President Barack Obama honored Michael Jordan with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
2017: Designated as athlete with highest career earnings
In 2017, Forbes designated Michael Jordan as the athlete with the highest career earnings.
2017: Funding of Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics
In 2017, Michael Jordan funded two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a $7 million donation.
2018: Closure of steakhouse in New York City
In 2018, the steakhouse owned by Michael Jordan in New York City's Grand Central Terminal closed.
2019: Raised more than $5 million for Make-A-Wish Foundation
As of 2019, Michael Jordan has raised more than $5 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
2019: Jordan sold a minority piece of the Hornets
During the 2019 NBA offseason, Jordan sold a minority piece of the Hornets to Gabe Plotkin and Daniel Sundheim, retaining the majority for himself, as well as the role of chairman.
2019: $1 million donation for Hurricane Dorian relief
In 2019, Michael Jordan donated $1 million to aid the Bahamas' recovery following Hurricane Dorian.
May 2020: Debut of "The Last Dance" TV documentary on ESPN
In May 2020, the 10-part TV documentary "The Last Dance," which covers the 1997-98 NBA season, debuted on ESPN, providing a detailed look at Michael Jordan's life and career during that period.
June 5, 2020: $100 million donation commitment for racial equality
On June 5, 2020, Michael Jordan and his brand announced a joint commitment to donate $100 million over 10 years to organizations focused on racial equality, social justice, and education.
August 2020: Shoes from Shattered Backboard Game Auctioned
In August 2020, the shoes Michael Jordan wore during the Nike exhibition game on August 26, 1985, where he shattered a backboard, were auctioned for $615,000.
September 2020: Investor and advisor for DraftKings
In September 2020, Michael Jordan became an investor and advisor for DraftKings.
September 21, 2020: Announced NASCAR Cup Series 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: Featured in The Last Dance
In 2020, Michael Jordan was the central focus of the Emmy-winning documentary series The Last Dance.
February 2021: Funding of Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in New Hanover County
In February 2021, Michael Jordan funded two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in New Hanover County, North Carolina, with a $10 million donation.
October 2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, Michael Jordan was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection
In 2021, Michael Jordan was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Michael Jordan was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Ticket Stub Sold at Auction for Record Price
In 2021, a ticket stub from Michael Jordan's NBA debut game on October 26, 1984, sold at auction for $264,000.
2021: 23XI Racing Team Inaugural Season
In 2021, the 23XI Racing team, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, began competition in the NASCAR Cup Series with Bubba Wallace driving the No. 23 car.
September 2022: Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals Jersey Sold for Record Amount
In September 2022, Michael Jordan's jersey from the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals was sold for $10.1 million, making it the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia in history.
December 2022: NBA MVP Trophy Named in Jordan's Honor
In December 2022, the NBA unveiled a new MVP trophy named in Michael Jordan's honor, replacing the original trophy to be awarded beginning with the 2022–23 season.
2022: NBA Finals Television Ratings Still Below Jordan Era Levels
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 sport's popularity.
2022: Appearance in "The Captain" miniseries
In 2022, Michael Jordan appeared in the miniseries "The Captain," which follows the life and career of Derek Jeter.
2022: 23XI Racing Added Second Car
In 2022, the 23XI Racing team added a second car, No. 45, driven by Kurt Busch, and also had Ty Gibbs, John Hunter Nemechek, and Daniel Hemric as substitute drivers.
August 2023: Finalized Sale of Hornets Stake
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, concluding his 13-year tenure as majority owner while retaining a minority stake.
2023: 23XI Racing Fielded Third Car and Tyler Reddick took over No. 45
In 2023, 23XI Racing fielded a third car, No. 67, driven by Travis Pastrana in the Daytona 500 and Tyler Reddick took over the No. 45 car.
2023: $10 million donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation
In 2023, Michael Jordan donated $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for his 60th birthday.
2023: Sold Majority Stake in Charlotte Hornets
In 2023, Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets.
2024: Funding of Novant Health Clinic in Wilmington
In 2024, Michael Jordan funded the opening of another Novant Health Clinic in Wilmington.
2024: Study on Jordan's Steals Numbers
In 2024, a study by Tom Haberstroh examined the large discrepancy between Michael Jordan's steals numbers at home versus on the road during the 1988 season, revealing that there were games where Jordan was often credited with steals that could not have happened.
2024: Juanita Vanoy Divorce Settlement Equivalent
The $168 million settlement Juanita received during her divorce from Michael Jordan on December 29, 2006, was equivalent to $262 million in 2024.
2025: Net worth estimated at $3.5 billion
As of 2025, Forbes estimates Michael Jordan's net worth at $3.5 billion, making him one of the richest celebrities.
2025: 23XI Racing acquired a third charter
In 2025, 23XI Racing acquired a third charter from the defunct Stewart-Haas Racing, the No. 35 driven by Riley Herbst.
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