The highest-paid retired athlete is none other than Michael Jordan. The six-time NBA champion and five-time MVP has an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion, according to Forbes.
Jordan’s success on the basketball court is well-documented. He led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s and is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. However, it’s his success off the court that has truly cemented his status as one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
Jordan has had a number of lucrative endorsement deals throughout his career, including with brands such as Nike, Gatorade, and Hanes. But it’s his partnership with Nike’s Jordan Brand that has been particularly lucrative. The brand, which was launched in 1985, generates more than $3 billion in annual sales and has made Jordan one of the highest-paid retired athletes of all time.
In addition to his endorsement deals, Jordan has also made smart investments. He is a part-owner of the Charlotte Hornets, and his stake in the team alone is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He also has a number of other successful investments in various industries such as restaurants, real estate and car dealerships.
Jordan’s success is not limited to his wealth, but also to his philanthropy. He has donated millions of dollars to various charities and foundations over the years, including a $7 million donation to the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Overall, Michael Jordan’s success on and off the court has cemented his status as one of the wealthiest and most successful athletes of all time. His smart investments and savvy business moves have helped him to maintain his wealth and status even after his retirement from the game. He continues to be an inspiration to many aspiring athletes and business people.