Legendary Athlete Michael Jordan Still Holds Crown as Richest Despite Retirement Years Ago

There are more reasons why Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time than just his record of victories on the basketball court.

Sportico released a list of the highest-paid players of all time on Thursday, with the Chicago Bulls icon, Charlotte Hornets franchise owner, and inventor of Jordan Brand at the top. Following his final Washington Wizards season in 2003, Jordan announced his retirement from competitive competition.

Jordan made an estimated $2.62 billion in inflation-adjusted profits and $2.05 billion in non-inflation-adjusted earnings after becoming pro and being selected by the Bulls as the third overall choice in the 1984 NBA Draft, according to the outlet’s estimations.

Sportico took into account the about $150 million in royalties he received from Nike in 2021, the approximately $4.7 billion in revenue generated by Jordan Brand in the most recent fiscal year, his income from his time as a basketball player, and his numerous endorsement deals. Before the 2021 season began, he and Denny Hamlin founded a NASCAR team.

By Forbes’ estimates, Jordan became a billionaire for the first time in 2014. He was the first NBA player to earn a million dollars.

The top five athletes in history by Sportico, ranked by inflation-adjusted earnings, are Tiger Woods ($2.1 billion), Arnold Palmer ($1.5 billion), Jack Nicklaus ($1.38 billion), and Cristiano Ronaldo ($1.24 billion).

The only NBA player currently playing who has made it over $1 billion is LeBron James. After accounting for inflation, his earnings amount to $1.17 billion.