It's been a while since basketball fans last saw Michael Jordan — the greatest of all time — grace the basketball court. Yet years after his third and final retirement, we still feel his presence via his shoe company — which may also be tagged as one of the greatest sports brands in history.
Per GQ, the Jordan brand earns some $193 million ever year making it the richest shoe deal in the market. Last season, almost three-quarters of NBA players donned a Nike or Jordan sneaker.
Even despite hanging up his basketball kit for the third and final time in 2003, it seems Jordan still reigns supreme when it comes to the basketball shoe market with an estimated $193 million annually from Jordan Brand, making him the top earner among NBA player sneaker deals.
As figures from Forbes reveal, nearly three quarters of NBA players took to the court in Nike or Jordan sneakers last season.
The Jordan Brand's earnings are way ahead of the shoe deals by today's stars. LeBron James — who has a lifetime partnership with Nike — reportedly makes $47 million annually. This makes James the top seller among all active players.
Behind him is Kevin Durant, also with Nike, who earns $38 million per year. Durant initially inked a deal with the brand when he was a rookie. But as success came his way, the deal reportedly included more bonuses and incentives.
Next is Stephen Curry and Under Armour who earns $29 million. Curry inked a deal with the company in 2013. And when the sharpshooter rose to the top of the basketball ranks, Under Armour flourished as one of the top sports apparel brands.
Finally, there's the Kobe Bryant and Nike partnership which still earns $23 million per year. August 24 was called Mamba Day — which combines Bryant's jersey numbers 8 and 24 — to commemorate his legendary career.
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