Michael Jordan is an expensive spokesman
By Taylor Smith
It’s no secret that Michael Jordan is a wealthy individual. In fact, thanks to MJ’s civil suit filed against a (now closed) Chicago-area food emporium, we now know that he earned more than $500 million from Nike alone from 2002 through 2012, per his lawyer. That’s a pretty healthy wad of cash!
Most legal stuff tends to be pretty boring, but an interesting tidbit did emerge from the ruckus. Apparently it’ll cost you a minimum of $10 million if you want basketball’s GOAT to hawk your product. Here’s what Jordan’s adviser testified during the trial, regarding his client’s fortune (from Complex Sports):
"Jordan protects his brand’s value by selling his image rights and endorsements as a ‘bundled” package — not for a single use — and he won’t do business with anyone unless the deal will ultimately be worth at least $10 million. He only deals with businesses that are ‘authentic’ to him and ‘add value to his brand."
$10 million as a minimum?! Good for you, MJ. This is all very Darren Rovellian, but we can surmise from this that Michael really values high-quality underwear, among other things. But, hey, at least he seems to only represent products he actually likes. Do you really think LeBron freaking James is driving around in a Kia? Nah.
In summary, it’s good to be Michael Jordan.