The most decorated NBA player ever, a fourteen time NBA All-Star, five time MVP, six time Finals MVP, six time Finals winner, Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player to ever live. Michael Jordan was not only a basketball player, but he was the first ever athlete to become a billionaire and only the third ever black bilionaire ever. Jordan changed the way how people play the game of basketball and the way athletes paid and how they influence people all around the world. Jordan one of the most iconic and influential athletes ever, shifted American Pop culture in the way people dress, play basketball, and how athletes are paid. Culture for athletes before Michael Jordan was a lot different than after he played. Jordan’s career changed …show more content…
Jordan’s change in the business world still is a major impact today. Jordan was a huge turning point in Nike’s career. According to Greta Jelen “Jordan was offered a 2.5 million dollar contract for 5 years.” Prior to Jordan, tennis and golf pros were the only professional athletes with their own name-branded products. This was because they competed as individuals, and even if NBA players did receive a contract it would be around 100,000 dollars. Jordan’s changed shaped how most athletes are payed and recognized today. His deal saved the Nike from bankruptcy, and now is a multi billion dollar company. Jordans change on the business culture affects how his items are being sold today. According to Leena Kim “Air Jordans are unique for their immense popularity and staying power even after all of these years.” Jordan shoes are still extremely popular to this day. Older shoes or “retros” resell for nearly double or triple the price. The most expensive Jordan sneaker today is sitting around 2.1 million dollars. Now lots of Jordan sneakers are bought online via nike or resold on external websites like StockX, GOAT, FlightClub, and more. The way Jordan changed the business world is still affecting the way athletes are getting paid and how people are buying sneakers to this