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Michael Jordan makes history, becomes wealthiest sportsperson in America

Utkarsh Bhatla
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Michael Jordan’s brand has risen in stature ever since he stepped onto the court to play his trade.

During his playing days, Jordan was obviously the most celebrated athlete on and off the court, primarily due to his titles and his style of play.

While some players look easy on the eye and others keep on racking up those titles, Jordan was one of those select few who could manage both at the same time.

The grace with which he conducted himself on and off the court made him a world celebrity, one that people resonated with and one that people aspired to be.

His 6-0 record in the NBA finals further resurrected him as a man for the big occasion, a quality that any and everyone associated with sport adores.

Jordan’s second innings with Basketball has been even more fruitful for him, especially from a money standpoint.

The ‘Air Jordan’ is a global brand, worn by every aspiring basketball player out there and it has helped Jordan earn a fortune for himself despite having retired from the game ages ago.

His investment in the Charlotte Hornets is also bearing fruits, as NBA franchises are on the up with respect to revenue generation.

So much so that, Jordan now finds himself on the 4th spot in the Forbes’ ‘America’s wealthiest celebrities’ list’.

He is also the richest sports celebrity in that list with a net worth of $1.7 billion.

Jordan’s net worth has increased by $300 million, thanks to the increase in sales of the Air Jordan and his 90% stake in the ever improving Charlotte Hornets.

According to the Forbes magazine, Jordan’s stake in the Hornets is estimated to be worth $800 million.

George Lucas leads the pack with an estimated net worth of $5.7 billion. Tiger Woods is the only other sportsperson in the top 10, sitting at the bottom, tied for 9th place with James Patterson, having a net worth of $800 million.

The list:

1) George Lucas, $5.4 billion

2) Steven Spielberg, $3.7 billion

3) Oprah Winfrey, $2.8 billion

4) Michael Jordan, $1.7 billion

5) (tie) Kylie Jenner, $900 million

5. (tie) Jay-Z $900 million

7) David Copperfield, $875 million

8) Diddy, $825 million

9) (tie) Tiger Woods, $800 million

9) (tie) James Patterson, $800 million

Is Michael Jordan the greatest athlete of all time?

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