Michael Jordan Getting Merely 5 Percent Of $5.1 Billion Has $500,000 Worth Actor Confused: “You Ain’t Gonna Be Mad?”

Nithin Joseph | 21/07/2023
Michael Jordan Getting Merely 5 Percent Of $5.1 Billion Has $500,000 Worth Actor Confused: "You Ain't Gonna Be Mad?"

In 1984, Michael Jordan, with the help of his mother Deloris Jordan, negotiated the deal of a lifetime with Nike. He signed a $2,500,000 deal with the brand, that got him 5% in royalties every time a shoe or item was sold with his likeness. Fast forward 39 years, and the Jordan Brand is estimated to make $5.1 billion a year. A huge amount of money. But, this has led actor T.K. Kirkland to share a controversial opinion in an interview with RealLyfe Productions, as he is bewildered by how Jordan only gets 5%.

Jordan Brand is one of the most iconic brands in the world. With its shoes being sold everywhere, MJ’s greatness has made it a part of mainstream culture. His Airness really started a trend, as he did when he received a lifetime deal with Nike. An offer that has now been extended only to a select few. Including, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry.

Actor T.K. Kirkland doesn’t understand how Michael Jordan gets only 5% of Jordan Brand’s $5.1 billion revenue

Recently, actor T.K. Kirkland sat down for an interview where he spoke about the business world. One particular businessman he talked about was Hall of Famer, Michael Jordan. His Airness is a former NBA superstar, considered by many to be the GOAT, and known for his incredible business acumen.

What’s more, with a $2 billion empire, it’s safe to say he has found great success. However, T.K. Kirkland, who has a net worth of $500,000, believes Nike managed to pull one over Jordan. Moreover, he claims that MJ does not understand business.

He explains, that the Jordan Brand makes around $5.1 billion a year in revenue. But, thanks to the deal he cut back in 1984, the six-time NBA Champion makes only 5% of that revenue. That means Jordan rakes in close to $255 million a year, and according to Kirkland, that just doesn’t seem fair.

“To me… it’s a bad deal. Let me put this out in the universe. If you made me $5.1 billion a year, and I only gave you 5% of that $5.1 billion… you ain’t gonna be mad? If you’re not mad then you don’t understand business. Cause there is no way you can make me $5.1 billion and I only give you 5%. I just don’t think that’s fair.”

He certainly makes a fair point. But, it probably doesn’t matter too much to Jordan. Besides, even with just 5%, he is still one of the richest in the history of sports.

Jordan Nike deal coupled with his other endorsements made him one of the richest athletes in the world

Michael Jordan’s Nike deal is undoubtedly one of the most historic deals in the world of sports. It was a deal that revolutionized the sports business. It put him on the path to becoming one of the richest athletes in the world. However, it is only a small contributor to his $2 billion net worth.

The Jordan Brand aside, MJ has several endorsements with brands like Gatorade, Chevrolet, McDonald’s, and many more. This, coupled with his numerous investments and business ventures has placed him in the position he is today.

T.K. Kirkland may be right when he says Jordan deserves more. But, to question his understanding of the business world is farfetched. Especially, considering His Airness is still making the big bucks, even though he hasn’t picked up a basketball in years.

Post Edited By: Utathya Ghosh
Michael Jordan

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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