Michael Jordan Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research
Updated 1:04 PM EST, Thu January 26, 2023
Michael Jordan rises for a dunk in March 1993. A new documentary, "The Last Dance," focuses on the basketball legend and his final season with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan played 15 NBA seasons, winning six titles and five league MVPs. Many consider him the greatest player ever.
Michael Jordan rises for a dunk in March 1993. A new documentary, "The Last Dance," focuses on the basketball legend and his final season with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan played 15 NBA seasons, winning six titles and five league MVPs. Many consider him the greatest player ever.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan poses for a Little League Baseball photo in the late 1970s. Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York, but he spent almost all his childhood in Wilmington, North Carolina. Baseball was his first love.
Jordan poses for a Little League Baseball photo in the late 1970s. Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York, but he spent almost all his childhood in Wilmington, North Carolina. Baseball was his first love.
Wilmington StarNews/USA Today/Reuters
Jordan sits with his parents, Deloris and James, on the day he announced that he would be playing college basketball at the University of North Carolina.
Jordan sits with his parents, Deloris and James, on the day he announced that he would be playing college basketball at the University of North Carolina.
Wilmington StarNews/USA Today/Reuters
Jordan played basketball at Laney High School in Wilmington. He didn't make the varsity team until he was a junior, but it didn't take long for him to blossom into a star.
Jordan played basketball at Laney High School in Wilmington. He didn't make the varsity team until he was a junior, but it didn't take long for him to blossom into a star.
Dan Sears/Wilmington StarNews/USA Today/Reuters
North Carolina players huddle around head coach Dean Smith during a game against Clemson. Jordan was named ACC Freshman of the Year in 1982, but his most memorable contribution came during the NCAA Tournament.
North Carolina players huddle around head coach Dean Smith during a game against Clemson. Jordan was named ACC Freshman of the Year in 1982, but his most memorable contribution came during the NCAA Tournament.
Anthony Neste/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan shoots the game-winning jumper in the final of the 1982 NCAA Tournament. North Carolina defeated Georgetown 63-62 for its first national title since 1957.
Jordan shoots the game-winning jumper in the final of the 1982 NCAA Tournament. North Carolina defeated Georgetown 63-62 for its first national title since 1957.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
During a game against Villanova, Jordan flashes the wagging tongue that would soon become his signature.
During a game against Villanova, Jordan flashes the wagging tongue that would soon become his signature.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
In 1984, Jordan played on the team that won gold at the Summer Olympics. The team included other future NBA stars, including Patrick Ewing and Chris Mullin.
In 1984, Jordan played on the team that won gold at the Summer Olympics. The team included other future NBA stars, including Patrick Ewing and Chris Mullin.
Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the third overall pick in 1984. The first pick that year was center Akeem Olajuwon, another future Hall of Famer. The second pick was center Sam Bowie.
Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the third overall pick in 1984. The first pick that year was center Akeem Olajuwon, another future Hall of Famer. The second pick was center Sam Bowie.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Jordan does stretches during his first workout with the Bulls.
Jordan does stretches during his first workout with the Bulls.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Jordan poses for a portrait during a photo shoot in 1986.
Jordan poses for a portrait during a photo shoot in 1986.
Walter Iooss Jr./NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan signed a lucrative shoe deal with Nike after turning pro, and his first "Air Jordan" sneaker was released during his rookie season. The shoes became a smash hit, and a new version was released every year to great fanfare.
Jordan signed a lucrative shoe deal with Nike after turning pro, and his first "Air Jordan" sneaker was released during his rookie season. The shoes became a smash hit, and a new version was released every year to great fanfare.
Focus On Sport/Getty Images
Jordan rests on the bench during a game in Atlanta. Jordan was the NBA's Rookie of the Year in 1985, but the Bulls had a losing record and were swept in the first round of the playoffs.
Jordan rests on the bench during a game in Atlanta. Jordan was the NBA's Rookie of the Year in 1985, but the Bulls had a losing record and were swept in the first round of the playoffs.
Scott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan missed much of his second season with a broken foot. But he returned in time for the playoffs and put together one of his most memorable performances against the top-seeded Boston Celtics. Jordan scored 63 points in a double-overtime loss in Game 2. It remains the NBA record for most points in a playoff game. "I didn't think anyone was capable of doing what Michael has done to us," Celtics star Larry Bird said. "He is the most exciting, awesome player in the game today. I think it's just God disguised as Michael Jordan." The Celtics went on to win the title that year.
Jordan missed much of his second season with a broken foot. But he returned in time for the playoffs and put together one of his most memorable performances against the top-seeded Boston Celtics. Jordan scored 63 points in a double-overtime loss in Game 2. It remains the NBA record for most points in a playoff game. "I didn't think anyone was capable of doing what Michael has done to us," Celtics star Larry Bird said. "He is the most exciting, awesome player in the game today. I think it's just God disguised as Michael Jordan." The Celtics went on to win the title that year.
Dick Raphael/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan throws down a slam in 1987. That year he won the first of his 10 scoring titles, averaging a career-high 37.1 points per game.
Jordan throws down a slam in 1987. That year he won the first of his 10 scoring titles, averaging a career-high 37.1 points per game.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
In 1987, Jordan also made the All-NBA First Team. In 1988, he won his first league MVP award.
In 1987, Jordan also made the All-NBA First Team. In 1988, he won his first league MVP award.
Tom Berg/WireImage/Getty Images
To this day, people still talk about the 1988 NBA Dunk Contest, a memorable duel between Jordan and Dominique Wilkins. The two went tit-for-tat in the finals, with both scoring a pair of perfect 50s. In the end, it was Jordan — with the support of the hometown Chicago crowd — clinching back-to-back dunk titles.
To this day, people still talk about the 1988 NBA Dunk Contest, a memorable duel between Jordan and Dominique Wilkins. The two went tit-for-tat in the finals, with both scoring a pair of perfect 50s. In the end, it was Jordan — with the support of the hometown Chicago crowd — clinching back-to-back dunk titles.
Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated/Getty Images
Jordan celebrates after hitting a buzzer-beating basket to knock Cleveland out of the NBA playoffs in 1989. The play became known as "The Shot," and it was remembered for Jordan's fist-pump celebration and the dejection of Cleveland's Craig Ehlo.
Jordan celebrates after hitting a buzzer-beating basket to knock Cleveland out of the NBA playoffs in 1989. The play became known as "The Shot," and it was remembered for Jordan's fist-pump celebration and the dejection of Cleveland's Craig Ehlo.
Ed Wagner Jr./Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service/Getty Images
Phil Jackson became Chicago's head coach in 1989, and the Bulls continued to improve and get closer to an NBA title. Jackson was the coach for all six of the Bulls' titles.
Phil Jackson became Chicago's head coach in 1989, and the Bulls continued to improve and get closer to an NBA title. Jackson was the coach for all six of the Bulls' titles.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan and Magic Johnson battle for a rebound as the Bulls took on the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1991 NBA Finals.
Jordan and Magic Johnson battle for a rebound as the Bulls took on the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1991 NBA Finals.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
An emotional Jordan embraces the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after the Bulls defeated the Lakers to win his first NBA title.
An emotional Jordan embraces the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after the Bulls defeated the Lakers to win his first NBA title.
Ken Levine/Getty Images
Jordan famously shrugs his shoulders after hitting another 3-pointer during the 1992 NBA Finals versus Portland. Jordan was red-hot during the first half of Game 1, scoring a Finals-record 35 points on six 3-pointers. He finished the game with 39 points and the Bulls went on to win easily.
Jordan famously shrugs his shoulders after hitting another 3-pointer during the 1992 NBA Finals versus Portland. Jordan was red-hot during the first half of Game 1, scoring a Finals-record 35 points on six 3-pointers. He finished the game with 39 points and the Bulls went on to win easily.
Mike Blake/Reuters
Jordan is surrounded by fans after the Bulls defeated Portland for their second straight title. Jordan was again named Finals MVP. In fact, he was Finals MVP in all six seasons that the Bulls won the title.
Jordan is surrounded by fans after the Bulls defeated Portland for their second straight title. Jordan was again named Finals MVP. In fact, he was Finals MVP in all six seasons that the Bulls won the title.
Mark Elias/AP
Former rivals became teammates when the Summer Olympics came around in 1992. Professional players were now allowed to play in the Olympics, and the United States "Dream Team" included Jordan and Magic Johnson, seen here. The "Dream Team" was must-see television that year, and it was no surprise when it took home the gold medal.
Former rivals became teammates when the Summer Olympics came around in 1992. Professional players were now allowed to play in the Olympics, and the United States "Dream Team" included Jordan and Magic Johnson, seen here. The "Dream Team" was must-see television that year, and it was no surprise when it took home the gold medal.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan, decked out in golf gear, poses for a photo during an off-day at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Jordan remains an avid golfer to this day.
Jordan, decked out in golf gear, poses for a photo during an off-day at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Jordan remains an avid golfer to this day.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
Tragedy struck in 1993, when Jordan's father was found dead in South Carolina. Two young men were later convicted of his murder.
Tragedy struck in 1993, when Jordan's father was found dead in South Carolina. Two young men were later convicted of his murder.
Sue Ogrocki/Reuters
In October 1993, two months after his father's death and less than four months after the Bulls won their third straight title, Jordan shocked the world and announced that he was retiring. "I've always stressed to people that when I lose the sense of motivation, it's time for me to move on," he said. "I've reached the pinnacle and I've achieved a lot in a short period. I don't have anything else to prove."
In October 1993, two months after his father's death and less than four months after the Bulls won their third straight title, Jordan shocked the world and announced that he was retiring. "I've always stressed to people that when I lose the sense of motivation, it's time for me to move on," he said. "I've reached the pinnacle and I've achieved a lot in a short period. I don't have anything else to prove."
Jonathan Daniel/Allsport/Getty Images
After retiring, Jordan pursued the baseball career he envisioned when he was younger. In February 1994, Jordan signed a minor-league baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox and was assigned to their Double-A affiliate in Birmingham, Alabama. News outlets closely followed Jordan's journey, and fans came out in droves to watch him play.
After retiring, Jordan pursued the baseball career he envisioned when he was younger. In February 1994, Jordan signed a minor-league baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox and was assigned to their Double-A affiliate in Birmingham, Alabama. News outlets closely followed Jordan's journey, and fans came out in droves to watch him play.
Dave Martin/AP
Jordan leaps for a catch during a game in Winter Haven, Florida, in March 1994. He played 127 games in the minors, hitting .202 with three home runs and 55 RBIs.
Jordan leaps for a catch during a game in Winter Haven, Florida, in March 1994. He played 127 games in the minors, hitting .202 with three home runs and 55 RBIs.
Charles Krupa/AP
Jordan is joined by his children Jasmine, Marcus and Jeffrey as the Bulls retired his number in 1994.
Jordan is joined by his children Jasmine, Marcus and Jeffrey as the Bulls retired his number in 1994.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan's retirement didn't last long. With a player's strike dragging on in Major League Baseball, Jordan decided to shelve his baseball dream and come back to the Bulls in the middle of their season. He announced his return with a simple two-word fax: "I'm back."
Jordan's retirement didn't last long. With a player's strike dragging on in Major League Baseball, Jordan decided to shelve his baseball dream and come back to the Bulls in the middle of their season. He announced his return with a simple two-word fax: "I'm back."
Brian Bahr/AFP/Getty Images
When Jordan returned in 1995, he wore number 45 -— his baseball number — instead of 23. He reverted to 23 during the playoff series against Orlando, but the Bulls lost in six games.
When Jordan returned in 1995, he wore number 45 -— his baseball number — instead of 23. He reverted to 23 during the playoff series against Orlando, but the Bulls lost in six games.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan talks with Bulls teammate Scottie Pippen during a game in Vancouver, British Columbia. Jordan and Pippen were a potent 1-2 punch during the Bulls' championship years, excelling at both offense and defense. Pippen was named to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010, a year after Jordan.
Jordan talks with Bulls teammate Scottie Pippen during a game in Vancouver, British Columbia. Jordan and Pippen were a potent 1-2 punch during the Bulls' championship years, excelling at both offense and defense. Pippen was named to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010, a year after Jordan.
Andy Hayt/NBAE/Getty Images
It didn't take long for Jordan and the Bulls to reclaim their throne. In his first full season back, Jordan led the Bulls to the 1996 NBA title. They defeated Seattle in the Finals.
It didn't take long for Jordan and the Bulls to reclaim their throne. In his first full season back, Jordan led the Bulls to the 1996 NBA title. They defeated Seattle in the Finals.
Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan plays himself in the 1996 movie "Space Jam." He teamed up with the animated stars of "Looney Tunes" to defeat a team of aliens on the court.
Jordan plays himself in the 1996 movie "Space Jam." He teamed up with the animated stars of "Looney Tunes" to defeat a team of aliens on the court.
Warner Bros./Everett Collection
Pippen holds up Jordan during the famous "flu game" in the 1997 NBA Finals. Jordan was battling flu-like symptoms during Game 5, but he still went on to score 38 points and hit the game-winning 3-pointer against the Utah Jazz. (In "The Last Dance," Jordan said it was food poisoning he was suffering from, not the flu.) The Bulls went on to win Game 6 for their second straight title and their fifth of the decade.
Pippen holds up Jordan during the famous "flu game" in the 1997 NBA Finals. Jordan was battling flu-like symptoms during Game 5, but he still went on to score 38 points and hit the game-winning 3-pointer against the Utah Jazz. (In "The Last Dance," Jordan said it was food poisoning he was suffering from, not the flu.) The Bulls went on to win Game 6 for their second straight title and their fifth of the decade.
Jack Smith/AP
Jordan is guarded by a young Kobe Bryant in 1998.
Jordan is guarded by a young Kobe Bryant in 1998.
Vince Bucci/AFP/Getty Images
Jordan sinks a jumper over Utah's Bryon Russell to win the 1998 NBA Finals. It was his final shot with the Bulls.
Jordan sinks a jumper over Utah's Bryon Russell to win the 1998 NBA Finals. It was his final shot with the Bulls.
Fernando Medina/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan enjoys a cigar in the locker room after the Bulls finished off their second "three-peat" of the decade.
Jordan enjoys a cigar in the locker room after the Bulls finished off their second "three-peat" of the decade.
Mike Nelson/AFP/Getty Images
Jordan is joined by his wife, Juanita, as he announces his second retirement in January 1999. But he still had one more comeback left in him.
Jordan is joined by his wife, Juanita, as he announces his second retirement in January 1999. But he still had one more comeback left in him.
Randy Belice/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan became part owner of the NBA's Washington Wizards in 2000, and he was also the team's president of basketball operations. In 2001 he joined the team on the court, playing two more seasons before calling it quits again at the age of 40. Jordan averaged 21.2 points with the Wizards but struggled with injuries. They didn't make the playoffs in either season.
Jordan became part owner of the NBA's Washington Wizards in 2000, and he was also the team's president of basketball operations. In 2001 he joined the team on the court, playing two more seasons before calling it quits again at the age of 40. Jordan averaged 21.2 points with the Wizards but struggled with injuries. They didn't make the playoffs in either season.
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan takes the court for the final game of his career in April 2003.
Jordan takes the court for the final game of his career in April 2003.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
Jordan becomes emotional as he is inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. "The game of basketball has been everything to me," he said. "My refuge. My place I've always gone when I needed to find comfort and peace. It's been a source of intense pain and a source of most intense feelings of joy and satisfaction."
Jordan becomes emotional as he is inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. "The game of basketball has been everything to me," he said. "My refuge. My place I've always gone when I needed to find comfort and peace. It's been a source of intense pain and a source of most intense feelings of joy and satisfaction."
Brian Snyder/Reuters
Jordan hits a golf shot while playing in a pro-am event in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2010. A month earlier he bought the NBA's Charlotte franchise, becoming the second black majority owner of a major professional sports team.
Jordan hits a golf shot while playing in a pro-am event in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2010. A month earlier he bought the NBA's Charlotte franchise, becoming the second black majority owner of a major professional sports team.
Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service/Getty Images
Jordan unveils the Charlotte Bobcats' name change in 2013. They became the Charlotte Hornets.
Jordan unveils the Charlotte Bobcats' name change in 2013. They became the Charlotte Hornets.
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
In 2016, Jordan was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. President Barack Obama, a Bulls fan from Chicago, noted that people still use Jordan's name as a synonym for the best. "There is a reason you call someone the Michael Jordan of ... neurosurgery, or the Michael Jordan of rabbis, or the Michael Jordan of outrigger canoeing. ... Because Michael Jordan is the Michael Jordan of greatness," Obama said in his remarks. "He is the definition of somebody so good at what they do that everybody recognizes them. That's pretty rare."
In 2016, Jordan was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. President Barack Obama, a Bulls fan from Chicago, noted that people still use Jordan's name as a synonym for the best. "There is a reason you call someone the Michael Jordan of ... neurosurgery, or the Michael Jordan of rabbis, or the Michael Jordan of outrigger canoeing. ... Because Michael Jordan is the Michael Jordan of greatness," Obama said in his remarks. "He is the definition of somebody so good at what they do that everybody recognizes them. That's pretty rare."
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Jordan continues to promote Nike's Jordan Brand across the world. The trademark "Jumpman" logo can now be found on more than just shoes. Jordan Brand is also a clothing line, and it sponsors college sports teams and the pro soccer club Paris Saint-Germain.
Jordan continues to promote Nike's Jordan Brand across the world. The trademark "Jumpman" logo can now be found on more than just shoes. Jordan Brand is also a clothing line, and it sponsors college sports teams and the pro soccer club Paris Saint-Germain.
Jordan Brand/Getty Images
Jordan cries at <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/24/us/kobe-bryant-memorial-monday-staples-center/index.html" target="_blank">the Kobe Bryant memorial</a> in Los Angeles in February 2020. "When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died, and as I look at this arena and across the globe, a piece of you died," he told the crowd. He also joked that he might have to endure another <a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/sports/2016/04/05/crying-jordan-meme-explainer-nws-orig.cnn" target="_blank">"crying Jordan" meme</a> after his tearful tribute.
Jordan cries at the Kobe Bryant memorial in Los Angeles in February 2020. "When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died, and as I look at this arena and across the globe, a piece of you died," he told the crowd. He also joked that he might have to endure another "crying Jordan" meme after his tearful tribute.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
When 'Air Jordan' took flight
CNN  — 

Here’s a look at basketball legend and NBA superstar Michael Jordan.

Personal

Birth date: February 17, 1963

Birth place: Brooklyn, New York

Birth name: Michael Jeffrey Jordan

Father: James Jordan, business owner

Mother: Deloris (Peoples) Jordan

Marriages: Yvette Prieto (April 27, 2013-present); Juanita Vanoy (September 2, 1989-December 29, 2006, divorced)

Children: with Yvette Prieto: Victoria and Ysabel, twins; with Juanita Vanoy: Jasmine; Marcus; Jeffrey

Education: University of North Carolina, B.A., Cultural Geography, 1986

Other Facts

Led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998).

Five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and six-time NBA Finals MVP.

Played 15 NBA seasons in total: 13 with the Chicago Bulls (1984-1985 through 1992-1993, then 1994-1995 through 1997-1998) and two seasons with the Washington Wizards (2001-2002 and 2002-2003).

Has enjoyed lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, Hanes, Gatorade, Upper Deck and others.

Played in 1,072 NBA games, scored 32,292 points, and had 5,633 assists and 6,672 rebounds.

Timeline

1982-1984 - Plays for the University of North Carolina. They win the NCAA championship in 1982.

1984 - Member of the US Olympic basketball team that wins the gold medal in Los Angeles.

1984 - Is drafted by the Chicago Bulls, the third overall pick.

1992 - Member of the “Dream Team,” helps the US men’s team win the gold in the Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

1993 - Becomes the first player to be named NBA Finals MVP three years in a row.

August 3, 1993 - The body of Jordan’s father, James, is found in South Carolina. Two young men are later convicted of his murder.

October 6, 1993 - Announces his retirement from the NBA.

February 7, 1994 - Signs a free agent minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox and is assigned to their AA affiliate Birmingham Barons.

March 2, 1995 - Leaves the White Sox spring training camp.

March 18, 1995 - Announces he is rejoining the Chicago Bulls and will wear number 45. His previous number, 23, had already been retired.

1996 - Is named NBA Finals MVP, regular season MVP, and All-Star Game MVP.

1996 - Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History by the NBA.

January 13, 1999 - Announces again he is retiring from basketball and that he is “99.9%” sure that he won’t be coming back.

December 1999 - ESPN names him Athlete of the Century.

January 19, 2000 - Becomes part owner of the basketball team, the Washington Wizards.

October 30, 2001 - After resigning his position as president of basketball operations and selling his part ownership, makes a comeback playing basketball for the Washington Wizards.

April 16, 2003 - Plays his last game, against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Wizards lose 107-87 and Jordan scores 15 points.

February 1, 2004 - Founds Michael Jordan Motorsports, a motorcycle racing team.

December 13, 2007 - An Illinois appellate court rules in favor of Jordan in a dispute with a former lover who alleges he promised her $5 million to keep quiet about their affair.

January 24, 2009 - Named the new “Chief Wish Ambassador” for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Jordan will be the most prominent figure on the foundation’s new Wish Ambassador Council.

September 11, 2009 - Is inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

March 17, 2010 - The NBA’s Board of Governors approves Jordan’s purchase of the Charlotte Bobcats team, for $275 million. He becomes the second black majority owner of a major professional sports team.

February 6, 2013 - Pamela Smith files a paternity suit against Michael Jordan in Fulton County Superior Court (Georgia) claiming that Jordan is her son’s father.

March 4, 2013 - Files a dismissal to the paternity suit filed against him.

March 15, 2013 - Smith withdraws the paternity suit, without prejudice. The possibility of refiling remains, as she stands by her claim that Jordan is the father of her teenage son.

December 12, 2013 - Former Utah Jazz ball boy Preston Truman sells the shoes Jordan wore during Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals at auction for $104,765. Despite suffering flu-like symptoms, Jordan scored 38 points and led the Bulls to win the game. Afterward, Jordan autographed and gave the sneakers, Air Jordan XII’s, to Truman.

May 6, 2014 - Little, Brown and Company publishes his biography, “Michael Jordan: The Life.”

May 20, 2014 - The Charlotte Bobcats officially reclaim the Charlotte Hornets name after a long-running campaign.

November 22, 2016 - Jordan is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

October 2, 2017 - The sale of the Miami Marlins baseball team to a 16-person investment group for $1.2 billion is finalized. The investment group is led by principal owner Bruce Sherman and includes CEO Derek Jeter and Jordan – Jordan owns about 0.5%.

October 9, 2017 - Novant Health announces a $7 million gift from Jordan to open two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina.

September 18, 2018 - The Charlotte Hornets announce that Jordan, the principal owner and chairman, will donate $2 million toward the Hurricane Florence relief effort.

September 10, 2019 - Jordan announces he has pledged to donate $1 million to Hurricane Dorian relief efforts in the Bahamas.

October 18, 2019 - Jordan unveils the first of two medical clinics he has funded in Charlotte, North Carolina. The facility will offer care to Charlotte residents, including underinsured and uninsured patients.

July 29, 2020 - It is announced that Jordan and the Jordan Brand are donating $2.5 million toward fighting Black voter suppression. One million dollars is being donated to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Inc. and $1 million to the Formerly Incarcerated and Convicted People and Families Movement. The Black Voters Matter organization will receive $500,000. The commitment is part of a $100 million, 10-year pledge announced in June.

September 21, 2020 - Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin announce they will be teaming up to form a new NASCAR Cup Series team with Bubba Wallace as driver, according to an announcement by the Charlotte Hornets and Jordan’s spokeswoman, Estee Portnoy. The deal marks the first time a Black man will own a full-time race team in NASCAR’s premier series since Wendell Scott, who owned and raced his own car from the 1960s into the early 1970s.

February 15, 2021 - Jordan donates $10 million to open two new medical clinics in his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina.

October 25, 2021 - A pair of Nike Air Ships sneakers worn by Michael Jordan sell for a record-breaking $1.47 million. The basketball star wore the red and white sneakers during his fifth NBA game in his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls on November 1, 1984.

September 15, 2022 - A jersey worn by Jordan sells for a record $10.1 million. Jordan wore the Chicago Bulls jersey in Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals, the culmination of a famous season known as “The Last Dance.”

December 13, 2022 - The NBA announces that the league’s regular season MVP will now be awarded the Michael Jordan Trophy, a bronze trophy packed with details which nod to Jordan’s achievements.

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