Michael Jordan Begged Adidas to Sign Him. They Said No. His Mom Made Him Meet Nike.

In 1984, Michael Jordan was drafted third overall by the Chicago Bulls. He was 21 years old, and he had a clear preference for his shoe deal: Adidas.

Jordan had worn Converse in college only because his coach at UNC had a sponsorship deal with the brand. Off the court, he wore Adidas. He loved Adidas.

The Rejection

After the draft, Jordan went to Adidas and asked them to sign him to an endorsement deal with his own signature shoe. Adidas was interested in Jordan as an athlete but not as a brand.

"We'd love to have Jordan," they reportedly said, "we just can't make a shoe work."

Nike, meanwhile, was desperate. Their basketball division was struggling. They offered Jordan a five-year deal worth $2.5 million plus something no other company would offer: his own signature shoe line.

The Plane

Jordan didn't want to go to the meeting. He had no interest in Nike. He didn't wear Nikes. He didn't want to be a Nike athlete.

His mother, Deloris Jordan, made him get on the plane. She physically ensured her son attended the meeting. Jordan later admitted he went "not wanting to be there."

He signed the deal.

$7 Billion

The Air Jordan line launched in 1985. By 2024, Jordan Brand generated approximately $7 billion per year in revenue. Nike has paid Michael Jordan over $2.35 billion in royalties since 1984, accounting for roughly 80% of his total career earnings.

Jordan's current net worth is approximately $3.5 billion, making him richer than the owners of most NBA teams.

Adidas said they couldn't make a shoe work. His mom made him get on the plane anyway.