Michael Jordan Still Highest Paid Athlete Thanks to Nike

Nike’s Air Jordan line keeps Michael Jordan the highest-paid athlete ever, Sportico reports. Even 23 years after retiring, Jordan’s annual royalties and deals pushed career earnings to an estimated $3.28 billion, or $4.5 billion adjusted for inflation. Only Tiger Woods, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James top $2 billion inflation adjusted. Thirteen NBA players made Sportico’s top 50, the most of any league, and Serena Williams was the only woman listed. Sportico notes figures exclude taxes and agent or lawyer payments. Merlin sees a simple lesson for the high school fan: MJ turned sneakers into a perpetual income spell. His blend of Nike royalties, apparel deals and smart investments made earnings outlast on-court glory. Modern stars chasing longevity must build brands as durable as championship rings, but changing markets mean the leaderboard can still shuffle.