It was a watershed moment in the history of sports when Nike signed Michael Jordan to a long-term endorsement deal in 1984. With the stroke of a pen, Nike catapulted itself into the basketball limelight and changed the way athletes and teams were sponsored. The deal with Jordan not only marked the beginning of Nike’s reign as the leading basketball brand, but it also helped make Jordan into one of the most iconic athletes of all time. So when did Jordan sign with Nike? Let’s take a look back at the historic moment.
Answer: Jordan signed with Nike in 1984. Nike signed Michael Jordan to a five-year deal worth $2.5 million. As part of the deal, Nike agreed to produce a signature shoe for the NBA star. The Air Jordan 1 was released in 1985 and helped launch the Nike Jordan brand. By the end of the year, the Air Jordan 1 had become the best-selling basketball shoe of the year.
When Did Jordan Sign With Nike?
In 1984, Michael Jordan signed a five-year deal with Nike that would revolutionize the sneaker industry. The Air Jordan 1 was released the following year, and it quickly became one of the most popular basketball shoes of all time. To this day, the Air Jordan line remains one of the most iconic and successful sneaker lines in the world.
The Negotiations
Before Jordan signed with Nike, he was considering a deal with Adidas. Jordan’s agent, David Falk, had met with Adidas executives in Germany and was offered a five-year contract worth $500,000. However, Falk thought Jordan was worth more and decided to negotiate with Nike.
The deal with Nike was negotiated by Falk, Jordan, and Nike executive Rob Strasser. Jordan was offered a $2.5 million five-year contract, with a $500,000 signing bonus and royalties on shoes sold. Jordan also received a spot on the Nike roster alongside other basketball stars such as Charles Barkley and John Stockton.
The Air Jordan 1
In 1985, the Air Jordan 1 was released and it quickly became a hit. The shoe featured the iconic Jumpman logo, black and red color scheme, and a high-top silhouette. The Air Jordan 1s were banned by the NBA for not following the league’s color rules, but this only served to increase their popularity.
The Air Jordan 1s were so popular that they spawned an entire line of shoes. The Air Jordan line has since released more than 30 different models, with each release becoming more popular than the last.
The Impact
The Air Jordan 1s forever changed the sneaker industry. It was the first time a signature line of shoes had been released for a basketball player, and it opened the door for other athletes to have their own signature shoes.
Today, the Air Jordan 1s are still one of the bestselling basketball shoes of all time. They are considered a symbol of style and status, and they continue to be one of the most sought-after shoes in the world.
Few Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When did Jordan sign with Nike?
A1. Michael Jordan signed with Nike in 1984. The partnership was brokered by his agent, David Falk, who negotiated a five-year endorsement deal with Nike that included royalties, an apparel line, and the iconic Air Jordan logo. The deal was worth an estimated $2.5 million, which made it the largest endorsement deal for any athlete at the time. Nike has since become one of the most iconic brands in sports apparel and shoes, and Jordan’s signature Air Jordans are some of the most sought-after shoes in the world.
Q2. How long did Jordan’s contract with Nike last?
A2. Jordan’s initial contract with Nike lasted for five years and was worth an estimated $2.5 million. After the contract expired, Nike renegotiated a new deal with Jordan in 1990 that extended the partnership for another five years and was worth an estimated $20 million. By the end of the contract, Jordan had become the highest-paid athlete in the world.
Q3. What was included in Jordan’s contract with Nike?
A3. Jordan’s contract with Nike included royalties, an apparel line, and the iconic Air Jordan logo. Nike also provided Jordan with its own line of apparel that included t-shirts, shorts, socks, shoes, and hats. In addition, Nike created a signature Air Jordan shoe that was released in 1985 and has since become one of the most sought-after shoes in the world.
Q4. What was the impact of Jordan’s contract with Nike?
A4. Jordan’s partnership with Nike had a huge impact on both companies. Nike saw a massive increase in sales of its apparel and shoes, and Jordan’s signature Air Jordans became some of the most sought-after shoes in the world. In addition, Nike’s brand recognition skyrocketed, and it became one of the most iconic brands in sports apparel and shoes.
Q5. How did Jordan’s deal with Nike compare to other athletes’ endorsement deals?
A5. Jordan’s deal with Nike was the largest endorsement deal for any athlete at the time. It was worth an estimated $2.5 million, which was significantly higher than other athletes’ endorsement deals. By the end of the contract, Jordan had become the highest-paid athlete in the world.
Q6. What has been the legacy of Jordan’s partnership with Nike?
A6. Jordan’s partnership with Nike has left a lasting legacy. Nike has become one of the most iconic brands in sports apparel and shoes, and Jordan’s signature Air Jordans are some of the most sought-after shoes in the world. In addition, Nike has created a charitable foundation, the Jordan Brand, which supports organizations that promote education, health, and wellness in underserved communities.
In 1984, Michael Jordan signed a five-year deal with Nike, launching one of the most successful sports-marketing deals of all time. Jordan’s signature Air Jordan shoes have become iconic, and his relationship with Nike has been mutually beneficial, helping to create a legacy of success that will be remembered for years to come. Jordan’s signing with Nike is an inspiring example of what can be accomplished with hard work and a commitment to excellence.
