Welcome to the billionaire boys’ club Michael Jordan! The unmatched basketball talent is now the first billionaire athlete, according to Forbes, as a result of his increased stake in the Charlotte Hornets from 80 percent to 89.5 percent. Jordan’s net worth jumped from $750 million to billionaire status.
Jordan, 51, first became an investor in the Hornets, formerly known as the Bobcats, in 2006. He became the majority owner of the team in 2010 when he bought out Robert Johnson for $175 million.
In addition to his controlling ownership of am NBA franchise, Jordan’s sneaker deal with Nike is a cash cow. Just last year, the Jordan shoe brand made $2.25 billion dollars alone. His shoes make up 5 percent of Nike’s overall revenue.
The Space Jam star also has had endorsement deals since the start of his legendary career. He’s been a major spokesperson for McDonald’s, Wheaties, Hanes, Gatorade, and Coca Cola.
The six-time NBA champion wed his model girlfriend, Yvette Prieto, in April 2013. The couple welcomed identical twin girls, Victoria and Ysabel, in February 2014. The former Chicago Bull has three kids with ex-wife Juanita Vanoy.