NBA

Michael Jordan Will Donate $100 Million to Join Colin Kaepernick in Fighting for What’s Right

Stephen Sheehan Sports Editor

Published05 Jun 2020

Disclosure

We publish independently audited information that meets our strong editorial guidelines. Be aware we may earn a commission if you purchase anything via links on our pages.

When it comes to athletes, no one has cashed in like Michael Jordan. His prolific play for the Chicago Bulls made him the NBA’s GOAT. Off the court, he managed to build a staggering net worth thanks to some smart investments. As a global icon, Jordan possesses tremendous power to create change. The NBA legend will do just that by joining Colin Kaepernick in the fight for equality and social justice.

And by donating $100 million over the next decade, Michael Jordan has the potential to change countless lives.

Michael Jordan built an incredible net worth as the NBA’s GOAT

Michael Jordan turned his basketball skills into a lucrative career. During his playing days, he earned about $93 million. That may seem like a large sum, but it’s tiny in comparison to the money he earned through other avenues.

Despite his infamous gambling problem, Jordan became the first billionaire athlete. Surprisingly, that didn’t come from his NBA contracts. Rather, his partnership with Nike made him an incredibly wealthy and powerful man. In the first year of his deal, Air Jordan sales totaled $126 million.

Since then, the relationship has been incredibly fruitful. In fact, MJ has made more than $1 billion thanks to Nike. Last year, he made $130 million, which far surpassed LeBron James’ own lucrative earnings.

Even after donating millions to charity, Jordan still has a net worth of $2.1 billion. But for a man who has everything, that’s never stopped him from sharing his wealth. This time, though, he took the word “donation” to an entirely different level.

Jordan and his brand will donate $100 million over the next decade

On Friday afternoon, Serena Williams’ husband pledged $1 million to Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp. Then, Michael Jordan obliterated that number. In a statement posted on Twitter, he revealed how he and the Jordan Brand will be making an impact with a massive donation.

“Today, we are announcing that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will be donating $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.”

The tweet also spoke directly about the issues at hand that Kaepernick has stood up for over the last few years.

“Black lives matter. This isn’t a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country’s institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people.”

Pledging $100 million over the next decade shows the power that Michael Jordan wields. Most people couldn’t dream of making that much money, let alone giving it away. However, the NBA legend proved why he’s so revered by sacrificing a part of his fortune for the greater good.

Colin Kaepernick and MJ are using their platform to make a difference

While Colin Kaepernick and Michael Jordan played different sports in different eras, that clearly doesn’t matter. Both athletes have utilized their platforms to try to make the world a better place.

Ultimately, it will take more than just money to change laws and attitudes. Educating people on the issues at hand has to be a priority. By lending their name, power, and voice, both Kaepernick and Jordan have made the issues of racial inequality, social justice, and access to education even more prominent.

Now, it will be up to the rest of the world, including the athletic community, to follow suit. Michael Jordan’s $100 million donation can go a long way. But for real change to occur, it will require other people to do some serious soul-searching and put their own power and finances behind the effort to ensure justice for all.