What Happened to Michael Jeffrey Jordan?
Michael Jordan's career is defined by his unparalleled dominance in the NBA with six championships for the Chicago Bulls, followed by a successful transition into a global business magnate. After multiple retirements from playing, he became a prominent team owner with the Charlotte Hornets, which he sold in 2023, and co-founded the successful NASCAR team 23XI Racing, which has seen significant success in 2026. He also maintains a vast business empire, most notably through his enduring partnership with Nike's Jordan Brand.
Quick Answer
Michael Jordan's career evolved from being arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, leading the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships, to a highly influential and wealthy businessman. After his final retirement from playing in 2003, he transitioned into sports ownership, notably as the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets from 2010 until selling his majority stake in August 2023, though he retained a minority interest. As of 2026, Jordan remains a billionaire, primarily through his Jordan Brand partnership with Nike and his co-ownership of the successful NASCAR team 23XI Racing, which has achieved multiple wins early in the 2026 season.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Drafted by Chicago Bulls
Michael Jordan was selected as the third overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, marking the beginning of his legendary professional basketball career.
Air Jordan Line Launched with Nike
Nike launched the iconic Air Jordan line of basketball shoes, a partnership that would become one of the most successful athlete endorsements in history and a cornerstone of Jordan's wealth.
Wins First NBA Championship
Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their first NBA championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers, and earned his first NBA Finals MVP award. This began the Bulls' first 'three-peat'.
First Retirement from NBA
After securing his first three-peat with the Bulls, Jordan announced his shocking first retirement from basketball, citing a loss of desire and the recent murder of his father. He then pursued a career in Minor League Baseball.
Returns to NBA with 'I'm back.'
Jordan announced his return to the Chicago Bulls with a two-word fax: 'I'm back.' He rejoined the team midway through the 1994-95 season.
Wins Sixth NBA Championship
Jordan led the Bulls to their sixth NBA championship, completing their second three-peat, with a memorable game-winning shot against the Utah Jazz.
Second Retirement from NBA
Jordan announced his second retirement, influenced by the dismantling of the Bulls' championship roster and the departure of head coach Phil Jackson.
Returns to NBA with Washington Wizards
At 38 years old, Jordan came out of retirement for a second time to play for the Washington Wizards, also serving as their President of Basketball Operations.
Third and Final Retirement from NBA
Michael Jordan played his final NBA game with the Washington Wizards against the Philadelphia 76ers, retiring permanently from professional basketball at age 40.
Becomes Majority Owner of Charlotte Bobcats
Jordan purchased the Charlotte Bobcats (later renamed Hornets) for $275 million, becoming the first former NBA player to hold a majority ownership stake in an NBA franchise.
Co-founds 23XI Racing
Michael Jordan, along with NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, announced the formation of 23XI Racing, a new NASCAR Cup Series team.
Sells Majority Stake in Charlotte Hornets
Jordan finalized the sale of his majority interest in the Charlotte Hornets to a group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall for an estimated $3 billion, though he retained a minority stake.
Joins NBC's NBA Coverage as Special Contributor
NBCUniversal announced that Michael Jordan would join their NBA coverage as a 'special contributor' for the 2025-26 season, marking his return to a formal role with NBA broadcasting.
23XI Racing Wins Daytona 500
Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team achieved a major milestone as driver Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500, marking a significant victory early in the 2026 NASCAR season.
Jordan Brand Re-releases Air Jordan 7 'Miro'
Jordan Brand is set to re-release the Air Jordan 7 'Miro', a shoe connected to Michael Jordan's 1992 Barcelona Olympics appearance, as part of its ongoing product releases.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Michael Jordan's career is a testament to athletic excellence and enduring commercial appeal, spanning from his iconic playing days to his current status as a billionaire entrepreneur. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984, Jordan quickly established himself as a dominant force, leading the Bulls to two historic 'three-peats' – NBA championships in 1991-1993 and 1996-1998. His playing career was marked by numerous individual accolades, including six NBA Finals MVP awards, five NBA Most Valuable Player awards, and ten scoring titles.
Jordan's career was punctuated by three retirements. His first, in October 1993, was driven by physical and mental exhaustion and the tragic murder of his father, leading him to pursue a brief career in Minor League Baseball with the Birmingham Barons. He returned to the Bulls in March 1995, famously announcing 'I'm back.' His second retirement came in January 1999, following the breakup of the Bulls' championship roster and the departure of coach Phil Jackson.
In 2000, Jordan joined the Washington Wizards as part-owner and President of Basketball Operations. He then made a surprising return to the court as a player for the Wizards from 2001 to 2003, donating his salary to 9/11 relief efforts. While his Wizards tenure didn't yield championships, he still averaged over 20 points per game at nearly 40 years old, demonstrating his enduring skill. He officially retired for the third and final time on April 16, 2003.
Post-playing, Jordan transitioned into significant business ventures. He became a minority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) in 2006 and then the majority owner in 2010, becoming the first former NBA player to hold such a position. His ownership tenure, while bringing the Hornets name back to Charlotte, saw limited on-court success. In August 2023, Jordan sold his majority stake in the Hornets to a group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall for an estimated $3 billion, though he retained a minority ownership share.
Beyond basketball, Jordan's business empire is vast. His long-standing endorsement deal with Nike, which led to the creation of the Jordan Brand in 1984, has been his most lucrative venture, generating billions in revenue and making him the wealthiest former athlete. As of March 2026, Forbes estimated his net worth at $4.3 billion. He also co-founded the ultra-premium tequila brand Cincoro and, in 2020, co-founded the NASCAR team 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin.
23XI Racing has emerged as a significant success, particularly in the 2026 NASCAR season. Driver Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 and multiple other races early in the year, leading the Cup Series points standings by June 2026. Jordan has been actively involved and celebrated the team's victories, showcasing his competitive spirit in a new arena. Furthermore, in May 2025, it was announced that Jordan would join NBC's NBA coverage as a 'special contributor' for the 2025-26 season, bringing his insights back to the sport that made him famous.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Michael Jeffrey Jordan made different choices?