“No point stealing him from Nike” Adidas blatantly refused to acquire Michael Jordan who earns $150 Million every year from arch rival
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Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is the G.O.A.T for many fans around Basketball and there’s no doubt about it. As Black Jesus is one of the best players to ever touch a basketball or even set a foot on the hardwood. He’s the player who took the game to the next level and expanded the league around the globe. And, after his greats, heroics and legends on the court, it was his off-court deal with Nike which made him a Global Superstar and helped him build generational wealth while he was dominating the league and gaining millions of fans out there.
But unexpectedly Michael Jordan never wanted to join hands with Nike and always had Adidas on his mind who just made some dumb decisions while negotiating a deal with MJ. Michael Jordan’s on-court career has six NBA Championships and multiple awards and honors registered under his name. He has one of the best resumes in leagues’ history. He wasn’t just an offensive unit but was also one of the greatest defenders ever. But probably Adidas never saw any of these greats coming out in his career when he was drafted 3rd overall in the 1984 NBA draft.
As even though Michael Jordan wanted to get himself a deal with Adidas they just walked away from him. And, eventually, MJ signed with Nike and history was made. Today Michael Jordan is a billionaire and most of the part of his wealth comes from his deal with Nike which he signed decades ago and Adidas surely regrets their dumb decision of not having him on the roster. Michael Jordan even today makes around $150 million from Nike every year. And, his brand “Air Jordan” owns the sneaker game out there resting like a King as all of its shoes top the list and are fan favorites. As they just disappear minutes after they are dropped in the market.
But the road to be on the top and shine with his brand wasn’t easy for Michael Jordan. As he had to break the chain and step straight into controversies to add something new to the culture. While big shots like Converse and Adidas were ruling the market when league allowed only white sneakers. But MJ wore the iconic Red and Black Air Jordans while paying a fine of $5000 to get into the business and start something new. But none of this would have ever happened if Adidas and their representatives made a wise decision.
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Michael Jordan desperately wanted a deal with Adidas
Michael Jordan was a big fan of Adidas while growing up and always pushed himself to get a deal with them. But they doubted his talent and the potential he had because of his size and frame. The company was also more focused on the European Market and had no one but just giants on their roster so they walked away from MJ. But Black Cat knowing how great he can be gave them another chance and rang the company but was still unsuccessful.
Michael Jordan’s talks with Adidas were: “If you come anywhere close, I will sign with you guys. Just anything close to what they were putting on the table. But at that time Adidas was a European product that they really didn’t make a strong push for the states. They didn’t feel like it was worth it which in hindsight is perfect for me because it made my decision that much easier and I ended up with Nike.”
Adidas really let the face of the league walk away when he himself was ready to be a loyal partner and get on board with less money on the table. But many are happy about it as the culture that Nike and Michael Jordan have built is clearly unrepeatable and untouchable. And, Nike was a far more better partner than Adidas at that time. As they were willing to do anything and everything possible for MJ to shine above his rivals.
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Ritik Malik
(1743 Articles Published)