Billionaire Michael Jordan Breaks Into a Smile as $173.8 Million Investment Reaps Rewards at CFP National Championship 2024

When Michigan Wolverines defeated the Washington Huskies, 34-13, at College Football Playoffs national championship game, Michael Jordan was happy. Was MJ ecstatic because Michigan claimed a national championship after 25 years? Well, there seems to be a different reason.

Sharing a box with Jordan were Stephen A. Smith, Derek Jeter, and Travis Scott. ‘His Airness’ was all smiles after Michigan won the tough battle. The Jordan Brand has been affiliated with the Michigan football program since 2016. The University of Michigan and Air Jordan signed a deal worth $173.8 million for 11 years. So it’s obvious who the 6x NBA champion was cheering for.

His brand also took Instagram to celebrate their victory. “From unfinished business, to undefeated. Congrats to the University of Michigan on an undefeated season and the national championship. Hail to the Victors from your Jordan Family,” the Jumpman23 page wrote for the Wolverines.

While the Jordan Brand has been historically basketball-centric, in recent years, the Jordan Family has come to include athletes and celebrities across various fields and genres. Signing with Michigan was its first foray into the gridiron.

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With the hiring of Jim Harbaugh (one of MJ’s former friends, Charles Barkley’s favorite football coaches) in 2015, the Wolverines’ potential increased and came on the Air Jordan radar. Harbaugh was the most excited to partner with the Jumpman. The Jordan Brand is the exclusive sponsor of the Wolverines’ gear in the signature blue and yellow colorway. But who came up with the idea of a partnership?

“There’s a lot of good shoes out there, etc. My son, Jay, came up with the idea. He’s like, ‘There’s no Jordan football school. That would be pretty awesome’,” shared Jim Harbaugh.

Stars celebrate the Wolverines’ win!

The championship power truly was on Michigan’s side. Yankees great, former Miami Marlins co-owner, and 5x World Series champion, Derek Jeter, was sporting Wolverines’ gear. He had a baseball scholarship to the University of Michigan but he ended up with the Yankees when he received a pro offer.

Coach Jim Harbaugh had the support of his brother, John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. He surprised him with a hug on the sidelines.

Football analyst Desmond Howard credited the Jordan Family for bringing star-studded support for the Wolverines. He claimed that MJ gave the program credibility in recruitment. His words hold merit as evidenced by the packed house.

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