Will Anyone Come Close to Building a Sneakers Empire Like Michael Jordan?s?

Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan dominated the NBA court for 16 years. The skills and prowess through which he excelled against his opponents allowed him to generate a mass following around the world. Other than the sport of basketball, the 60-year-old has left a significant mark on the sneaker culture as well. His Airness? partnership with Nike was successful in giving birth to the iconic Air Jordan brand. With their combined efforts, a sneaker empire was formed that transcended sports and became a cultural phenomenon. Throughout the years, many individuals have wondered if anyone will ever come close to replicating Jordan’s success in the sneakers industry.

This article delves into the factors that contributed to Jordan’s unparalleled success and explores whether there’s room for another sneaker empire of similar magnitude.

The Birth of the Air Jordan Brand

The year was 1984. The arrival of the 21-year-old Michael Jordan, who was selected as the third overall pick by the Chicago Bulls, took the world of professional basketball by storm Nike, a brand that was predominantly known for producing long-distance shoes during that era, jumped at the chance to acquire the player when it had been barely a few months since he graduated from UNC. Nike took a big gamble by placing their chances on one player which, ultimately, paid off handsomely.

The first iconic ?Air Jordans? was released in a red, black, and white combination. Since the NBA only allowed white shoes to be used on the court, they weren?t pleased when Jordan used to walk up, adorning the product of his recent collaboration. MJ was fined almost $5000 for every game he wore his iconic shoes.

Using this level of alleged notorious marketing, the apparel brand was convinced that it would make at least $3 million within the next four years through its collaboration with Jordan. Nike ended up making a whopping $126 million within the first year itself.

The success allowed Nike to create a separate sub-brand that would be solely responsible for handling the next versions of Air Jordans. It came to be known as the ?Jordan Brand?. With the passage of time, Nike kept releasing new versions that were not only better in terms of design but technology as well. Becoming a cultural phenomenon, Air Jordans became a favorite of celebrities, athletes, and NBA fans everywhere.

Of the $3 billion current net worth that Michael Jordan boasts, $1.3 billion of it was earned solely from his 39-year-old partnership with Nike. In turn, the brand continues to benefit from its decades-long decision. According to the Neon Money Club, the Jordan brand has earned over $19.4 billion over the last five years. Michael Jordan isn?t the only basketball star who boasts a relatively successful sneakers brand under his name, though.

Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry have made their mark in the sneakers industry as well.

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant himself had a beneficial relationship with Nike. In 2003, when the Black Mamba was entering his 7 year with the NBA, he opted out of his contract with Nike to form a partnership with the billion-dollar brand. This led to the production of eight generations of Zoom Kobe?s. The brand broke ties with the player a year after his tragic passing. Recently, however, they have revived the Kobe brand, introducing a new set of sneakers for the public.

Another entity who is known to hold a significant presence in the sneakers world is current Lakers star LeBron James. Often compared with Michael Jordan in terms of on-court prowess, the 38-year-old has worked with Nike for over two decades to release 20+ versions of ?The LeBron?. Their long-lasting partnership allowed James to sign a whopping $1 billion lifetime contract back in 2015.

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Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry has shared a partnership with American Sportswear company Under Armour since 2013. As Curry progressed into becoming a legend, the sale of sneakers from his ?Curry Line? has been a major factor for the rise of Under Armour, with rises and falls in stocks coming from how the sneaker line is performing.

Why Jordan reigns supreme

Under Armour reportedly owes its success to Stephen Curry. Nike?s collaboration with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James has helped it to earn billions. However, till now, none of them have barely come close to competing head-to-head with the Jordan Brand. And they probably never will.

One of the key factors that make the Air Jordan Brand stand above everyone else is the power of the name it carries. Aside from his on-court success, the style and charisma that Jordan carried throughout the 90s and even after retirement has led NBA fans to relate to the same through his shoes. This has resulted in the brand?s longevity and its strong fan base. Add the fact that with the passage of time, the sneakers only get more valuable. The same pair of Air Jordan 1 that were sold in 1985 for $64.95 can now be bought for a whopping $20,000.

While the sneakers line of each individual athlete boasts a characteristic that sets them apart, none of them come close to the brand awareness that has been set for the Air Jordans. From other athletes like NFL stars Dak Prescott and Kyle Pitts to singers like Rihanna and Drake, many famous people have been seen adoring the renowned brand from time to time. This has only helped in improving the consumer base and generating further interest in the Jordans.

Another thing that speaks in favor of His Airness? sneaker line is the numbers. The Jordan Brand reportedly made a whopping $5.1 billion in revenue last year. This number dwarfs the revenue earned from the sale of other sports shoes. Even LeBron James, with his $1.3 billion, hasn?t managed to come close.

READ MORE: Warning $4.1 Billion Team of ?Abandonment?, Michael Jordan Once Stood Up for Former Teammate-Turned-Enemy

Michael Jordan’s legacy extends far beyond the basketball court, and his impact on the sneaker industry will likely remain unmatched for the foreseeable future. The Air Jordan brand stands as a testament to the enduring power of a well-executed collaboration between an athlete and a brand, and it will continue to influence sneaker culture for generations to come.

Editorial Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssentiallySports.