A rookie-year deal between Michael Jordan and Nike couldn’t have anticipated the business heights they would reach today. Earlier this year, the Jordan brand earned over 7 billion in sales! As per the initial deal, MJ would receive a 5% royalty, which is estimated to be $350 million. Fun fact: It is nearly four times more than his entire career NBA earnings of $94 million. Next year will mark the brand’s four decades, and there is another series celebrating His Airness.

“FIRST LOOK: Jordan Brand will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Air Jordan series throughout 2025 — and is taking it back to the beginning with the origin story of the Air Jordan 1,” Nick DePaula shared the news on X. The video starts, and there is a caption about the journey, “Day 1 A people’s history of the Air Jordan 1.” As per the video, MJ violated “Article 4 Sec B clause 3.2, ‘Uniformity of Uniform rule.‘”

The shoes had to be 51% white, but Air Jordan 1 was red and black. The league banned the shoe, but Nike and Michael Jordan did not stop. People’s interest began going up since the Bulls legend had mesmerized them with their gameplay. The league fined the Swoosh brand $5,000, and the response from the Swoosh brand was creative. They were ready to incur that loss every time MJ stepped foot on the hardwood. At the time, it was priced at $65. Today, the Air Jordan 1 High OG ‘Black Toe Reimagined’ is close to 3x the original price.

The video shared on X also shared a highlight of Michael Jordan’s appearance on the ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ in 1986. The late-night television talk show host took some shots at the expense of the league. During that episode, they joked about the “new and improved” Air Jordan, which basically fulfilled the league guidelines of 51% white.

However, the color change did not negatively impact the sales. The brand has not looked back from its skyrocketing sales. That is why the upcoming year becomes important for the brand and for the fans.

Nike has bigger plans to celebrate Michael Jordan’s legacy

“We’re not just celebrating the past. We’re redefining the future of Jordan,” the athleisure wear brand made it clear about their plans. The Jordan 1 would be the first shoe as Air Jordan 1 “Bred” returns on February 14 during the NBA All-Star Weekend. But it doesn’t stop there.

The Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat” is also making its Halloween comeback next spring. Plus, Black Cat 4s will drop alongside and are rumored to get a sleek new design update. Not to forget, the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 collaboration returns. It’s the first re-release since 2005 for this particular shoe. With its military-inspired olive green and orange colorway, it is placed high on many Michael Jordan fans who are avid collectors.

Earlier this year, his eldest daughter shared the plans if the 6x NBA Champion would retire soon from the Jordan Brand. “I know he’s not going to relinquish his seat anytime soon, nor do I want him to,” said Jasmine. With no plans to retire, MJ’s 40-year journey with Nike is still a business lesson for people all around the globe.