While Michael Jordan was no. 1 the NBA, the champ has lost against the New Orleans Pelicans owner in one thing. Last year, the 6x champion broke records as he became the richest NBA player with a net worth of $3.2 billion. But, it appears that even that massive net worth isn’t enough to beat the NBA team owner, Gayle Benson. While Jordan managed to grab the 1034th position with his latest Charlotte Hornets deal, he still couldn’t surpass Benson who rests in the 488th position with a jaw-dropping net worth of $6.9 billion. The NBA Great will reportedly need about $2.9 billion to cross the bar and reach the three-digit rank. However, had Jordan’s latest deal with the Hornets not came through boosting his net worth from $1.7 billion to $3 billion, he would have been relegated further down in the list. 

Dissecting Michael Jordan’s $3 billion

The Chicago Bulls legend has had a significant role in bringing the team where it stands now. One of the most memorable parts of the Jordan era was the reclaiming of the Hornets’ name and their original franchise records and history. However, his ownership stake in the team is considerably smaller now, with him being the minority owner.

He bought the ownership stake in the team in 2010 for $275 million. The team was still known as the Charlotte Bobcats back then. However, during his 13 years of tenure as a majority owner, the Hornets were unable to win. Perhaps, after much criticism from analysts and fans, MJ decided to sell his share to Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, making him the master of a massive $3.2 billion empire. 

The Jordan Brand is also one of his initiatives that has major contributions. In association with Nike, the brand has introduced numerous high-profile collaborations that could have boosted his earnings. 

Having said that, what exactly makes Benson’s financial aspects so boisterous? 

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Gayle Benson’s business deals that make her $6.9 billion rich

Gayle Benson’s husband Tom Benson bought the NFL team New Orleans Saints since 1985. He was an avid football fan and made it evident in his contributions to the team. That also extended to the NBA. Back in 2012, he also bought the NBA team Pelicans. However, following her husband’s death in 2018, she took over the vast sports business empire. “I was actually in that business for 30 years, and after we were married, Tom asked me to put all of my energy into learning the business of football so I would be prepared to lead the team if he couldn’t,” Benson said to NFL.com.

With that, her net worth was raised by billions, making her the richest person in Louisiana. Back in 2014, she also started a thoroughbred horse racing company, GMB Racing. Benson is the third wife of the late businessman and the first woman to have a majority ownership in both an NFL and NBA team. Much of her success also comes from the four local automobile dealerships (Chevrolet, Cadillac of New Orleans, Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans, and Mercedes-Benz Van Center) and Faubourg Brewing Company. Before that, she also owned an interior design business.

What is your take on this? Can MJ compete and turn the tables before the next list is made? Let us know in the comments section below!

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