Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson: Which NBA Legend Plays a More Hands-On Role With Their Sports Acquisitions?

Various athletes may bid adieu to their time as a player upon retirement. However, this does not necessarily mean they are ready to say goodbye to the world of sports. Many former NBA players have chosen to stay connected with basketball in some manner. Icons like Shaquille O?Neal and Charles Barkley chose to serve as analysts, while Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson have gone on to secure ownership stakes in different sporting franchises.

Both Jordan and Johnson have used their post-NBA days to establish themselves as prominent sports ownership and management figures. They have placed significant investments into all their teams. Furthermore, the duo has even played some role in proposing the direction that each franchise should take. Keeping the above point in mind, the following article will look into which former icon plays a more hands-on role in their sports acquisitions: Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson.

Michael Jordan: From the NBA to NASCAR

Michael Jordan acquired a minority stake in the Charlotte Hornets (then known as Bobcats) in 2006, barely three years after announcing his final retirement from the NBA as a player. Four years later, Jordan would invest a further $275 million and became the first former player to acquire a majority stake in an NBA team.

During his tenure as majority owner of the Hornets, which lasted for almost 17 years, Jordan served under the title of ?Managing Member of Basketball Operations?. This allowed him to have a hands-on role when it came to player recruitment and evaluation. Under his leadership, the Hornets acquired stars like Kemba Walker and LaMelo Ball. Jordan was also reportedly entrusted with the responsibility of approving any player trades.

His Airness also owns and operates his NASCAR team called ?23XI Racing?. His involvement with the team doesn?t just stop with an investment. From making a personal appearance at crucial races to showing unwavering support to his racers, including co-owner Denny Hamlin, Jordan provides total hands-on exposure for his racing team. Jordan was reportedly instrumental in bringing in 2004 Cup Series Champion Kurt Busch as a team member. By allowing the use of his Jumpman logo on the side of the cars, the NBA legend assures his fans that his team is 100% Jordan-certified.

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Jordan?s involvement helps to generate further interest in NASCAR events amongst NBA fans and enthusiasts. Having a bigger fan base helps to give his team an additional morale boost. It is safe to say that 23XI Racing wouldn?t have reached its current status without the support of the 6x NBA champion. Through his financial backing, commitment to diversity, and leveraging of his global brand, the Chicago Bulls icon has created a presence for himself in the NASCAR world that people will remember for years.

Magic Johnson Has Been Establishing His Presence Across All Corners of the Sports World

Magic Johnson didn’t make use of the same speed as Jordan. He took some time to use his net worth and business acumen to enter the world of sports. His journey began in 2012. The Los Angeles Lakers legend joined other entities in acquiring an ownership stake in the MLB team Los Angeles Dodgers. Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter serves as the chief/controlling owner of the franchise. Johnson serves as the face of it, helping out as the ambassador and key spokesperson. The fact that Johnson decided not to go outside LA and choose his local baseball team helped baseball fans gain significant confidence in the teams.

Johnson returned to basketball in 2014 by joining other investors in buying the Los Angeles Sparks, a WNBA team. Under his ownership and through the guidance he provided, the Sparks won the WNBA championship in 2016. The success allowed him to continue his trend of supporting LA and acquiring a co-ownership with the MLS expansion franchise Los Angeles FC.

Johnson made headlines this year by entering the NFL. By acquiring a stake in the Washington Commanders, Johnson became the face of a prominent football team. While he had a significant amount of hands-on work with his previous acquisitions, the 5x NBA champion wanted to allow himself to be more involved in the workings of the Commanders.

?We could all come together, support each other, love each other and be down for one common goal. And that?s to win,? said Johnson in a statement. Within a few months, Johnson has dived deep into this role. From attending the practice sessions of players and providing some motivational pep talks to making an appearance at events honoring the NFL team, Johnson is making his best efforts to help out the Commanders as much as he can.

Who provides a more hands-on role?

Both Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson have made use of their post-NBA days in supporting their sports franchises. However, when choosing the one who has a more hands-on approach with the same, the author will have to side with the Bulls legend.

Even though Jordan is involved with fewer sports franchises than his former opponent, he is a more directly involved owner. His deep involvement with the management process of the Hornets spoke levels of truth. He played a major role in drafting key players and mentored the young talent. His work highlighted a level of commitment that reminded fans of his nature during his playing days.

Jordan currently holds a minority share in the Hornets. However, he reportedly continues to support the team with his reduced responsibility. Along with the NBA team, the experience he gained from handling his other businesses has helped the NBA star to manage the innermost details of a NASCAR franchise. Magic Johnson, on the other hand, wasn?t as hands-on involved with his previous franchises as Jordan.

Times are changing, though. Jordan gave away his major share of the Hornets and has settled for a less effort-consuming role. At the same time, Magic Johnson is attempting to rectify his previous decision by getting involved with the Commanders. Having recently given a dressing down to his teams in the wake of their losses, Johnson is starting to show his new involvement. His relationship with the Commanders, however, will take some more time to develop.

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

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