Most people know Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time. Now, he is ranked No. 1 on the all-time athlete earnings list, with inflation-adjusted earnings of $2.62 billion, according to Sportico. 

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When Jordan entered the NBA in 1984, his annual salary in his rookie season was $550,000. Ever since that time, star salaries in sports went through the roof as a result of television contracts. For the 2021-22 NBA season, superstars such as Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo are among the 33 players that will be paid at least $30 million, according to Hoops Hype. 

It can be all traced back though to what Jordan did away from the court. His partnership with Nike will pay him $150 million in 2021, 18 years after he played his final professional game.  

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Additionally, the brand reported revenue of $4.7 billion for the fiscal year ended on May 31, according to Sportico. 

With Jordan’s inflation-adjusted earnings of $2.62 billion, only 6% of that total is from his playing contracts with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. According to Sportico, it is based on salaries, endorsements, licensing and memorabilia earnings since the six-time NBA champion entered the league in 1984, and includes ongoing endorsements with Nike, Hanes, Gatorade and Upper Deck.  

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In the top five of the 25 highest-paid athletes of all time, Jordan is joined by Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Cristiano Ronaldo. Among the basketball stars, it’s Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Durant, according to Sportico.