{"id":163758,"date":"2026-04-01T18:52:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T23:52:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.chicitysports.com\/?p=163758"},"modified":"2026-04-01T18:53:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T23:53:14","slug":"michael-jordan-tops-list-of-highest-paid-athletes-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chicitysports.com\/michael-jordan-tops-list-of-highest-paid-athletes-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Michael Jordan tops list of highest-paid athletes of all-time"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s been over 20 years since Michael Jordan retired from the game of basketball in 1993. But since then, he’s found other ways to stay busy including his successful NASCAR team in 23XI Racing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

He’s also raking in the money still.<\/p>\n

Jordan made an estimated $250 million in 2025 just off of the Nike brand alone<\/a>, which his Jordan Brand is under. That’s merchandise including shoes, clothes and more. With the $250 million, it helped Jordan keep his spot as the highest-paid athlete of all time per Sportico.<\/p>\n

Michael Jordan beats out other athletes for highest-paid<\/h2>\n
\"23XI
23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Sportico released its list of the highest-paid athletes of all-time, it wasn’t shocking to see Jordan at the top. But it was a little surprising to see how much he’s actually made. The site estimates that Jordan has made $4.5 billion when adjusted for inflation. Without the adjustment, he’s made $3.28 billion. <\/a><\/p>\n

He’s atop the list beating out Tiger Woods, Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and Lionel Messi who round out the top five.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Michael Jordan earned more than any active or retired athlete in 2025, pushing his career-earnings to $4.5 BILLION. \ud83e\udd2f<\/p>\n

MJ remains the highest-paid athlete of all-time. (via @Sportico<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/yFTsKtg1ru<\/a><\/p>\n

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 1, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n