Michael Jordan Makes The Billionaires List

Michael Jordan is now a billionaire.

On Monday, Forbes announced their latest list of the world’s richest billionaires. For his first time, the NBA legend made the list due to his fortune created by the Nike-Jordan brand and other profitable investments.

Jordan amassed his $1 billion fortune partly through his endorsement deal with Nike (NKE). The Jordan brand by Nike brought in an estimated $2.25 billion in 2013, which earned the 52 year-old athlete $90 million, according to Forbes.

But it was Jordan’s ownership of the Charlotte Hornets basketball team that catapulted him into the billionaire’s ranks this year. NBAteams soared in value after Steve Ballmer, the former Microsoft(MSFT, Tech30) CEO, paid $2 billion for the Los Angeles Clippers. (CNN Money)

Jordan’s iconic brand has crossed several continents and is a testament to the legacy he has created. The Jordan athletic shoe is the most popular shoe among sneaker enthusiasts, garnering over six figures for a pair of one-of-a-kind’s (or vintage pair worn by the greatest NBA player of all time).