Michael Jordan
Left off the varsity roster as a sophomore; the shoe deal Nike hoped would sell $3M did $126M in year one.
Michael Jordan was born in 1963 in Brooklyn, New York, US (raised in Wilmington, North Carolina). Michael Jordan's background is described as Black American. Growing up, the family was middle class — his father was an equipment supervisor at General Electric, his mother worked in banking; a disciplined five-child household. Left off the varsity roster as a sophomore; the shoe deal Nike hoped would sell $3M did $126M in year one.
- Born
- 1963 · Brooklyn, New York, US (raised in Wilmington, North Carolina)
- Roots
- Black American
- Family
- Middle class
- His father was an equipment supervisor at General Electric, his mother worked in banking; a disciplined five-child household.
- Education
- University of North Carolina (left for the draft after junior year)
- Started with
- A JV assignment
- Left off the varsity roster as a 15-year-old sophomore; he treated the snub as fuel for decades.
- Affiliations & societies
- Omega Psi PhiDocumented
- Pledged the Black fraternity at North Carolina.
- Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.
The pathway
- 1982 · age 19The shot
Hits the title-winning jumper for North Carolina as a freshman.
- 1984 · age 21Air Jordan$126M
Drafted third; Nike bets $500K a year on a rookie and hopes for $3M in four years — year one sells $126M.
- 1991 · age 28First three-peat
Three straight titles with the Bulls.
- 1993 · age 30His father is murdered
James Jordan is killed in a roadside robbery; Michael retires and plays minor-league baseball.
- 1995 · age 31"I'm back"
The two-word fax announces the return; a 72-win season and a second three-peat follow.
- 2010 · age 47Majority owner
Buys control of the Charlotte franchise — the first former player to own a team outright.
- 2014 · age 51Billionaire status$1B
Per Forbes, driven more by Jordan Brand royalties than career salary; he sells the team's majority in 2023 at a ~$3B valuation.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Michael Jordan from?
Michael Jordan was born in 1963 in Brooklyn, New York, US (raised in Wilmington, North Carolina). Their background is described as Black American.
When was Michael Jordan born?
Michael Jordan was born in 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, US (raised in Wilmington, North Carolina).
What is Michael Jordan's background or ethnicity?
Michael Jordan's roots are described as Black American. These are broad categories drawn from public sources, not statements about how the person identifies.
Where did Michael Jordan go to school?
Michael Jordan's education: University of North Carolina (left for the draft after junior year).
What was Michael Jordan's family background growing up?
At birth the family was middle class. His father was an equipment supervisor at General Electric, his mother worked in banking; a disciplined five-child household.
How did Michael Jordan get started?
Michael Jordan started with a JV assignment. Left off the varsity roster as a 15-year-old sophomore; he treated the snub as fuel for decades.
Sources
Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.