Mark Vancil shares what made Michael Jordan a successful businessman compared to other athletes: 'Nobody took the business as serious as he did'

Michael Jordan's name is synonymous with greatness, both on and off the court. While his basketball achievements have cemented him as one of the greatest athletes of all time, his business ventures have redefined the blueprint for athletes transitioning into entrepreneurial success.

From the Air Jordan empire to ownership stakes in sports franchises, the Hall of Famer's approach to business remains unmatched, setting him apart from contemporaries who often rely heavily on endorsements alone.

Business acumen

The foundation of Jordan's business acumen can be traced back to his meticulous approach to the sneaker industry in the 1980s. Signing with Nike in 1984, MJ helped revolutionize how athletes partnered with brands. His sneakers debuted the following year, sparking a cultural phenomenon that transcended sports. But unlike many athletes who served solely as brand ambassadors, No. 23 took a hands-on approach, learning the intricacies of the shoe business.

"You can see some of these guys today who are constantly got their hands out and making $50 million a year, and they can't do enough commercials, and they can't try to sell you enough stuff, and Michael did it," said sports journalist Mark Vancil. "And not only that… he learned the business; he learned the shoe business… I don't think there's anybody else that ever took the business as seriously as he did, and I think when people are buying this stuff today, you don't see him out trying to leverage his name to make even more money."

Mike's relationship with Nike was about more than wearing their sneakers—it was about building something unique. The Air Jordan line quickly became a global sensation, generating $126 million in revenue during its first year.