The classic Space Jam was released in 1996. The movie has Michael Jordan pairing up with Bugs Bunny as they try to beat the Monstars at a basketball game to save the planet. As we all know now, the movie was a total hit. However, this wasn’t the first time Michael was seen on TV with Bugs Bunny.
Warner Brothers came up with the idea for the film after the popular 1993 Nike commercial. The brand put the two together in a commercial that aired during the Super Bowl. Space Jam would end up being the highest grossing basketball film of all time.
Billion Dollar Brand
Michael Jordan collaborated to start his Air Jordan brand with Nike in 1985. It has become one of the most successful shoe lines there has ever been. So successful in fact that Jordan earns roughly $60 million a year from it.
The brand as a whole is said to be valued at over one billion dollars. Air Jordan has been around for over 30 years and is still popular as ever. Every time Jordan comes out with a new release, fans line up at the doors to get their hands on the new pair.
Before Space Jam
By reading the title you’re probably thinking that we’re referring the Space Jam but we’re not. Before that film came out, Michael Jordan himself was made into a cartoon. A show called ProStars aired for two years, which turned hi, Bo Jackson, and Wayne Gretzky into superhero cartoons.
The players did not voice their own characters, but they answered fan questions. Trying to find clips of the show would be hard to find today however, you may be able to find some on YouTube.
Philanthropy
Tragedy struck in 2001 when the twin towers were attacked. Michael Jordan chose to donate his entire years’ salary to the victims. His first $100,000 went to the children who lost their parents and the remaining went to relief efforts.
Athletes were so eager to help the victims that in 2017, Eagles defense player Chris Long donated his salary to educational equality efforts.
He Donates Money From His Lawsuits Wins As Well
Part of protecting your brand is suing other companies who try to profit off you, and that’s just what Michael Jordan did. He has donated to 23 different charities in total for every lawsuit he has won.
Speaking of charities he’s donated to he said, “The 23 charities I’ve chosen to make donations to all support the health, education, and well-being of the kids of Chicago. Chicago has given me so much and I want to give back to its kids—the city’s future.”