Michael Jordan's annual endorsement income exceeds the payrolls of 14 NBA teams

By Dan Cahill

We have learned a lot about Michael Jordan during his trial this week in Chicago. | Sun-Times

We have learned a lot about Michael Jordan during his trial this week in Chicago defending his likeness against a defunct grocery-store chain.

We learned he doesn’t like to be seen wearing his reading glasses. We learned courtroom sketchers have a hard time drawing his likeness. And, we learned he makes a lot of money.

How much?

Well, his lawyer said his starting point for an endorsement is $10 million.

But even more telling is this stat: Michael Jordan makes more money in endorsements in a year—$75 million in 2012 according to court documents—than the combined salaries of 14 different NBA teams.

From Complex:

This had us thinking, are there NBA teams that will make less than what Mike did in branding just three years ago? We headed over to Spotrac and the results were kind of shocking. Phoenix Suns: $73,710,254 Minnesota Timberwolves: $73,545,533 Sacramento Kings: $73,502,505 Milwaukee Bucks: $73,168,794 Dallas Mavericks: $72,932,724 Denver Nuggets: $72,610,868 Toronto Raptors: $71,922,620 Atlanta Hawks: $71,894,552 Los Angeles Lakers: $71,891,876 Indiana Pacers: $71,540,082 Orlando Magic: $68,110,001 Utah Jazz: $63,787,028 Philadelphia 76ers: $56,092,789 Portland Trail Blazers: $50,521,600

Oh, and let’s not forget the billion from his own Jordan brand.

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