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Michael Jordan Reportedly Made $7M in Royalties off Lionel Messi PSG Shirt Sales
August 20, 2021
Basketball legend Michael Jordan reportedly has raked in over $7 million in royalties since Lionel Messi signed with Paris Saint-Germain, which uses Nike's Jordan Brand for its kits.
Messi's jersey has been flying off the shelves since he joined PSG on Aug. 10 following a decorated two-decade run at Barcelona, and Argentine outlet TyC Sports reported Jordan receives five percent for each sale of an official uniform, which led to the major financial windfall:
Although the Jordan Brand is in the fourth year of the partnership with PSG, the sides announced in May the 2021-22 season would mark the first with the Jumpman logo on the home kit.
It comes at a perfect time given the club's addition of Messi, who was widely expected to re-sign with Barca before the La Liga side confirmed it wouldn't be able to bring him back because of financial constraints. He had become a free agent July 1 with the conclusion of his prior contract.
The 34-year-old Argentina native swiftly moved to complete a two-year contract with Les Parisiens that includes an option for a third term at the Parc des Princes. He's expected to earn an estimated $75 million annually between his salary, bonuses and a percentage of player rights, including jersey sales, per Justin Birnbaum and Christina Settimi of Forbes.
Meanwhile, Jordan's partnership with Nike has repeated major rewards both during his playing career, which was highlighted by six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls, and since his retirement. His net worth stands at $1.6 billion, according to Forbes.
Paris Saint-Germain haven't announced when Messi will make his club debut, but his next chance to wear the home kit for the first time will come Sept. 12 against Clermont.