This week, as Jordan was preparing for his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Darren Rovell of CNBC reported that Jordan had become the world’s first $1 billion athlete. Rovell based his statement on the fact that his Nike brand, Jordan, topped $1 billion in revenue for the first time this year.
According to SportsOneSource, through Rovell, the Jordan brand holds twice the clout in the country’s shoe market that adidas does. Jordan’s reputation makes the brand 10.8 percent of the shoe business nationally.
Plus, Rovell reported, 86.5 percent of all basketball shoes that are sold for more than $100 come from the Jordan brand.
So, should we thank Jordan, or should we criticize him? Consider that $100-plus percentage. Could Nike have decided (or Jordan pushed) to ease back on those price-tag numbers just a bit to help out the youngsters idolizing him?
There will be more $1 billion athletes, of course, and likely soon. But for as much as Jordan did for basketball and interest in the sport, he hasn’t been the best in aiding access to his products.
When Stephon Marbury, who once sold sneakers for $14.98, makes you look like the bad guy, something’s very wrong.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com
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