Michael Jordan's Surprising Hesitation: Despite $1 Billion Earnings, Basketball Legend Was Reluctant to Sign with Nike

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Michael Jordan's partnership with Nike has become one of the most successful and lucrative deals in the history of sports.

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Jordan was initially hesitant to sign with Nike in the early 1980s as the brand was not well-known for basketball shoes at the time.

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Adidas, Puma, and Converse were the leading brands in basketball footwear during that time.

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Jordan's mother urged him to explore all of his options, including meeting with Nike.

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Nike was primarily known for its running and jogging shoes at the time.

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Phil Knight, Nike's founder, anchored his company's reputation on the quality of their running and jogging shoes.

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Nike's offer to Jordan was $500,000 a year for five years, the Air Jordan line, and two Mercedes cars.

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Jordan's parents played a significant role in convincing him to sign with Nike, despite his initial reluctance.

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If Jordan had signed with a different brand, it could have drastically altered the course of sneaker history.

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