In October 1984, Michael Jordan stepped onto the court for his first preseason game and the rookie’s black and red shoes were immediately noticed by then-commissioner David Stern. While the story about a $5000 per game fine levied by the NBA for violation of the uniform policy is largely a myth, there is no question that the shoes became sought after almost immediately and the Jordan brand was born.
Nearly 20 years since last playing in the NBA, Jordan earns well over $100 million per year from the Jordan brand that now features 34 Jordan brand shoes. Jordan himself wore the Air Jordan I through XIV as a member of the Bulls, then the XVII and XVIII in his last seasons as a member of the Wizards.
