ESPN Report: UNC Basketball Legend Michael Jordan Seals $30 Million Endorsement Deal, Donates $10 Million to Program……
Chapel Hill, N.C. — University of North Carolina basketball legend and global sports icon Michael Jordan continues to make his mark on the game and his alma mater. On Friday, ESPN reported that Jordan recently inked a new $30 million endorsement deal with a major sports apparel company and announced that $10 million of those earnings will go directly to the University of North Carolina men’s basketball program. The donation is part of Jordan’s enduring commitment to the school where his incredible basketball journey began.
Jordan, who played under legendary coach Dean Smith from 1981 to 1984, has long been celebrated as one of the most loyal and passionate Tar Heel alumni. This latest gesture underscores his dedication to the program that shaped him into one of the greatest basketball players of all time. According to UNC Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham, the $10 million contribution will go toward scholarships, recruiting initiatives, player development programs, and state-of-the-art upgrades to the Smith Center practice facilities.
“We are profoundly grateful for Michael’s continued generosity,” Cunningham said in a statement to ESPN. “His impact on this program is beyond words. Not only did he leave an indelible mark as a player, but he continues to inspire us as an alumnus. His commitment will help us compete at the highest level for years to come.”
The new endorsement deal is reportedly one of the most lucrative signed by a retired athlete. Jordan, who has remained one of the most sought-after names in sports marketing decades after his playing career ended, partnered once again with a global powerhouse apparel company known for its top-tier sportswear and deep ties to basketball culture. Sources close to the deal say that the company was eager to collaborate with Jordan not only because of his unmatched global brand recognition but also because of his strong philanthropic track record.
For the six-time NBA champion and Basketball Hall of Famer, the decision to donate a significant portion of his earnings was personal. Jordan’s formative years at Chapel Hill played a major role in his basketball journey, including hitting the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship game. “This is my way of giving back to a program that gave me so much,” Jordan said in a brief statement released through his representatives. “Coach Smith and the entire Tar Heel family taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I want future Tar Heels to have every opportunity to excel — both on and off the court.”
Current UNC head coach Hubert Davis spoke warmly of Jordan’s continued support. “Michael has never forgotten his roots,” Davis noted. “This contribution will ensure that our student-athletes have the best facilities and opportunities as they chase championships and grow as young men. It’s truly special to have him in our corner.”
Students and fans have also rallied around the announcement. Many took to social media to thank Jordan for his generosity, with one Twitter user writing, “MJ continues to be the GOAT, not just on the court, but with his heart.” Another fan added, “This is why we love MJ — forever a Tar Heel!”
As college basketball continues to evolve in an era of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and competitive recruiting battles, the $10 million donation will give North Carolina a crucial boost. Beyond tangible improvements, however, the gesture also reinforces the deep and enduring bond between Michael Jordan and his Tar Heel roots.
With the season just a few months away and expectations high in Chapel Hill, this announcement adds an extra layer of excitement and pride. For UNC Basketball, the legacy of its most famous alumnus is alive and well — and, as Friday’s news proves, continuing to make a real and lasting impact.