Michael Jordan has had a profound impact on the game of basketball.
Since Jordan joined the NBA in 1984 after leading the US Olympic team to gold in Los Angeles, NBA attendance has doubled to more than 20 million people a season.
US television viewership of the NBA has more than doubled to more than 100 million people. Throw in another 2.5 billion watching in the rest of the world and one begins to comprehend the scope of Jordan’s impact.
The number of international players in the NBA has grown from eight when Jordan began to 68 as he departs.
In many ways, Jordan helped open the NBA to China’s Yao Ming, Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki, Australia’s Andrew Gaze, Africa’s Dikembe Mutombo and dozens more.
The average player salary has skyrocketed from $325,000 to four million dollars. From landmark endorsement deals to souvenir sales to likeness rights and record television deals, Jordan has lifted the money to new heights. And he has lifted the game to new heights as well.
In addition, Sports Card World recognizes the outstanding contribution made to the sports card hobby by Michael Jordan.
We salute a living legend ……. Arguably, the greatest athlete ever !