Michael Jordan is just showing off at this point.
The Chicago Bulls legend and six-time NBA champion became a global icon in the 1990s, fuelled by his on-court achievements and off-court shoe empire with his signature Air Jordan brand.
Jordan is one of the biggest sports stars of all timeAFP
He was the first former NBA player to become a billionaire and last year sold his share of the Charlotte Hornets for approximately $3 billion.
Now, the retire 61-year-old is enjoying the fruits of his labor, splashing out $70 million on a new, custom-built jet.
MJ has acquired the Gulfstream G650ER, which showcases a uniquely customized paint job, estimated to cost $500,000.
It features a silver and black elephant theme with the trademark Air Jordan logo added in white to the tail.
The jet’s personalized tail number, N236MJ, is also a nod to the great man himself. The 23 is signifies his jersey number and the 6 represents how many NBA championships he won.
The Gulfstream G650ER can reportedly carry up to 18 passengers, depending on the interior layout, and has a range of 8,100 miles.
It has a maximum speed of 0.925 Mach and comes with two Rolls-Royce BR725 engines.
Air Jordan previously used the Gulfstream G550 for his travels, which cost him $61.5 million, but his latest purchase is the next step up.
It’s also a step up in maintenance fees.
Maintenance is reportedly set at $1,860,909 per year for 200 hours of flying, which includes fuel ($727,338), crew ($343,964), engine overhaul ($191,670) and insurance ($56,987).
Those costs all double to a total of $2,995,763 for 400 hours of flying.
MJ’s new custom jet costs $70 millionX@JoePompliano
It features a personalized tail number and his signature Air Jordan logoX@JoePompliano
It’s nothing the ten-time scoring champ can’t afford, though.
Forbes estimates MJ’s net worth at $3.5 billion, making him the first athlete to crack their top 400 list.
He may be done playing but his myriad business ventures keep him ticking over financially.
Jordan co-owns NASCAR’s 23XI Racing team, has a stake in the betting company DraftKings and is also the owner of several restaurants with locations in Illinois, Connecticut and Washington.
His majority sale of the Hornets in 2023 also made him a fortune.
Jordan, who still retains a minority stake in the Hornets, sold his majority stake to a group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall.
His Airness purchased the franchise in 2010, back when it was called the Charlotte Bobcats, for $275 million. It was sold for around $3 billion.
Jordan still owns a minority stake in the HornetsAP
“The opportunity to be the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets in my home state of North Carolina for the last 13 years has been a tremendous honor,” Jordan said at the time of the sale.
“I’m proud of all that the organization accomplished: the exciting on-court moments, the return of the Hornets name, Charlotte hosting the 2019 NBA All-Star Game and HSE becoming a true pillar of this community. Through the years, the unwavering commitment, passion and loyalty of our Hornets fans has been incredible.
“As I transition into a minority ownership role, I’m thrilled to be able to pass the reins to two successful, innovative and strategic leaders in Gabe and Rick.
“I know the Hornets organization is in great hands moving forward. I’m excited about the future of the team and will continue to support the organization and the community in my new role in the years ahead.”
