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After unsuccessful runs in the basketball operations department of the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Bobcats, Michael Jordan didn't appear to be cut out for the life of an executive
The same commitment to winning that made him so successful off the court, seemed to be sorely lacking in the stadium suites.
So when MJ purchased the Charlotte Bobcats in March, and became the first former player with a majority stake in an NBA team, questions immediately arose as to whether he would make a good owner.
The financially unstable franchise needed a complete overhaul. In its first six years, the Bobcats had lost a reported $80-$100 million.So far, Jordan has made it very clear he's committed to his new role, the SportsBusiness Journal reports. Sure, he bought a pair of courtside seats, on David Stern's recommendation, to increase visibility, but Jordan's commitment goes beyond making appearances. His Airness also secured new corporate sponsors and negotiated a better TV deal for his team.
Please read the rest on BusinessInsider.com.
With this type of renewed commitment, might Mr. Jordan be poised to excel in the exciting role of a championship-winning NBA businessman? Only time will tell, but he has a great start and years of experience to draw from in his burgeoning career.
Dr. Boyce Watkins has often written in this blog about the importance of ownership for all African Americans, and the fact that black athletes in particular are often exploited for their talents by the sports industry without enjoying the benefits of ownership. It is a wonderful thing that Michael Jordan has been able to transform himself from an employee of the NBA into a stakeholder in the game after many years of hard work and unparalleled service. Jordan is setting a fine example of what the power of ownership means, as he experiences the hard lessons of executive responsibility that go along with it.
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Being the leader that Michael Jordan is, on the court and now off, let's hope that more players in the NBA soon follow.
Comments: (6)
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By: pimpinperry2 on 10/26/2010 1:16PM
As a Detroit Piston fan when I was living in Detroit I was not a big Jordan fan. Actually in my opinion Magic Johnson was big on the court and off. He was acquiring or had a major stake in several companies.
I came to admire Jordan after I moved to the Washington DC area. The he became the GM of the Washington Wizards and later a player. He got a raw deal in DC.
Now that he's the majority owner of the Bobcats hopefully his experence as a former GM will serve him well. Many NBA players don't seem to plan ahead. Jordan and Magic do understand the benefits of ownership much success to them.
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By: M. Alexander on 10/27/2010 10:17AM
Yes he did get a raw deal in DC but he should have seen that coming ! Abe Pollin had no intention of letting Jordan run the Wizards but he did manage to use Jordan to get the Wizards on tv and make some millions the Wizards wouldn't have made without Jordan when Jordan played for them !
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By: meanvee on 10/26/2010 1:39PM
I wish Michael Jordan all the success in his business ownership of the bobcats, he needs to keep his friend Magic Johnson on speed dial for advice, Magic has been very successful in the business world.
http://www.BestChoicePayday.com
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By: Greg on 10/26/2010 3:23PM
When making comments we all need to check out our facts first. Mr Jordon donated a great deal of money to the shcool system in Charlotte this year because the sports program would have been cancelled. Oprah's name gets thrown out there a lot because she is in the public eye, but check out how the sponsers give this stuff to her it's not actually coming out of her pocket. We all have a responsibilty ask yourself when is the last time that you helped someone less fortunate. I am in a position to hire an fire and I'm always looking to try and help the underdog. So let's stop being so hard on those who have what we call made it and worry about doing our own part.
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By: kareem2000 on 10/27/2010 10:51PM
Michael Jordan was maybe the greatest player ever. But he sucks as a business man and person.
First of all, if was smart he would be part owner of Nike by now, not just and empyoyee. He made that company himself. Do you think Oprah would have settled for the measely maybe 15 to 25 million Nike was paying him. No, she would have gotten shares of the company and by now would have owned at least 20 percent of the company. Making him a billionaire.
And as a person, he hardly ever gives back. And when he does, it is small. A $10,000 donation is like me giving a $10.00 tip at a restaurant. And he does not give back big. Because if he did it would be public knowledge. Those aounts you can't hide. Over the years he has given more money to the casinos and the many women that he has. Don't get me wrong, he can do what he wants with his money. But people he is no role model or hero. Just a great basketball player who turned his back on people.
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By: lacam on 10/28/2010 3:51AM
Michael Jordan can do better in his blessing of others.He did nothing for the kids here in Birmingham when he played for the Barons.We tried to get him to just speak to the kids,show up.I guess alabama kids not that important.He could have made a big difference in these kids during that time.It wasbad at this time.And his father had been murdered. Maybe that;s why he wouldn.t give these kids that opp to just see him.Sad.
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