In a groundbreaking move that has electrified Tar Heel Nation, ESPN reports that Michael Jordan has signed a $30 million endorsement deal with a major global brand. What’s more, the NBA icon and UNC legend is giving back in a massive way—donating $10 million of that sum directly to the University of North Carolina basketball program.
Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, played for UNC under legendary coach Dean Smith, leading the Tar Heels to the 1982 national championship. His donation will be used to bolster facilities, expand NIL opportunities, and support scholarships for future student-athletes.
“This is about giving back to the place that gave me everything,” Jordan stated. “UNC shaped my life on and off the court.”
The deal marks one of the largest personal contributions by a former college athlete to their alma mater and reflects Jordan’s ongoing commitment to growing the game at the collegiate level. With this donation, UNC strengthens its position in the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics, blending tradition with the future—and ensuring the Tar Heel legacy continues to thrive.
