NBA Legend is first billionaire athlete in history

Foremost international statistics and research agency, Forbes has rated NBA legend, Michael Jordan as the first billionaire athlete in history.

The 52 year-old six-time NBA champion joins a list of other 290 newcomers in the Forbes’ list.

Since retiring from Basketball in 2003, Jordan took up the business of entrepreneurship, managing and running sports franchsises.

He currently is the co-owner of NBA club, Charlotte Hornets.

Michael Jordan, a five-time NBA MVP and 14-time NBA All-Star player is described on NBA’s website as ‘’the greatest basketball player of all time."

Most of Jordan's financial strength comes from Nike payouts on his iconic brand, AirJordan which grossed an estimated $2.25 billion in 2013, earning his Airness some $90 million.

His most valuable asset, however, is his stake at Charlotte Hornets, worth more than $500 million.