Michael Jordan was fined $5000 after every NBA game for violating strict league rule

The reason why NBA legend Michael Jordan was handed a massive $5,000 fine after every match has been revealed.

Having enjoyed one of the most successful careers in the sport, Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest NBA player of all time, ahead of the likes of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

The Chicago Bulls legend won an impressive six NBA championships and achieved several personal accomplishments throughout his 15 season career.

However, Jordan faced one issue throughout his career, as his regular neglect of a strict NBA rule meant that he was forced to pay a $5,000 fine after every single match.

Throughout Jordan's NBA career and beyond, the American has been closely tied to sports brand Nike, who sponsored him from his rookie season onwards.

Back in 1984, Nike spent their entire $2.5 million budget on a sponsorship deal for Jordan, and their collaboration saw them create the now iconic 'Air Jordan' shoe range.

As part of his deal, Jordan began wearing the first shoes released as part of his new signature shoe line, despite disapproval from higher-ups in the NBA for one specific reason.

Jordan's new shoes did not meet the commission's regulations that stated that each player's footwear had to be at least 51 per cent white, or white and in accordance with the rest of the team's uniform.

Therefore, the NBA forced the star player to pay a $5,000 fine for every game he played while wearing the Air Jordan shoes.

However, rather than discourage Jordan and Nike from continuing to defy the regulations, this decision actually had the complete opposite effect.

A signed copy of Michael Jordan's 'Air Jordan 1' shoes were placed up for auction in 2022 (Image: Getty)

The sports brand agreed to cover the entire cost of Jordan's fines throughout the 1985 season, making it known publicly that they were doing so as part of a new marketing campaign.

This led to a sharp increase in sales of 'Air Jordan' shoes, $70 million worth sold by May 1985, with the marketing campaign playing a massive role in the success due as it allowed the shoes to reach an audience outside of basketball.

The campaign slogan read: "On October 15, Nike created a revolutionary new basketball shoe. On October 18, the NBA threw them out of the game.

"Fortunately, the NBA can't keep you from wearing them. Air Jordans. From Nike."

Jordan still works alongside Nike today, and it is believed that he earns a staggering $500 million per year from their partnership.