Michael Jordan's brand teams up with $14,000,000 worth WWE champ in blockbuster move

Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico reported that Michael Jordan’s brand had a nifty 6% increase in sales based on Nike’s annual release of figures concerning revenues. From $6.6 billion in 2023, the Jumpman recorded $7 billion in earnings. Although the brand’s shoes designed for basketball have taken a hit, the lifestyle versions have taken up the slack.

Besides lifestyle footwear punching above its weight for the company, the Jordan brand has also extended its focus to other areas. Per the report, the Jumpman has increased production and coverage of “women’s gear, non-basketball items and international sales.”

This early, Michael Jordan’s line is already doubling down on that strategy. An announcement on X, formerly Twitter, has backed up this plan:

“Roman Reigns with his own Air Reigns clothing produced by Jordan. will be released in 2025.”

One of the most in-demand wrestlers over the past 15 years agreed to a sponsorship deal with the Jumpman. Roman Reigns, worth $14 million per CelebrityNetWorth, will be the face of the company on the said sports entertainment platform.

Leading to Wrestlemania 40 last April, the “Tribal Chief” released a teaser of his collaborative work with Michael Jordan’s brand. Information about the products was sketchy, but it seems like “The Bloodline” will finally be out by 2025. Based on the wrestling star’s video, the collection could include bags, shirts, shoes and gear.

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Triple H may have contributed to Michael Jordan’s brand signing Roman Reigns

A few months ago, Complex featured Triple H in one of its uber-popular sneaker-shopping episodes. The WWE’s Chief Content Officer bought several shoes, a few of them from Michael Jordan’s brand.

When asked about what an endorsement deal in the wrestling world might mean for brands, the retired wrestling star answered:

“You know it’s funny I thought about it for a long time. ... It affects culture in a big way and I think if somebody doesn’t do the signature line with some of our talent, I think they are missing the boat on something that can be very impactful.

(From 8:25 mark)

The iconic wrestler added that stars like Roman Reigns and current WWE champ Cody Rhodes sometimes wear sneakers in their matchups. Triple H also pointed out that today’s youth relate more to Reigns and Co. partly because of the footwear they use instead of traditional boots.

Michael Jordan’s brand, behind Reggie Saunders, the VP of marketing and entertainment, must have taken cues from that interview. It shouldn’t be lost on the company how the WWE has transcended wrestling. The “Tribal Chief” signing may just be the first step in the brand’s entry into the sports entertainment world.