Jordan Limits NBA Use of His Image

Michael Jordan has told the NBA it can no longer sell apparel bearing his image, giving Nike Inc. those rights exclusively. The unprecedented move means millions of dollars lost to the NBA.

Jordan, 28, who led the Chicago Bulls to their first NBA championship last season, is among the most profitable personalities in the league. Seth Sylvan, who manages licensing for the NBA, said the league made $1.1 billion last year from the sale of licensed products, most of it Chicago Bull merchandise. But he downplayed the effect of Jordan’s decision.

Souvenirs other than apparel are not affected.

Nike already makes about $200 million a year on Jordan’s image.

Jordan has been on the Nike payroll since 1984. He will earn $21.2 million this year for products ranging from Nike shoes to Wheaties cereal to Gatorade sports drink, according to published reports.