
Nike (NYSE:NKE) predicted Air Jordan would make only $3 million in sales over its first three to four years. Instead, the line brought in about $126 million in its first year. That breakout success vaulted NBA great Michael Jordan into retail legend and reshaped Nike's future.
Jordan Brand now earns billions yearly, keeping the Jumpman logo central to modern sneaker culture. That journey started with one risky contract and a shoe the NBA tried to ban.