Thirty years, celebrated as the pearl anniversary, is an ideal moment to recognize what has made the Jordan Brand great – its fans. A pearl is forged over time through the formation of strong, resilient layers. Looking back on the 30 years of the Air Jordan franchise, Jordan Brand has become a performance basketball staple synonymous with pinnacle performance and an endless pursuit of greatness.
In 1985, newcomer Michael Jordan turned heads. In addition to leading his team to the playoffs, Jordan finished the season with a scoring average of 28.2 points per game; set Chicago single-season records for points, field goals, free throws and steals; and received the prestigious NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Jordan’s performance that year set the tone for the next 30 years, forever changing the game of basketball and sports around the world. In the ensuing years, he also came to lead a global brand that revolutionized on- and off-court footwear and apparel – through the Jordan Brand.