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Well, it was a good idea while it lasted.
Since no legitimate website or respected social media platform picked up the AI-driven and algorithm-inspired post that Michael Jordan is buying a majority share of Carolina basketball, it is just too bad for the university and MJ, himself.
About a year ago, a similar report had legs about FedEx founder Fred Smith (father of NFL coach and former Tar Heel Arthur Smith) showing some interest in doing the same with Carolina football. Back then, private equity was trying to get into college sports.
The $200 million report was obviously a fake, but the combination of Michael Jordan and Carolina basketball would be the perfect marriage when private equity inevitably becomes a part of college sports because the old-fashion and new-fangled money will surely run out.
Can you think of another university with the combined brand equity of MJ and UNC?
Mat Ishbia, the billionaire mortgage mogul and one-time reserve for Michigan State has bought the Phoenix Suns of the NBA and Mercury of the WNBA. Once the way is cleared, he could buy into Spartan hoops as well, as long as president Kevin Guskiewicz approves.
But even if there is little return in that venture, Ishbia doesn’t have the gravitas of Jordan, whose name, image and likeness, not to mention his Jumpman shoes and gear, would be the kind of innovation/investment that Michael likes and his alma mater needs. If by chance the fake news made its way back to No. 23, maybe he’s puffin’ a cigar over it.
“Show Us Your J’s” is already a promotion in the Dean Dome where some lucky fan walks out with a pair of blue and white Jumpman kicks. NBA owners sit at courtside for every one of their home games, and Jordan would at least make some of his for TV cameos.
Seriously, with UNC contributing reserve money to fund Bill Belichick and his Heels, there could not be enough left in the coffers to shotgun the hoop Heels back to the top of the ACC, national rankings and post-season seeds. And wouldn’t it be something for the two champions to be known as “Old 6 Rings” with their professionalized programs?
Schools like Duke and Kentucky have been doing an undercover version of this for years, whether it is CAA representing the players with NIL sponsors or alumni filling accounts for agents to set up deals that are supposed to be regulated as long as those limits last.
Back in the day, there was a popular gospel group called the Jordanaires who became best-selling recording artists on Capital, RCA Victor, Columbia and Decca records. The Tar Heels could storm out of the tunnel in their Jordanaires, which would be another brand aligned with the school and become the hottest-selling sneaks almost overnight.
It’s another out of the shoebox way for Carolina basketball to regain its iconic status behind the greatest to ever play the game.
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Featured image via Associated Press/Thibault Camus
Art Chansky is a veteran journalist who has written ten books, including best-sellers “Game Changers,” “Blue Bloods,” and “The Dean’s List.” He has contributed to WCHL for decades, having made his first appearance as a student in 1971. His “Sports Notebook” commentary airs daily on the 97.9 The Hill WCHL and his “Art’s Angle” opinion column runs weekly on Chapelboro.Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
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