USA - Air Jordan now part owner of Bobcats

CHARLOTTE (NBA) - Michael Jordan is back in the NBA.

One of the game's all-time greats on the court and an innovator off it, Jordan became part owner of the Charlotte Bobcats on Thursday. The deal gives Jordan a stake in most of owner Robert Johnson's ventures. Jordan also becomes the largest individual owner after Johnson and will be the managing member of basketball operations for the Bobcats ownership group.

"I not only respect Michael for his basketball knowledge and expertise, but also for his business skills, particularly in branding and marketing," Johnson said.

"Michael will provide invaluable management input to a Bobcats team that is poised to deliver results for the 2006-07 season and beyond."

"We're elated to have Michael back in the league, in both an ownership and a management position, in an area of the country that's important to him, and where his contributions have been so well recognised," NBA commissioner David Stern said.

An NBA legend and one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, Jordan guided the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles, led the league in scoring a record 10 times and won five Most Valuable Player Awards during his career. His 30.1 points per game average is the highest in NBA history, and he ranks third all-time with 32,292 points.

In America's Dream Team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, he was the leader on and off the court and helped create an avalanche of interest in the sport around the world.

"I think it's great. I've taken some heat in this town - his jersey is hanging up here in the arena, and only from the standpoint of the genuine respect that I think we as an organisation have for who we might consider to be the greatest player of all time," Miami Heat coach Pat Riley said.

"So I think it's great for the league, it's great for Charlotte. I don't know what impact or what his role or responsibilities are going to be, but I know he wants back in badly and I think this is a great thing for the league."

Jordan, who twice came out of retirement, played two seasons for the Washington Wizards before retiring for good following the 2002-03 season. He had also been a part of the Wizards' ownership group before returning to play for the team.

In college, Jordan starred at North Carolina and helped led the Tar Heels to the national championship in 1982.

Jordan has also proven to be a successful businessman off the court. Since its creation, his Jordan Brand (a division of NIKE) has been an innovator of athletic shoes and apparel.

PA Sport