Workshop SNEAKERS Les 7 - the Air Jordan origin story

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• mavo
• Leerjaar 2

Workshop SNEAKERS Les 7

The Air Jordan origin story

How do we work?

• No gaming and no social media.
• Work in teams of max 4 people.
• Everyone contributes – divide the different tasks.
• Everyone has a say in the end product.
• Talk respectfully and respect each other's opinions. 

Learning goal

At the end of this lesson you will understand the impact of Michael Jordan's partnership with Nike on both sports and popular culture.

Goals for today: 

Today you will learn about the Air Jordan origin story and how the GOAT became one of the most influential and richest people in the sneaker game.

Cheat sheet woordjes

1. NBA - National Basketball Association (eredivisie basketbal)
2. dominate - domineren (de grootste/beste zijn)
3. not keen - niet enthousiast
4. pitch - verkooppraatje
5. sign a deal - een contract tekenen

Which two sportshoe brands dominated basketball?

1. Asics Tiger and New Balance
2. Adidas and Converse
3. Reebok and Puma
4. Nike and Skechers

Michael was more interested in a deal with Converse or Adidas. Why did he still go and listen to Nike's pitch?

1. Because his sister worked for Nike.
2. His dad dragged him by his hair.
3. Because his mother Doris persuaded him to go.
4. His high school teacher advised him to go.

Why were people surprised that Nike signed a $250,000 deal with Michael Jordan?

1. Because he had never played in the NBA before.
2. Because the amount of money was dissapointing.
3. Because he was a baseball player, not a basketball player.
4. Because he only asked for some shoes.

What makes AJ so unique?

1. Air Jordan is a brand within a brand.
2. His first deal with Nike, $250,000 for 5 years, generated $130mln. in sales!
3. The current deal sees MJ collect 5% of every Air Jordan product!!!
4. The number of Air Jordan models - 37 and counting!
5. Impact on popular culture.

In popular culture

The Air Jordan is the most influential sneaker of all time. It became so popular it's been featured in several films and a TV series that got their own collabs:

• Air Jordan X Do The Right Thing (SpizIke)
• Air Jordan X Space Jam
• Air Jordan X Fresh Prince of Bell Air
• Air Jordan X He Got Game

What would you do with $3.5 Billion?