Why Was the GOAT Not in 2K? The Saga of Getting Jordan in NBA 2K Games
"It‘s frustrating. Believe me, I wish we had Michael in the game."
This was 2K Director of Production Greg Thomas in 2012, lamenting to IGN over a decade after Michael Jordan‘s last video game appearance. His Airness wouldn‘t feature in an NBA 2K title until 2020‘s Next Gen edition.
So why was the greatest player in basketball history absent from the definitive hoops gaming franchise for so long?
Big Money Barrier – MJ‘s Massive Licensing Fees
After starring in titles like Bulls vs Lakers for the Sega Genesis in the 1990s, Jordan sat out subsequent years once he opted out of the NBA‘s shared licensing agreement. According to OSGamers, going his own way allowed Jordan "to negotiate his own licensing deals", scoring big money.
But it came at a cost – pricing him out of games like NBA Live and 2K.
In 2012, then-Mavericks owner Mark Cuban claimed it could cost around $15 million per year to license Jordan! As Thomas told IGN:
"He‘s his own agent. He does his own thing…we have talked to him. The budget for our game is already expensive, and he commands a lot more for whatever his likeness rights are."
At the time, analyst Michael Patcher estimated 2K‘s budget for their game was $15-25 million total. MJ‘s asking price was monumental.
The Legend Lands Elsewhere – Chaos in the Windy City
So where did Jordan land in gaming? Titles like Chaos in the Windy City in 1994. Developed by EA, the platform game was built entirely around MJ – but didn‘t feature his name via the real NBA.
For six figures per year and a cut of royalties, EA locked up "Michael Jordan in Basketball". And in 1998, Jordan inked a deal with acclaim Entertainment for "Jordan vs Bird One on On".
As Patcher said:
"If he was in NBA 2K13, it wouldn‘t have a measurable impact on sales. But he can‘t be in every game, he picks and chooses. He‘ll go with whoever backs up more trucks filled with money."
MJ was an all-time great businessman off the court. But his selective deals kept him dunking elsewhere – not in 2K‘s acclaimed series.
Fan Frustration Boils Over – Where is Jordan?!
Gamers grew increasingly frustrated, taking to Reddit and forums to bemoan Jordan‘s 2K absence. As user Raptors2017Champs put it regarding classic Bulls teams in 2020:
"It‘s so annoying that they have Pippen, Rodman and even Kukoc…but no Jordan. We‘re stuck either creating MJ or not using the Bulls."
Speculation swirled for years – did his stance soften? Was 2K now willing to up their offer and secure the Jordan rights?
In 2012, producer Greg Thomas hadn‘t ruled it out:
"We have a wishlist just like the fans have so hopefully one day it will happen. Never say never."
The Long Wait Over – Jordan Ushers in Next Gen Gaming
After years of wishing, fans finally got their answer – Michael Jordan would headline NBA 2K21 for Next Gen consoles in 2020. According to 2K President David Ismailer:
"Michael Jordan is an integral part of this game"
As their press release put it:
"His basketball legacy resonates with modern sports fans on a historical level using nostalgia as the compass tobridge the gap between generations of basketball enthusiasts."
Terms weren‘t officially disclosed, but patching things up to get the GOAT took years of negotiation and "a lot of numbers with a lot of zeroes".
Early reception saw fans rejoicing and ratings soaring. As Jordan brought back beloved retro modes and challenges, The Athletic‘s Blake Murphy called it:
"The single most meaningful piece of video game content to come along in quite a while"
By The Numbers: MJ‘s Massive Value to Developers
Jordan wasn‘t in past games – but his iconic brand allows him to demand huge figures today. Some estimates on his present-day gaming appeal:
- $40 million – Potential payout for 2K16 deal
- $924 million – Jordan earned off-the court last year
- $178 billion – Value Jordan brought to Nike through brand deals
As past roadblocks cleared, Jordan‘s status now makes him a lucrative lock as the face of modern basketball gaming titles.
The Future is Bright – Jordan Elevates Hoops Gaming
After thrilling fans with Jordan Challenges and reimagined Bulls squads in recent years, the sky seems the limit going forward. With Jordan now firmly aboard the 2K franchise, developers continue adding to ultimate hoops fantasy wishlists.
"I‘m excited about the doors this opportunity creaked open for basketball video games." said executive producer Erick Boenisch.
Upcoming rumours suggest Michael facing 80s greats in "Jordan vs Magic" showdowns, or mentoring future stars in "The Jordan Rules" story mode. And with nostalgia for earlier eras surging, calls continue for other past legends like prime Shaq, Bird vs Magic showdowns, or Jordan‘s 1992 Dream Team furthering the retro gaming scope.
Because whether watching his iconic moves, reliving famous moments, or exploring untold stories, the conversation keeps coming back to one point – his Airness belongs at the digital center of basketball history.
After years of waiting, the GOAT has brought fierce competition, elite gameplay, and limitless possibility back to virtual courts. And for hoops gaming, the future has never looked brighter.
