Big Money Essay, Research Paper

The Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan set the pace, signing a one-year contract for $30 million, making him the highest-paid player for one season in the history of team sports. Then, in a pair of seven-year deals, the Miami Heat retained their Alonzo Mourning for $105 million and picked off the Washington Bullets’ Juwan Howard for more than $100 million. But it was up to Shaquille O’Neal, the Orlando Magic’s 7-foot-1 center and endorsement powerhouse, to cap the National Basketball Association’s week of gold. Shaq left the Magic to join the Los Angeles Lakers for seven years and $121 million–the richest agreement ever for a pro athlete. To help raise those millions, the Lakers raised prices on their cheapest seats from $9.50 to $21.