Michael Jordan contract clause that allowed him bypass strict NBA rule revealed

Ayoola Kelechi 01:16 - 24 July 2025

Michael Jordan. Photo. Imago

One of the most unusual clauses in Michael Jordan's legendary 1984 contract with the Chicago Bulls was the "love of the game" clause

While most NBA players are prohibited from playing outside the league to avoid injuries, Michael Jordan insisted on the right to play basketball whenever and wherever he pleased—whether it was a casual pick-up game or a summer exhibition match. This clause allowed him to hit the court without needing any approval.

When he was a rookie, a clause that had never existed before was inserted into his contract; we called it the "love of the game" clause.

Essentially, this clause allowed him to play basketball whenever he wanted. A standard NBA contract states that if you want to play an exhibition game or something similar, you need to get the team's approval.

He only wanted one thing – that clause which stated: "I can play basketball whenever I want. I don't have to ask anyone." And that was truly him – he was all about playing ball," said Hall of Famer and longtime Bulls reporter Sam Smith.

Jordan clause was removed four years later.

In 1988, after signing a new eight-year, $25 million deal, the biggest sports contract at the time, the clause was removed. The franchise, concerned about potential risks, removed the clause as soon as they could.

Michael Jordan played all 82 games in a season eight times during his legendary career. A Hall of Famer, he hated missing games and loved playing basketball.

With the Bulls, he won six championships, six Finals MVPs, five regular season MVPs, ten scoring titles, three steals titles, and one Defensive Player of the Year award. He's widely considered the greatest player in NBA history.