7 Jan 1998: Guard Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Miami Heat during a game at the Miami Arena in Miami, Florida. The Heat defeated the Bulls 99-72. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport
When Michael Jordan entered the NBA as the third overall pick in the 1984 Draft, he was already seen as a generational talent. However, few people knew that his rookie contract with the Chicago Bulls included an unprecedented clause—one that solidified his ability to pursue his passion beyond basketball.
Unlike most rookies who had to abide by strict team regulations regarding offseason activities, Jordan insisted on having a unique provision known as the “Love of the Game” clause in his contract. This clause allowed him to play basketball anytime, anywhere—whether it was an offseason pickup game, a charity event, or even a streetball match.
At the time, most NBA teams placed strict restrictions on their players to prevent injuries in non-team-sanctioned games. However, Jordan, who had an unrelenting passion for the sport, refused to be bound by such rules. He wanted the freedom to play whenever he desired, without fear of breaching his contract.
NBA teams were notoriously cautious about their star players engaging in activities that could risk injury. Most contracts explicitly prohibited players from participating in unsupervised basketball games or other high-risk activities. For a rookie to demand and secure such a clause was virtually unheard of.
However, the Bulls, recognizing Jordan’s immense potential, agreed to the request—an early sign of the influence and leverage he would later wield in the NBA.
Jordan’s “Love of the Game” clause allowed him to refine his skills year-round. He frequently played in high-level pickup games, which helped him maintain his edge and further develop his game outside of Bulls practices.
This clause also became a testament to his tireless work ethic and passion for basketball, reinforcing the image of Jordan as someone who truly lived and breathed the sport.
While Jordan’s demand was unique at the time, his influence eventually led to more player empowerment in contract negotiations. Today, stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant have greater say over their offseason training and activities, in part because of the precedent Jordan set in the 1980s.
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