ESPN REPORT: Michael Jordan Shocks the Nation — Donates Entire $22.2M to North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball Stadium Project: “Tar Heels Pride Lives in Me Forever”
In a stunning and heartfelt gesture that has captivated the sports world, NBA legend and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan has donated the entire $22.2 million needed to complete the University of North Carolina’s Tar Heels Basketball Stadium renovation project. The news, first reported by ESPN, has sent shockwaves through the collegiate athletics community and reinforced Jordan’s deep and enduring connection to his alma mater.
The donation, the largest ever made by a former UNC athlete, will fully fund the long-anticipated modernization of the Dean E. Smith Center—home to Tar Heels basketball since 1986. Jordan’s contribution ensures the state-of-the-art facility will serve not only current athletes but also future generations of Tar Heels fans, players, and coaches. The newly renovated arena is expected to include advanced training facilities, expanded seating, interactive fan experiences, and a new hall of fame exhibit honoring UNC basketball legends.
In a statement released through his spokesperson, Jordan explained the motivation behind the surprise gift: “Carolina is where it all started for me. It shaped me on and off the court. The pride of wearing that Tar Heels jersey never left me. This donation is my way of giving back to a community that gave me everything. Tar Heels pride lives in me forever.”
Jordan, who led the Tar Heels to the 1982 NCAA Championship with his legendary game-winning shot against Georgetown, has remained a fixture in UNC’s legacy. Though he went on to global superstardom with the Chicago Bulls and became a billionaire businessman, Jordan has never forgotten his roots in Chapel Hill.
UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham expressed his deep gratitude in a press conference following the announcement: “This gift is transformational. Michael’s generosity is not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about tradition, excellence, and legacy. He continues to inspire us with his leadership, loyalty, and unmatched Tar Heel spirit.”
The donation comes at a pivotal time for the university, as college athletics increasingly competes for resources, recruits, and national prominence. Jordan’s support provides UNC with a competitive edge while also reinforcing the program’s reputation as a breeding ground for excellence—both on and off the court.
Construction on the stadium upgrade is expected to begin in early 2026, with completion targeted for the 2028 season. In recognition of the historic donation, UNC has announced that the newly renovated court will be named “Jordan Court at Smith Center.”
For fans and alumni, the donation is more than a financial act—it is a profound reminder of Jordan’s loyalty, humility, and unwavering pride in the Carolina Blue. Once again, Michael Jordan has proven why he is not only the greatest basketball player of all time but also one of the game’s most devoted ambassadors.
