The North Carolina Tar Heels will play their season opener against the TCU Horned Frogs on Monday night. Rumors are that Michael Jordan, one of the most influential athletes of all time and a Tar Heels alumnus, will be in attendance for Bill Belichick’s team’s first game.
After college, Jordan went on to become the greatest basketball player ever, and his entrepreneurial pursuits made him a billionaire. Today, his net worth stands at a staggering $3.6 billion. Jordan has used his influence and wealth to help improve the Tar Heels program.
The UNC athletes wear jerseys sponsored by the Jordan Brand. However, nothing beats the presence of a global superstar. As per On3 Inside Carolina sources, the six-time NBA champion is going to attend the UNC-TCU game.
“Michael Jordan is expected to be on the scene for Bill Belichick’s college coaching debut with the Tar Heels, one of the all-time greats in sports arriving in support of another, multiple sources confirmed to Inside Carolina on Friday,” the report said.
We’ve gathered a batch of game week intel as UNC works through final prep for TCU. There’s growing confidence in one area and continued concern in another. Michael Jordan is expected to be on the scene Monday night, too.
Dig in and read (+): https://t.co/mEtjuDv4sD pic.twitter.com/sNFRJ4MNAr
— InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) August 30, 2025
Jordan is not the only alumnus expected to attend UNC’s season opener. According to Pete Thamel, Mia Hamm, Lawrence Taylor, and Julius Peppers are also expected to be in Chapel Hill tonight.
Jordan is notorious for not making public appearances. Despite his fame and riches, he is rarely spotted at events. Even when he was the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, seeing him at games was a rare but special occasion.
Michael Jordan’s presence is more valuable for UNC
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, North Carolina general manager Michael Lombardi talked about why Michael Jordan’s presence is more valuable. Lombardi stated that his involvement with the program matters more than anything else.
“Look, Michael Jordan’s presence is more important than opening up his billfold. Michael Jordan involved with our program is what matters,” Lombardi said. “I have three jerseys in my office. I’m in the football office and I hung three jerseys on the wall here – Julius Peppers, the great Lawrence Taylor, and Michael Jordan. That’s who we are.” (8:28)
Lombardi said that he wears the Jordan Brand every day just like the UNC athletes, and that simply wearing his logo makes a huge impact on the players.
As per the GM, the influence that Michael Jordan has on the new generation is more important and valuable than his financial contributions. So, if Jordan shows up tonight, it’ll motivate the players in a way that can’t be replicated.
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