How Old Was Michael Jordan When He Retired From Basketball?

By Emma Wilson · August 29, 2026

Michael Jordan was 40 years old when he played his final NBA game on April 16, 2003, marking the end of his professional basketball career. He officially retired after his second stint with the Washington Wizards, having first retired at age 35 before returning to the league in 2001.

Michael Jordan's Retirement Timeline

Michael Jordan retired from professional basketball three times during his legendary career. Each retirement marked a significant moment in sports history and reflected different phases of his life and career.

First Retirement (1993)

Jordan announced his first retirement on October 6, 1993.
He was 30 years old at the time.
This decision followed the completion of three consecutive NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.
It also came shortly after the tragic murder of his father, James Jordan.

Second Retirement (1999)

Jordan retired for the second time on January 13, 1999.
He was 35 years old.
This followed the Bulls' sixth championship in eight years and the end of the team's dynasty.
The retirement was influenced by the breakup of the Bulls roster and management changes.

Final Retirement (2003)

Jordan returned to the NBA in 2001, signing with the Washington Wizards.
His last game was on April 16, 2003, against the Philadelphia 76ers.
At the time of his final game, he was 40 years and 139 days old.
He officially confirmed his retirement in 2003, ending his playing career for good.

NBA Career Overview

Jordan’s career spanned 15 seasons across two teams: the Chicago Bulls (1984–1993, 1995–1998) and the Washington Wizards (2001–2003). Despite declining stats in his later years, his impact remained profound.

Season	Team	Age	Games Played	PPG	APG	RPG
1997-98	Chicago Bulls	35	82	28.7	5.8	5.8
2001-02	Washington Wizards	39	60	22.9	5.2	5.7
2002-03	Washington Wizards	40	82	20.0	6.1	5.9

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates Jordan's performance in his last season with the Bulls and both full seasons with the Wizards. Even at age 40, he averaged double-digit scoring and playmaking numbers, showing remarkable consistency and skill. While his scoring declined, his assists increased, indicating a shift toward facilitating the offense.

Legacy and Impact After Retirement

Michael Jordan's retirement did not diminish his influence on basketball. In fact, his legacy grew stronger as new generations discovered his achievements.

Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Became majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets in 2010.
Continues to be a global ambassador for the NBA and sports marketing.
Jordan Brand remains one of the most successful athlete-endorsed product lines in history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Jordan's Retirement

How old was Michael Jordan when he retired from the NBA?

Michael Jordan was 40 years old when he played his final NBA game on April 16, 2003, and he officially retired later that year.

Did Michael Jordan retire more than once?

Yes, Michael Jordan retired three times: first in 1993 at age 30, second in 1999 at age 35, and finally in 2003 at age 40 after playing for the Washington Wizards.

Why did Michael Jordan come out of retirement in 2001?

Jordan returned to the NBA in 2001 to play for the Washington Wizards, citing a desire to contribute to basketball operations and prove he could still compete at a high level despite his age.

What was Michael Jordan’s last NBA team?

Michael Jordan’s last NBA team was the Washington Wizards, where he played from 2001 to 2003.

Has Michael Jordan ever expressed regret about retiring?

In interviews, Jordan has stated he had no regrets about retiring, emphasizing that he left the game on his own terms and focused on building his brand and ownership roles after his playing days ended.