Michael Jordan Surprises Hometown with New Career Milestone in Wilmington, North Carolina
Basketball legend and global icon Michael Jordan has once again made headlines—this time by giving back to his roots in a major way. Jordan surprised his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, by announcing the development of his biggest career milestone yet in the city: the creation of a youth-focused career and development center aimed at empowering the next generation.
The new facility, which Jordan called “one of the proudest projects of my life,” will be a state-of-the-art career training and mentorship hub designed to provide young people with access to modern tools, career counseling, and educational support. Located in the heart of Wilmington, the center will also feature workshops in entrepreneurship, technology, arts, and trades—ensuring opportunities for a wide range of interests.
“This isn’t about basketball,” Jordan said during the announcement. “It’s about giving the youth in Wilmington a place where they can dream, build, and become the leaders of tomorrow.”
The initiative is part of Jordan’s ongoing commitment to social equity and community upliftment. It follows a long history of philanthropy, including multimillion-dollar donations to education, healthcare, and racial justice programs across the country. But this new center, he said, is “personal.”
Local officials and community leaders praised the move. “Michael never forgot where he came from,” said Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo. “This career center will be a game-changer for the youth in our city.”
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with the doors scheduled to open in 2027. The project will be fully funded by the Michael Jordan Foundation and operated in partnership with local schools and nonprofit organizations.
With this new milestone, Michael Jordan proves that his legacy goes far beyond the basketball court—it lives in the hearts and futures of the young people in his hometown.
