Who Is Michael Jordan's Ex-Wife? Meet Millionaire Juanita Vanoy

Juanita Vanoy - All you need to know about Michael Jordan's ex-wife. Read about her career, kids, net worth and more on Pinkvilla.

Updated on Sep 06, 2024  |  07:34 PM IST |  389.2K
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Juanita Vanoy and Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls legend, had a long and illustrious basketball career. During his time in the league, he was widely regarded as one of the biggest stars in the game. As he rose to fame after his early NBA success, fans became increasingly curious about Jordan’s life and family.

Juanita Vanoy, the ex-wife of basketball legend Michael Jordan, entered the public eye when she met Jordan in 1985, just as his NBA career was taking off with the Chicago Bulls. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to an eventful journey together in the years that followed.

Who Is Michael Jordan's Ex-Wife, Juanita Vanoy?

Born on June 13, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, Juanita Vanoy grew up on the city's South Side and developed a love for basketball during her teenage years, playing on her high school team at Fenger Academy High School. After high school, she pursued further education, earning an associate's degree while working in various roles, including as a loan officer at a Chicago bank.


Despite her work commitments, Juanita also explored avenues in writing and real estate, showcasing her diverse skill set and determination. Throughout her marriage to Michael Jordan, Juanita Vanoy's supportive and caring nature was evident, as recounted by Jordan himself in interviews. 

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However, the marriage faced its trials, ultimately leading to a divorce filing in 2002, though the couple briefly reconciled before finalizing their split in 2006. Following her divorce with Jordan, Juanita continued to lead a private life, away from the spotlight that had accompanied her high-profile marriage to one of the greatest basketball players of all time.  

Where did Juanita Vanoy and Michael Jordan meet?

Juanita Vanoy and Michael Jordan first crossed paths in March 1985 at a Bennigan's restaurant in Chicago. Their meeting came after Vanoy attended a Chicago Bulls game, where she witnessed Jordan's basketball prowess from the crowd. 


Introduced by mutual friends at the restaurant, this chance encounter marked the beginning of a significant chapter in both their lives. Little did Vanoy know at the time that the talented NBA player she had watched play that evening would eventually become her husband and a global sports icon.

This serendipitous meeting at the restaurant set the stage for a remarkable relationship that would see Juanita Vanoy and Michael Jordan weather the challenges and successes that came with Jordan's illustrious basketball career. 

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Jordan and Juanita eventually tied the knot in Las Vegas in September 1989. After dating for some time, Jordan proposed to Vanoy on New Year's Eve in 1987, which was followed by the news of their pregnancy. 

However, discussions of marriage were put on hold, leading Vanoy to contemplate filing a paternity suit to address the lack of responsiveness to her needs. Despite the initial hurdles, the couple welcomed their first child in November 1988, setting the stage for their eventual union.

Their wedding took place in a private ceremony at 3:30 a.m. at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, with Jordan expressing concerns about potential objections from friends if a public ceremony were to be held. 

What does Juanita Vanoy do for a living?

Juanita Vanoy, following her divorce from Michael Jordan, dedicated herself to prioritizing the well-being and upbringing of her children, putting her own aspirations on hold. However, as her children grew into adulthood, she pursued her dream of becoming a business owner. 

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Vanoy now owns and manages a luxury online resale boutique called Juanita World, where she curates and sells designer clothing, accessories, and jewelry, drawing on her passion for fashion and style. Her boutique offers a collection of high-end fashion items, including pieces from her personal collection.

Following their separation, Vancoy was awarded one of the largest divorce settlements in sports history, receiving a payout of $168 million. However, it is notable that Jordan retained ownership of their Chicago mansion as part of the division of assets.  

What happened with Michael Jordan and his ex-wife?

After experiencing differences from the early days of their marriage, Michael Jordan and his ex-wife, Juanita Vanoy, faced a tumultuous period in 2002 when Vanoy filed for divorce after 12 years of marriage. This decision coincided with Jordan's return to the NBA to play for the Washington Wizards. 

In her filing, Vanoy sought permanent custody of their children, ownership of their Chicago mansion, and a fair share of their marital assets. Jordan, acknowledging the failed attempts to salvage their marriage, expressed the impracticality of future efforts, citing the best interests of the family.

Despite the initial decision to part ways, the couple's trajectory took a surprising turn as they publicly announced their attempt to reconcile just a month after Vanoy's divorce filing. Following this reconciliation effort, they continued their marriage for several more years before ultimately filing for divorce again in 2006. 

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In a joint statement relayed by their lawyers, it was revealed that the decision to end their 17-year marriage was mutual and amicable, signaling the conclusion of a significant chapter in their lives. Their lawyers further asserted that no additional statements would be issued regarding the divorce.  

Did Michael Jordan's ex-wife Juanita remarry?

Juanita Vanoy did not remarry after her split with husband, Michael Jordan. She has kept herself busy with her personal endeavors and there has not been any reports of her being linked with anyone else.  

Juanita Vanoy Net Worth

Juanita Vanoy has a net worth of $200 million. Her divorce settlement with MJ, valued at $168 million, contributed significantly to her impressive net worth. Apart from her high-profile personal life, Juanita has made significant contributions to philanthropy and has remained active in the art world, particularly in supporting African American artists. 

Also Read: Who is Michael Jordan’s wife? Everything you need to know about Yvette Prieto

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About The Author

Nitish Singh is a Sports Content Writer at Pinkvilla and covers all things NBA. Apart from following

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