NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern said Wednesday it would be good for the league if Michael Jordan were to become a franchise owner, and he believes it will happen sooner rather than later.

NBA Commissioner David Stern

Stern, speaking to reporters on a conference call before the start of next week's NBA playoffs, said that if Jordan achieves his stated goal of becoming a majority owner, it would be a good business development for the league.

"I would predict in the next few years Michael Jordan will be owner of an NBA team," said the commissioner. "I think that nothing is as good an advertisement of the ... sport than having its most recognized figure be an owner. I think it sets an extraordinary example for kids, a example for other players."

Jordan had been a part-owner of the Washington Wizards until he ended a retirement to resume his career with that team in 2001. When his career ended last season, he was essentially fired from that team. Jordan then entered negotiations for the possible purchase of the Milwaukee Bucks, but its owner, U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wisc., announced in June that he had decided not to sell the team.

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A spokeswoman for Jordan could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon following Stern's statement.

Jordan, who for most of his career was sports' most well-paid endorser, has a net worth of more than $400 million, according to Fortune magazine. He was offered a chance to be a basketball executive and minority owner with the new expansion Charlotte Bobcats last year, which will be owned by African-American media magnate Robert Johnson.