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Top 5 Richest And Most Famous Nba Players With Businesses Outside Basketball
The NBA has produced some of the wealthiest and most iconic athletes in the world. While their on-court skills have earned them fame and fortune, many players have wisely diversified their income streams by investing in businesses outside basketball. From fashion and entertainment to tech and real estate, these athletes have built empires that extend beyond the hardwood. Here are the top five richest and most famous NBA players with successful ventures outside basketball.
1. Michael Jordan
Net Worth: $2 billion
Primary Businesses: Nike's Jordan Brand, Ownership of the Charlotte Hornets, Investments in Other Ventures
Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, is not only a legend on the court but also a powerhouse in the business world. His partnership with Nike gave birth to the iconic Jordan Brand, which generates billions of dollars annually. Jordan receives a hefty percentage of the revenue, making it one of his most significant income sources.
Beyond sneakers, Jordan has invested in various industries, including sports franchises. He became the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets in 2010 and later sold a majority stake in 2023 for a massive profit. His business acumen extends to investments in restaurants, car dealerships, and the tequila brand Cincoro, which he co-founded with other NBA owners.
Jordan's ability to leverage his brand into multiple revenue streams has made him the first NBA player to become a billionaire, cementing his legacy as both an athletic and financial icon.
2. LeBron James
Net Worth: $1 billion
Primary Businesses: SpringHill Company, Blaze Pizza, Fenway Sports Group
LeBron James is not only one of the greatest players in NBA history but also a savvy businessman. In 2022, LeBron officially became a billionaire, thanks to his investments and endorsements. His business ventures include the SpringHill Company, a media empire behind hit projects like Space Jam: A New Legacy and The Shop.
LeBron is also a part-owner of Blaze Pizza, one of the fastest-growing pizza chains in the United States. His initial investment of $1 million has grown exponentially as the franchise continues to expand globally.
Additionally, LeBron has stakes in Fenway Sports Group, the parent company of iconic teams like the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC. His involvement in the business world showcases his ambition to build a lasting legacy beyond basketball, inspiring athletes worldwide to think about life after sports.
3. Shaquille O’Neal
Net Worth: $400 million
Primary Businesses: Franchises (Papa John’s, Five Guys), Entertainment, Real Estate
Shaquille O’Neal, known for his larger-than-life personality, has translated his charisma into a successful post-basketball career. Shaq has an impressive portfolio of business ventures, ranging from franchise ownership to entertainment. He owns stakes in dozens of franchises, including Papa John’s, Five Guys, and Auntie Anne’s.
Shaq has also made smart investments in tech companies like Google and Ring, reaping substantial returns. In addition, he has a thriving career as a television analyst for Inside the NBA, which keeps him connected to basketball while expanding his media presence.
Shaq’s real estate ventures, including commercial and residential properties, have also contributed significantly to his wealth. His ability to diversify his portfolio while staying true to his brand has made him one of the most successful post-retirement athletes in history.
4. Kevin Durant
Net Worth: $350 million
Primary Businesses: Thirty Five Ventures, Investments in Tech Startups
Kevin Durant is not only a prolific scorer on the court but also a strategic investor off it. Through his company, Thirty Five Ventures, Durant has invested in over 75 startups, including Postmates, Coinbase, and Acorns. His early investment in Postmates paid off significantly when Uber acquired the company for $2.65 billion.
Durant has also ventured into media production, with his company producing documentaries, films, and podcasts. His partnership with Rich Kleiman, his business manager, has been pivotal in building a diversified portfolio that aligns with his interests in technology and entertainment.
In addition to his investments, Durant owns shares in Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union, further showcasing his commitment to diversifying his business interests.
5. Magic Johnson
Net Worth: $620 million
Primary Businesses: Magic Johnson Enterprises, Franchises, Real Estate
Magic Johnson is one of the pioneers of NBA players transitioning into successful business moguls. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, is valued at over $1 billion and includes ventures in entertainment, real estate, and sports.
Magic was an early investor in Starbucks, owning over 100 stores before selling his stake for a substantial profit. He also owns a portfolio of movie theaters and Burger King franchises. In the real estate sector, Johnson has partnered with major developers to create shopping centers and commercial properties in underserved communities.
His ownership stakes in sports teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Sparks, further demonstrate his business prowess. Magic’s focus on community empowerment and smart investments has made him a trailblazer for athletes-turned-entrepreneurs.
Lessons from NBA Business Moguls
These players have shown that success on the court can translate into long-term financial stability if managed wisely. Here are some key takeaways from their journeys:
- Brand Leverage: Athletes like Michael Jordan and LeBron James have leveraged their global recognition to build profitable brands.
- Diversification: Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Durant exemplify the importance of diversifying income streams through investments in multiple industries.
- Community Focus: Magic Johnson’s commitment to uplifting underserved communities highlights the importance of aligning business ventures with personal values.
The Future of Athletes in Business
As the sports industry continues to evolve, more athletes are recognizing the value of financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Programs encouraging players to invest and build businesses are becoming more common, ensuring that future generations can follow in the footsteps of legends like Jordan, LeBron, and Magic.
The success of these NBA players outside basketball serves as a blueprint for aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs. By combining their athletic earnings with smart investments, they’ve achieved unparalleled financial success, proving that the game doesn’t end when the buzzer sounds—it’s just the beginning.
Conclusion
The top five richest and most famous NBA players with businesses outside basketball—Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Durant, and Magic Johnson—have set the standard for what it means to be more than an athlete. Their ventures in fashion, tech, real estate, and entertainment show that with vision and determination, athletes can excel in any arena. Their stories are not just about wealth but also about legacy, inspiring countless individuals to dream big and work hard to achieve greatness.
