Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA/Wikipedia
The NBA is home to some of the world’s wealthiest athletes, with many stars turning their fame into massive business empires. Beyond hefty contracts, these players have built fortunes through endorsements and savvy investments. Here’s a look at the ten richest NBA players according to Forbes and Celebrity Net Worth and the milestones that set them apart.
Michael Jordan ($3.2 Billion)
Michael Jordan, often regarded as the GOAT of basketball, is also the first athlete billionaire. He secured six championships and ten scoring titles with the Chicago Bulls. His “Air Jordan” brand with Nike generated billions, and his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets boosted his fortune significantly.
LeBron James ($1.2 Billion)
As the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status, LeBron’s financial savvy matches his athletic feats. The four-time NBA champion owns SpringHill Entertainment and has secured lucrative deals and investments. His partnerships with Nike and stake in Blaze Pizza contributed to his billionaire status.
Magic Johnson ($1.2 Billion)
Magic Johnson’s wealth extends well beyond his Showtime Lakers era. After leading the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships, he ventured into entrepreneurship and invested in Starbucks, movie theaters, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. His portfolio is worth an estimated $1.2 Billion and shows that his magic touch goes beyond basketball.
Junior Bridgeman ($600 Million)
Bridgeman played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers and averaged 13.6 points over 849 games. He invested in franchises after post-retirement, owning over 160 Wendy’s and 120 Chili’s. At his peak, his companies ran 450 restaurants across 20 states, employing 11,000 people with annual revenues topping $530 million.
Vinnie Johnson ($500 Million)
“The Microwave” won two championships in 1989 and 1990. He was a 6’2″ shooting guard who, in his 13-year NBA career, scored 12.0 points, pulled down 3.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Johnson founded Piston Automotive, a successful automotive supply company with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion.
Shaquille O’Neal ($500 Million)
Shaq, the larger-than-life center, has leveraged his basketball fame into a multifaceted career. The Hall of Famer’s wealth comes from Reebok, Pepsi, Buick, and more endorsements, plus investments in 155 Five Guys franchises, 40 24-Hour Fitness gyms, and a restaurant chain. His dominant 19-year career earned him over $292 million in salary.
Hakeem Olajuwon ($300 Million)
This player ventured into real estate, amassing a substantial property portfolio. His net worth is approximately $300 million. He led the Houston Rockets to consecutive NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. Olajuwon, a 12-time All-Star, averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game.
Kevin Durant ($300 Million)
Two-time NBA champion, 14-time NBA All-Star, and two-time Finals MVP Durant has amassed a staggering net worth through endorsements with Nike, Gatorade, and more. Durant’s venture capital firm, Thirty-Five Ventures, backs over 100 startups which includes Postmates and Coinbase. He was also named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
Grant Hill ($250 Million)
Grant Hill is a seven-time NBA All-Star who has successfully made his post-basketball career through endorsements and business ventures. He signed a lifetime endorsement deal with Fila to revive his iconic sneakers line, which skyrocketed in the 1990s. Hill also co-owns the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando City SC.
David Robinson ($200 Million)
As a Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs (1989-2003), Robinson’s net worth is approximately $200 million. He founded Admiral Capital, focusing on private equity and philanthropy while dedicating 10% of profits to supporting disadvantaged youth. Additionally, he won gold medals in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.
