Many athletes hang up their jerseys and struggle to find their footing outside the sporting world. But not these champions! Instead of fading into obscurity, they reinvented themselves and amassed even greater wealth. Here are ten former stars who turned their post-retirement years into a golden opportunity for financial success.
Hakeem Olajuwon
After retiring from the NBA in 2002, Hakeem Olajuwon shifted to Houston real estate. His strategy of investing in developed properties proved even more profitable than his basketball career, boosting his net worth to $300 million. By 2006, his real estate earnings had surpassed his 17-year playing career income.
George Foreman
Initially known as a fearsome boxer, Foreman reinvented himself with the George Foreman Grill. Partnering with Salton Inc., he earned $137.5 million upfront and over $200 million overall. The grill’s success turned him into a marketing genius, boosting his net worth to $300 million beyond his boxing legacy.
David Beckham
David Beckham leveraged his soccer fame post-retirement to build a sizable commercial empire. His ventures, including Beckham Brand Holdings, fashion lines, and MLS ownership, have significantly expanded his wealth. By 2023, his astute investments and endorsements elevated his net worth to $450 million, showcasing his business acumen.
Shaquille O’Neal
Following a remarkable NBA career, he became a business mogul with a net worth of around $500 million. Shaquille O’Neal’s diverse portfolio includes early stakes in Google and other tech giants, real estate investments, and various restaurant chains through his business ventures. Media appearances and endorsements further fuel his financial success.
Vinnie Johnson
Johnson was known as “The Microwave” for his on-court intensity and achieved remarkable success after retiring. He founded Piston Group in 1995, growing it into a $3 billion automotive supplier with clients like Toyota and Honda. His post-NBA net worth of $500 million far exceeds his $5 million basketball earnings.
Roger Staubach
From leading the Dallas Cowboys to dominating real estate, Roger Staubach made a remarkable financial leap after football. His firm, The Staubach Company, sold for $613 million, boosting his net worth to around $600 million. Staubach’s post-NFL success rivals his athletic achievements to a large extent.
Arnold Palmer
Arnold Palmer’s legacy extends far beyond his 62 PGA Tour victories. With a net worth of $700 million, he parlayed his golfing fame into a $1.3 billion windfall from endorsements and branding deals. His half-and-half iced tea and lemonade blend continues to display his entrepreneurial spirit and timeless appeal.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
From a bodybuilding icon to a Hollywood star and California governor, Schwarzenegger is the epitome of versatility. His roles in “Conan the Barbarian” and the “Terminator” franchise cemented his fame, while his governorship saw pioneering environmental policies. He still significantly impacts health and influence, with a $1 billion net worth.
Magic Johnson
Johnson’s journey from Lakers legend to billionaire business magnate is extraordinary. He turned his sports fame into a $1.2 billion empire, investing in the Dodgers, MLS’s Los Angeles FC, and over 100 Starbucks locations. This success story highlights an impressive transition from athlete to savvy entrepreneur.
Micheal Jordan
Beyond his legendary NBA career, Michael Jordan has crafted a whopping $3.2 billion fortune. In 2022, his Air Jordan line raked in $5.1 billion for Nike, while his strategic ventures, including selling the Charlotte Hornets, cemented his status as the wealthiest athlete of all time.
