By Akanni Dorcas

Beyond the basketball court, some of the richest NBA’s players have truly made money with their smart business ventures and investments.

While these players achieved fame and success during their careers, their entrepreneurial pursuits after hanging up their jerseys have taken them to even greater heights, earning them impressive billionaire and multi-millionaire statuses.

From food franchises to insurance companies, these former and current NBA players have transformed their athletic careers into thriving business empires.

Let’s check out the top 5 richest NBA players with businesses outside basketball.

Richest NBA Players with businesses outside basketball

Michael Jordan – $3.5 billion

Often hailed as the greatest NBA player of all time, Michael Jordan has also become the wealthiest. After an incredible 15-season career and six championships with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan’s net worth skyrocketed, reaching $3 billion in 2023. The huge boost came when he sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for $3 billion in August 2023.

Throughout his career, Jordan partnered with major brands like Nike, McDonald’s, Gatorade, and Hanes, cementing his status as a global icon.

In 2023, he made history by becoming the first athlete to appear on Forbes’ list of America’s 400 wealthiest people. Thanks to his business savvy and long-term brand partnerships, his fortune continues to grow even after his playing days ended.

Magic Johnson – $1.2 billion

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is another basketball legend who made his mark in the business world, officially becoming a billionaire in October 2023, according to Forbes.

Despite earning around $40 million during his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson built a diverse business empire. He owns stakes in various sports teams, including the Washington Commanders (NFL), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), and LAFC (MLS).

The majority of his wealth comes from a 60% ownership stake in Equitrust, a life insurance company boasting over $26 billion in assets. Johnson has also enjoyed successful ventures in movie theaters, Starbucks franchises, real estate, and healthcare, proving to be one of the most successful NBA players turned entrepreneurs.

LeBron James – $1.2 billion

As the NBA’s highest-paid active player, LeBron James reached billionaire status in 2022. Known for his strategic business approach, James has amassed a fortune by taking equity stakes in brands he endorses, such as Blaze Pizza, gym-maker Tonal, and Lyft.

As of September 2024, his net worth stands at an impressive $1.2 billion. Off the court, LeBron is also a dedicated philanthropist. His LeBron James Family Foundation opened an elementary school in 2018 and has pledged over $40 million to help send kids to college, showing his commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Junior Bridgeman – $600 million

Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player, has built a fortune that far surpasses his basketball earnings.
After retiring in 1987, he ventured into the food industry, founding Bridgeman Foods Inc. His company grew to operate over 160 Wendy’s and 120 Chili’s franchises.

In 2017, Bridgeman’s company became a bottler for The Coca-Cola Company, further boosting his wealth. He also owns Ebony and Jet magazines, solidifying his status as one of the most successful entrepreneurs post-NBA. Today, his net worth stands at $600 million.

Vinnie Johnson – $500 million

Vinnie Johnson, best known for his time with the Detroit Pistons, earned just $6 million during his NBA career, but his financial success soared afterward.

He founded Piston Group, which has become the world’s largest value-add assembly supplier, driving his net worth to an impressive $500 million in 2024.

Johnson also sold 155 branches of Five Guys restaurants, further enhancing his financial standing. His post-basketball ventures have truly made him one of the wealthiest former NBA players and a successful entrepreneur in the automotive industry.

Vanguard News