By Ectionsfrom Slam Dunks
APLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James’ financial journey took off at age 18 when he signed a groundbreaking 7-year, $90 million deal with Nike in 2003. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
From dazzling dunks to making billions, the NBA’s top 5 richest players of all time have turned on-court success into generational wealth. Leading the list is Michael Jordan, whose savvy investments and Jordan Brand empire pushed his net worth past $3 billion. Magic Johnson follows, blending elite play with endorsements and business ventures. LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, and Russell Westbrook round out the top five. Whether still active or long retired, these athletes have turned NBA stardom into multi-million – and in some cases, billion-dollar-fortunes through smart decisions on and off the court.ALSO READ: Michael Jordan’s mysterious NBA return sparks intrigue as his new role remains cloaked in uncertaintyHere’s a look at the top 50 richest NBA stars of all time, featuring not just their total on-court earnings but also the business ventures that fueled their financial empires:Live Events1. Michael Jordan (Net worth: $3.5 billion)Six-time NBA champion Jordan is a classic example of how a sportsman can make fortunes through some smart off-field deals, endorsements, and high-reward investments. Despite earning around $94 million in total NBA salary – his highest single-season salary being $33 million – Jordan’s fortune was largely built outside the game.The cornerstone of his wealth is the legendary Air Jordan partnership with Nike, which continues to generate massive annual revenues. He also made a substantial profit from selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets. Endorsement deals with major brands like McDonald’s, Gatorade, Hanes, and others have brought in an estimated $1.5 billion.Beyond endorsements, Jordan has diversified investments in luxury car dealerships in Florida, a thriving restaurant business, and a premium tequila brand. These ventures have cemented his status as the richest NBA player of all time even years after his retirement.2. Magic Johnson (Net Worth: $1.5 billion)With a net worth of $1.5 billion, making him the second-wealthiest figure in basketball history, Johnson demonstrates the success possible through establishing business ventures focused on community development. The former Los Angeles Lakers star initially signed a substantial 25-year, $25 million ‘one-club contract’ in 1984, though this alone would not have secured his current financial status.During his distinguished playing career, Johnson secured significant endorsement partnerships, including PepsiCo, accumulating approximately $60 million before his career abruptly ended in 1991 following his HIV diagnosis announcement.Following his retirement, a key turning point in Jordan’s business journey came in 1998 with his investment in Starbucks. When Jordan eventually sold his stake, the deal reportedly earned him around $75 million.ALSO READ: LeBron James returns to court, feels ‘great’ after first post-injury workout3. LeBron James (Net Worth: $1.2 billion)LeBron James has set a remarkable precedent by becoming a billionaire while still an active NBA player. A four-time NBA champion, LeBron has amassed over $1.6 billion in earnings throughout his career – though only about $480 million of that came from his NBA salary.His financial journey took off at age 18 when he signed a groundbreaking 7-year, $90 million deal with Nike in 2003. That deal eventually evolved into a lifetime contract estimated to be worth over $1 billion, making it one of the most lucrative endorsements in sports history.Another major win came with his early $1 million investment in Blaze Pizza, which grew his 10% stake into a company now valued at over $1 billion – multiplying his initial investment to hundred times.LeBron’s endorsement portfolio also includes major brands like Coca-Cola, Kia Motors, and Beats by Dre, contributing to over $700 million in endorsement income. His strategic investments and branding moves have helped him build a billion-dollar empire while still dominating on the court.4. Shaquille O’Neal (Net Worth: $500 million)Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal earned $292 million in salary over his 19-season career, but his true financial ascent came after he stepped off the court. With endorsement deals from brands like Reebok, Icy Hot, and Gold Bond, along with frequent television appearances and investments in everything from restaurant chains to tech startups, Shaq has built a diverse and highly profitable empire, garnering over $200 million in total earnings.Known for his larger-than-life personality, Shaq effortlessly turns media exposure into marketing gold. His long-standing relationship with Reebok began with a $15 million multi-year deal in 1992, launching the iconic ‘Shaq Attaq’ sneakers.Over three decades later, he was named President of Reebok’s Basketball Operations – bringing his career full circle and underscoring his enduring brand power.What sets Shaquille apart even further is his impressive foresight in the tech industry. Shaq was ahead of the time as he purchased early shares of Google and invested in Apple at a time when few in the sports world would have even thought to do so. His interest in innovation didn’t stop there; in recent years, he’s backed startups in the smart voice assistant sector, with some ventures delivering returns of over 100 times his investment. 5. Vinnie Johnson (Net Worth: $500 million)Nicknamed ‘Microwave’ for his instant scoring off the bench, Johnson was a pivotal part of the Detroit Pistons lineup, helping guide the franchise to two NBA championships during his tenure from 1981 to 1991.Although Johnson never earned more than $800,000 annually during his NBA career, he built a massive fortune after retirement through his ventures in the manufacturing industry.In 1995, Johnson founded the Piston Group, an auto parts company that quickly became a key supplier to major automotive giants such as General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.Under his leadership, the Piston Group has grown significantly, now operating across 15 locations in the US and employing over 8,300 people. The company generates approximately $2 billion in annual revenue, making Johnson one of the most successful athlete-turned-entrepreneurs in the business world.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
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