Noted author and social commentator Mark Twain once said, “The lack of money is the root of all evil.” Who can argue with the man who thought up Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn?
Money isn’t guaranteed to bring happiness. But as the Beatles sang, “Money don’t get everything, it’s true. But it won’t get, I can’t use.”
In this article we subjectively examine some of the richest NBA players and former NBA players.
As the NBA has evolved over the years, so has the financial landscape for its players. The league has seen a surge in contracts, endorsements, and business ventures, allowing players to amass substantial fortune.
While individual net worth can be influenced by various factors beyond just basketball earnings, here's a look at some of the richest NBA players of all time. This list is bound to be controversial, and subject to change with the next NBA free agent contract season.
1. Michael Jordan: The Billion-Dollar Brand
MJ is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, but he’s also the richest. His impact on and off the court catapulted him into a global icon. While his playing career with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards earned him substantial wealth, it's his business acumen that has elevated his net worth. Jordan's successful partnership with Nike resulted in the iconic
Air Jordan sneaker line, and he owns the Charlotte Hornets, adding to his considerable fortune. With a net worth surpassing the billion-dollar mark, MJ remains the gold standard for wealth among NBA players.
2. LeBron James: The King's Empire
LeBron James, a contemporary basketball icon, has not only dominated the hardwood but also the business world. With four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and lucrative endorsements, LeBron's playing career has been a financial juggernaut.
His business ventures, including ownership stakes in Blaze Pizza, a production company, and endorsement deals with major brands, have further solidified his status as one of the richest NBA players.
LeBron's net worth is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions, and his impact on and off the court continues to shape the league's financial landscape.
3. Magic Johnson: From Courtside to Boardroom
Earvin "Magic" Johnson #32, Shooting Guard and Power Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket to make a layup shot over Blair Rassmussen #41 of the Denver Nuggets during their NBA Pacific Division basketball game on 21st November 1990 at The Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Lakers won the game 141 - 121. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Allsport/Getty Images)
Magic Johnson, a legend with the Los Angeles Lakers during the Showtime era, seamlessly transitioned from a dazzling playing career to a successful business mogul. Magic's charisma and leadership extended beyond the court, leading him to various business ventures through the force of his famous smile and intellect.
His ownership stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Sparks, coupled with successful investments in real estate and private equity, have contributed to his substantial wealth.
Magic Johnson's net worth is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to thrive in different arenas. He’s considered a near billionaire, if he isn’t one in actuality.
4. Shaquille O'Neal: Dominating Both Ends of the Court and Business
Shaquille O'Neal #34, Center for the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw during the NBA Pre Regular Season basketball game against the Golden State Warriors on 21st October 1999 at the Great Western Forum arena in Los Angeles, California, United States. The Lakers won the game 93 - 89. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Shaq, the larger-than-life center known for his dominance on the court, has translated his success into a flourishing business empire. Beyond his basketball earnings from stints with,
Orlando Magic,
Los Angeles Lakers,
and other teams, Shaquille O'Neal's business ventures include endorsements, real estate investments, and ownership stakes in restaurants, insurance companies, and inventions.
From a successful rap career to serving as a sports analyst, Shaq's financial portfolio is diverse.
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5. Kobe Bryant: A Legacy Beyond the Game
Kobe Bryant #8, Shooting Guard and Small Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Sacramento Kings on 12th March 2000 at the STAPLES Center arena in Los Angeles, California, United States. The Lakers won the game 109 - 106. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba, not only left an indelible mark on the basketball court but also built a legacy that extends to his posthumous financial success.
Kobe's playing career with the Lakers, where he won five NBA championships and earned numerous accolades, contributed significantly to his wealth.
Additionally, Kobe's investments in technology, media, and venture capital showcased his forward-thinking approach to business. Tragically, his untimely passing in 2020 didn't diminish his financial impact, as his estate continues to benefit from his shrewd investments.
6. Hakeem Olajuwon: The Dream's Real Estate Ventures
Hakeem Olajuwon #34, Center for the Houston Rockets prepares to make a free throw shot during Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Playoff basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers on 11th May 1999 at Great Western Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Lakers won the game 110 - 98. (Photo by Vincent Laforet/Getty Images)
Hakeem Olajuwon, widely considered one of the greatest centers in NBA history, parlayed his success on the court into a diverse portfolio of business ventures. Beyond his earnings from playing with the Houston Rockets and other teams, Olajuwon's real estate investments, particularly in Houston, have contributed significantly to his wealth.
The Dream's net worth (estimated at nearly half a billion) reflects not only his basketball prowess but also his savvy off-court financial decisions.
7. Kevin Garnett: From the Court to Hollywood
Kevin Garnett #10, Power Forward for the United States during the Men's National Team Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament basketball game against Canada on 11th July 1999 at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida, United States. The USA won the game 97 - 69. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images)
Kevin Garnett, known for his intensity on the court, has also made a substantial impact in the world of finance and entertainment. Garnett's earnings from his playing career, including his time with the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves, were complemented by successful real estate ventures.
Additionally, KG has made forays into Hollywood, showcasing a transition from the hardwood to the big screen. His financial success underscores the potential for NBA players to diversify their wealth beyond the game.
8. Vinnie Johnson: The Piston Group
Vinnie Johnson #11, Shooting Guard and Point Guard for the Detroit Pistons dribbles the basketball down court during the NBA Midwest Division basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on 12th December 1989 at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado, United States. The Pistons won the game 121 - 108. (Photo by Tim DeFrisco/Allsport/Getty Images)[/caption]
The man they called “The Microwave” has really heated up after a career that saw him earn as little as $6 million as an NBA player.
Johnson started a company called The Piston Group, which dubs itself as “the world's largest Value Add Assembly supplier, we build world-class assemblies for top manufacturers, and have become a world-class …” According to Forbes, as of 2023, Johnson is worth at least $550 million.
9. Grant Hill: Fashion Brand Mogul
Grant Hill #33, Forward for the Duke University Blue Devils dribbles the ball down court past #15 Johnny Rhodes of the University of Maryland Terrapins during the NCAA Atlantic Coast Conference college basketball game on 2nd March 1994 at the Cole Field House in College Park, Maryland, United States. The Duke Blue Devils won the game 74 - 69. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Allsport/Getty Images)
The former Duke guard and basketball hall of famer has earned oodles of money from shoe company Fila, for whom he’s been a spokesman and part owner since the late 1990s.
10. Junior Bridgeman: Fast Food Fortune
LANDOVER, MD - CIRCA 1984: Junior Bridgeman #2 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1984 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Bridgeman played for the Bucks from 1975-84 and 1986-87. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)[/caption]
Have you ever heard of Bridgeman Foods Inc.? Probably not, but you probably have eaten at one of the stores owned by the company.
The one-time NBA guard began the company in the 1980s, and has grown it into a conglomerate that operates and/or owns close to 700 restaurants in the fast food and fast casual markets, including Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants across the United States. Bridgeman also was wise enough to buy into Coca-Cola, and now owns several bottling plants for the world’s number one soda.
Conclusion
What have we learned? The richest NBA players of all time have not only excelled on the basketball court but have also demonstrated business acumen and investment savvy.
From iconic figures like Michael Jordan and LeBron James to successful entrepreneurs like Magic Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal, these players have shaped the league's financial landscape and left a lasting legacy beyond their playing days. The convergence of basketball prowess and business acumen has allowed these players to amass wealth, turning their on-court success into financial empires.
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