LeBron James
Getty
LeBron James has earned over $580 million in his pro career
Nike signature athlete and NBA legend LeBron James is one of the wealthiest athletes in history, regardless of sport.
James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has earned over $580 million in his pro basketball career. Off the court, the Los Angeles Lakers star has made more than $1 billion from endorsements, merchandise, licensing and his media business.
Despite earning $80 million annually in endorsement earnings, according to Forbes, James’ quiet investment in Liverpool FC has become one of his most fruitful endeavors.
ESPN UK
LeBron James is making serious bank with his Liverpool FC investment 💰⚽
In 2011, LeBron acquired a 2% stake in Liverpool FC for $6.5M 🔴
At that time, Forbes estimated LFC’s value around $552M — but James’ contribution implied a valuation closer to $325M 🏟️
The club’s
James acquired a two percent ownership stake in Liverpool in 2011 for $6.5 million. At that time, Forbes estimated Liverpool’s value at around $552 million.
Since he joined, the club has won the Champions League, ended its Premier League drought, and captured its 20th English title, bolstering its global reach and valuation in the process.
The club’s current estimated valuation stands at $5.4 billion, making James’ initial investment worth approximately $108 million today.
This means his initial investment has increased by more than 1500 percent — proving that James’ vision extends beyond the basketball court.
Ten years after his initial investment, James converted his direct stake in Liverpool for a one percent share in the Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the parent company that owns the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Penguins and Liverpool.
The strategic move has developed into a resounding financial win for the four-time NBA champion.
LeBron James is the Only Active NBA Billionaire
LeBron James
GettyLeBron James is growing a business empire
Only four NBA stars have reached a billion-dollar net worth in history: Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and James.
While they have shared experiences in winning MVPs and NBA titles, the legendary hoopers also share a strong business acumen.
Bleacher Report
LeBron James is now the first active NBA athlete to become a billionaire, joining Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who did so after retirement 💰
(via @forbes)
Since entering the league in 2003, James has earned several multi-million-dollar endorsements with popular brands across industries.
The former No. 1 pick signed a lifetime Nike deal worth over $1 billion, while also landing endorsements with DraftKings, PepsiCo, Beats by Dre, and Kia.
In July 2021, it was reported that James had become the first active player in NBA history to top $1 billion in career earnings before retiring from pro ball. That figure breaks down to about $300 million-plus earned from his NBA contracts, plus a staggering $700 million in side hustles like licensing, media ventures, endorsements, merchandising and more.
Sports Illustrated
🗣 BILLIONAIRE BRON!
💰 $330 million in playing salary 💰 $700 million in endorsements, merchandise, licensing, and his media business.
LeBron James, the first active NBA player to earn $1 billion 👏🏾
Even with a massive $53 million annual Lakers salary, James rakes in more off the court.
One of the greatest basketball talents in history, James is quietly asserting himself as an iconic businessman, too.
SpringHill Company, the Lakers’ icon movie and television company, has produced notable works including Hustle, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Shooting Stars, and docuseries like The Redeem Team and Dreamland: The Rise and Fall of Black Wall Street.
James also made his mark in the food industry, as the Lakers star, business partner Maverick Carter, and businessman Paul Wachter invested less than $1 million into Los Angeles-based chain Blaze Pizza in 2012. By 2017, that investment was worth a whopping $25 million, as the fast-food chain grew into a household name.
His net worth now comfortably sits at $1.76 billion, with the majority of that coming from off-court ventures.
Michael Jordan is still the all-time richest athlete, boasting a staggering net worth of $3.75 billion, a mark that is unlikely to be rivaled anytime soon. However, James could challenge Jordan for the prestigious title, just as he does on the court.