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.Here’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:
1. 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 billionBeyond 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 statusDuring 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.
