The NBA stands out as one of the most renowned sports leagues globally, particularly as the premier basketball competition.
Recognized for its abundant talent pool and hosting iconic teams, the league serves as a lucrative market for investors, brands, and advertisers.
Due to the exceptional talent within the NBA and the prestige associated with its teams, the league consistently generates substantial revenue each year.
Recent reports indicate that the NBA amassed an impressive $10.58 billion in revenue during the last season.
Given its significant financial success, it’s unsurprising that the league has been a platform for numerous players to amass considerable wealth over the years.
Whether through substantial on-court earnings or shrewd business decisions off the court, the NBA has fostered the financial success of several athletes, positioning them among the wealthiest in sports history.
The question then arises: Who are the top 10 richest players to have emerged from the NBA?
Throughout its history, the NBA has witnessed exceptional players amassing significant wealth, both through their on-court prowess and off-court ventures.
Dive into the top 10 richest NBA players.
The top 10 richest NBA players of all time?
An infographic of The top 10 richest NBA players of all time.pdf1. Michael Jordan (Net worth: $3 billion)
Widely recognized as the greatest player in history, Michael Jordan exemplifies a sports figure who achieved remarkable success beyond his basketball career.
Apart from his achievements on the court, Jordan’s extensive endorsements and investments have propelled his net worth to an impressive $3 billion.
This financial status not only establishes him as the wealthiest athlete in NBA history but also as the most affluent in the broader realm of sports.
While he earned $90 million from his 14-year basketball career with the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards, a substantial portion of his wealth originated from lucrative endorsement deals.
Collaborations with renowned brands such as McDonald’s, Hanes, Gatorade, and Chevrolet significantly contributed to his financial success.
| Player | Michael Jordan |
|---|---|
| NBA Career | 1984-2003 |
| Points | 30.1 |
| Rebounds | 6.2 |
| Assists | 5.3 |
| Field Goal % | 49.7 |
| 3-Point FG % | 32.7 |
However, the pinnacle of his endorsement success lies in his partnership with Nike, marked by one of the most iconic deals in sports history.
Through this agreement, he earned nearly $2.4 billion pre-tax, with a royalty for each pair of Air Jordan shoes sold.
Jordan wisely invested his earnings in ventures like Draft Kings and assumed a co-ownership role in a NASCAR team.
Recent growth in his wealth is attributed to the sale of his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, fetching an impressive $3 billion.
This multifaceted financial journey underscores Michael Jordan’s unparalleled success both on and off the basketball court.
2. LeBron James (Net worth: $1 billion)
The second active player featured on this roster and presently the wealthiest player in the NBA is LeBron James.
Regarded as “The King,” he boasts an impressive net worth of $1 billion, making him one of just two NBA players currently acknowledged as billionaires.
LeBron is currently navigating his 21st season in the league, having accumulated a total career earnings of $479,466,457.
This substantial income, coupled with a plethora of endorsements and business endeavors, has propelled him into the billionaire echelon.
Beyond his enduring partnership with Nike, LeBron James maintains a diverse portfolio spanning various industries.
From substantial investments in the fast-food sector with Blaze Pizza to his own alcoholic beverage line, Lobos, he exhibits a wide range of business interests.
Not limited to traditional business ventures, LeBron has ventured into sports investments, holding a stake in Liverpool FC at one point, which is under the ownership of the Fenway Sports Group.
Additionally, he has established his own production company, the SpringHill Company.
| Player | LeBron James |
|---|---|
| NBA Career | 2003-Present |
| Points | 27.2 |
| Rebounds | 7.7 |
| Assists | 7.3 |
| Field Goal % | 50.5 |
| 3-Point FG % | 34.6 |
3. Magic Johnson (Net worth: $800 million)
Source: Wikipedia
Ranked in the third position, Magic Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of basketball.
Boasting a substantial net worth of $800 million, Johnson stands out as an exemplary figure of a successful athlete-turned-businessman.
As a Hall of Famer, Magic Johnson had a unique NBA contract spanning 12 seasons from 1979 to 1991.
Notably, in 1984, he inked a deal that ensured him a paycheck from the Lakers until 2009, accumulating a total of $39,342,860 in career earnings.
Contrary to expectations, his primary source of income wasn’t solely derived from playing basketball.
In the 1980s, Magic capitalized on his status as a prominent figure in basketball, securing lucrative endorsement deals.
These financial successes paved the way for him to establish his business empire, Magic Johnson Enterprises.
With a current valuation of $1 billion, Johnson has actively engaged in various business ventures under his company’s umbrella.
Notably, he possesses a thriving sports portfolio, including ownership stakes in the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, the MLS’ Los Angeles Football Club, the MLB’s LA Dodgers, the NFL’s Washington Commanders, and the eSports team, Team Liquid.
Furthermore, Magic Johnson holds a controlling interest in EquiTrust Life Insurance.
His diversified and extensive portfolio solidifies his position as one of the top three wealthiest players in the history of the NBA.
| Player | Magic Johnson |
|---|---|
| NBA Career | 1979-1996 |
| Points | 19.5 |
| Rebounds | 7.2 |
| Assists | 11.2 |
| Field Goal % | 52.0 |
| 3-Point FG % | 30.3 |
4. Junior Bridgeman (Net worth: $600 million)
Another unexpected inclusion in this compilation is Junior Bridgeman.
Spanning 12 seasons in the NBA, Bridgeman reportedly earned a modest salary of no more than $350,000 per season.
Although not considered a legendary figure, he left a lasting impact, even having his No. 2 jersey retired by the Bucks.
However, Bridgeman’s wealth did not originate from his NBA career.
Post-retirement, he opted to invest his earnings rather than let them idle. His chosen venture? The fast-food industry.
Bridgeman ventured into the fast-food business by acquiring his initial Wendy’s franchise.
This single franchise evolved into a network of 160 franchises, eventually leading to the establishment of Bridgeman Foods, Inc., a company centered around the franchisee model.
Operating under this company, he owned multiple franchises of Wendy’s, Chili’s, Fazoli’s, and Blaze Pizza.
Eventually, he sold the company and transitioned to becoming a bottler for the Coca-Cola Company.
Subsequently, he assumed the roles of CEO and president of Coca-Cola Heartland.
These diverse business endeavors significantly contributed to his substantial net worth.
| Player | Junior Bridgeman |
|---|---|
| NBA Career | 1975-1987 |
| Points | 13.6 |
| Rebounds | 3.5 |
| Assists | 2.4 |
| Field Goal % | 47.5 |
| 3-Point FG % | 24.4 |
5. Vinnie Johnson (Net worth: $500 million)
Securing a spot in the top five, somewhat unexpectedly, is a player who may not boast the same level of recognition as those preceding him.
Vinnie Johnson had a 14-season stint in the NBA, amassing approximately $3,190,000 in total career earnings.
However, Johnson’s financial success did not primarily stem from his on-court endeavors.
Following a brief yet prosperous NBA career, during which he clinched two championships with the Detroit Pistons, Johnson transitioned into the realm of entrepreneurship.
Initially venturing into the construction industry, he faced setbacks after his inaugural project.
Unwilling to simply idle away in retirement, Johnson shifted gears to the auto packaging business, eventually founding the Piston Group.
In subsequent years, the Piston Group emerged as a leading supplier of automobile parts for prominent international companies, including General Motors and the Ford Motor Company.
Serving as the CEO and chairman, Johnson steered the company through numerous successful years, with annual revenue reaching close to $3 billion.
Consequently, his net worth has now soared to nearly $500 million.
| Player | Vinnie Johnson |
|---|---|
| NBA Career | 1979-1992 |
| Points | 12.0 |
| Rebounds | 3.2 |
| Assists | 3.3 |
| Field Goal % | 46.4 |
| 3-Point FG % | 25.4 |
6. Shaquille O’Neal (Net worth: $400 million)
Known globally for his presence in numerous commercials and an abundance of endorsement deals, Shaquille O’Neal’s inclusion in this ranking is entirely expected.
Boasting a remarkable 19-season career in the NBA, he played for several of the league’s premier teams, amassing an impressive $286,344,668 in earnings.
A substantial portion of his $400 million net worth is attributed to lucrative endorsement deals and successful business ventures.
In addition to his roles as an investor and entrepreneur, Shaq, often referred to as “The Diesel,” has secured profitable endorsement agreements with renowned brands such as Reebok, Pepsi, Icy Hot, Buick, Carnival Cruise Line, Taco Bell, Wheaties, JC Penney, and more.
Beyond his endorsements, Shaq has curated a diverse investment portfolio that includes notable entities like Google and Papa John’s, among others.
The culmination of his hard work and success is evident both on the basketball court, where he established himself as a formidable player, and in the business realm, where his acumen as a savvy entrepreneur has further elevated his financial standing.
| Player | Shaquille O’Neal |
|---|---|
| NBA Career | 1992-2011 |
| Points | 23.7 |
| Rebounds | 10.9 |
| Assists | 2.5 |
| Blocks | 2.3 |
| Field Goal % | 58.2 |
7. Hakeem Olajuwon (Net worth: $300 million)
Renowned for his tenure with the Houston Rockets, Hakeem Olajuwon, affectionately known as “The Dream,” had a prolific 14-season NBA career, accumulating earnings of approximately $97,356,426.
However, it is beyond the basketball court that he solidified his financial success.
Post-retirement, Olajuwon embarked on a successful entrepreneurial journey, notably excelling in the real estate market.
Reports indicate that he has made substantial investments, surpassing $100 million in real estate acquisitions, with a primary focus on Houston.
Operating primarily within the city, Olajuwon holds ownership of significant properties, including parking garages, apartment complexes, single-family residences, and commercial buildings.
Notably, he possesses the city’s former World Trade Center building and the Federal Reserve Bank building, the latter of which he transformed into a mosque.
His ventures beyond basketball have played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding his wealth.
| Player | Hakeem Olajuwon |
|---|---|
| NBA Career | 1984-2002 |
| Points | 21.8 |
| Rebounds | 11.1 |
| Assists | 2.5 |
| Blocks | 3.1 |
| Field Goal % | 51.2 |
8. Kevin Durant (Net worth: $300 million)
KD stands as the first of two currently active players featured in this ranking.
Ranked as the eighth-wealthiest player in NBA history, Durant boasts a net worth of $300 million.
The player, often referred to as the Slim Reaper, has amassed 17 seasons in the NBA, showcasing his talent with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Golden State Warriors, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Suns.
Across these 17 seasons, Durant has accumulated a substantial $396,705,024 in career earnings.
Beyond his notable on-court earnings, Durant has significantly augmented his wealth through lucrative off-court ventures.
Securing endorsement deals with major brands such as Gatorade and Degree, he recently inked a lifetime contract with Nike.
Expanding his financial portfolio, Durant has invested in diverse companies like Postmates and Acorn.
Notably, the star forward is the founder of his own media company, 35 Ventures.
The amalgamation of these ventures solidifies his status as one of the wealthiest players in the league.
| Player | Kevin Durant |
|---|---|
| NBA Career | 2007-Present |
| Points | 27.4 |
| Rebounds | 7.0 |
| Assists | 4.4 |
| Field Goal % | 49.9 |
| 3-Point FG % | 38.7 |
9. Grant Hill (Net worth: $250 million )
With an extensive 18-season career in the NBA, Grant Hill amassed a total of $141,008,544 in career earnings, contributing significantly to his impressive $250 million net worth.
Throughout his NBA journey, Hill played for various teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and L.A. Clippers.
Post-retirement, he embarked on a successful entrepreneurial venture.
In 2018, Hill solidified his ties with the shoe company Fila by signing a lifetime deal, marking a continuation of their association since 1997.
This lucrative agreement brings in an annual income of approximately $10 million for Hill.
Beyond Fila, Hill has secured endorsement deals with several prominent brands, including Sprite, McDonald’s, TAG Heuer, Nike, Adidas, and AT&T.
In addition to his business endeavors, Hill plays a pivotal role in the NBA’s Africa project as a major investor.
Furthermore, he acquired a minority stake in the Atlanta Hawks in 2015, showcasing his continued involvement and influence in the realm of basketball beyond his playing days.
| Player | Grant Hill |
|---|---|
| NBA Career | 1995-2013 |
| Points | 16.7 |
| Rebounds | 6.0 |
| Assists | 4.1 |
| Field Goal % | 48.3 |
| 3-Point FG % | 31.4 |
10. David Robinson (Net worth: $200 million)
Ranked as the top 10th richest NBA player in history, David Robinson boasts a net worth of $200 million, primarily accumulated during his 15-season tenure in the league.
After spending his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs, he amassed a substantial $110,708,513 in earnings on the court.
Beyond his on-court income, Robinson achieved significant financial success through both endorsements and lucrative business ventures post-retirement.
Apart from his endorsements, his noteworthy business dealings, including ownership of highly successful private equity funds, as well as a portfolio of numerous hotels and office buildings across the United States, have played a pivotal role in establishing him as one of the richest NBA players in history.
| Player | David Robinson |
|---|---|
| NBA Career | 1987-2003 |
| Points | 21.1 |
| Rebounds | 10.6 |
| Assists | 2.5 |
| Blocks | 3.0 |
| Field Goal % | 51.8 |
Wrap Up!
It’s incredible to see how these superstars have accumulated such massive wealth.
The top 10 richest NBA players ever, with MJ topping the list at a whopping $3 billion his business game is fierce!
LeBron’s not far behind, proving his hustle extends off the court too.
But the coolest part? These legends got rich in all sorts of ways, not just with slam dunks.
Further Reading!