NBA’s rarest club: 4 legends who hit billionaire status: Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and more

The NBA has produced not only legendary athletes but also created some extraordinary businessmen, with only a few reaching the landmark of becoming billionaires. Each of these individuals has achieved their on-court success during their prime, and also received global popularity, however, along with that, they have carefully planned out their income and wealth in order to build empires that go far beyond just basketball. Through endorsements and long-term investments, each one of these individuals has turned their sporting skills into generational wealth.While powerful figures like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, or LeBron James are familiar names expected to be on this list, the late Junior Bridgeman, the former Bucks’ star’s inclusion in this billionaire list adds an interesting twist to this article, highlighting a lesser-known face, yet an equally successful story worth mentioning.Michael Jordan: $3.6 billion Michael Jordan is regarded as the NBA’s player of all time, however, his greatness goes beyond the court. Jordan became the first billionaire in the history of the NBA, and still holds that record, but he earned this position post-retirement. His massive wealth and affluence are the result of his smart investments, endorsing popular world-famous brands, most notably the Nike Air Jordan brand, along with partnering up with other top brands such as Gatorade, McDonald’s, Hanes, etc, which have transformed him into a global business icon today. In 2025, Michael Jordan’s net worth was estimated at $3.6 billion, which is only likely to grow over time. Jordan is also the first professional athlete to have reached the Forbes 400 list as one of America’s richest individuals. In 2010, Jordan purchased the Charlotte Hornets for worth $175 million, per Celebrity Net Worth, when the team was struggling financially. In 2023, Jordan sold his majority ownership of the franchise, earning massive profits. Junior Bridgeman: $1.5 billion The former Milwaukee Bucks legend, Junior Bridgeman, was also a highly successful fast food businessman. He had a net worth of 1.5 billion at the time of his tragic passing in March 2025, as per Celebrity Net Worth, at the age of 71. Bridgeman was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1975, and he played 12 seasons in the NBA, most of which he spent with the Bucks, before finally retiring in 1987. Bridgeman earned $0.35 million per season throughout his entire NBA career, according to Celebrity Net Worth, however, despite that, Bridgeman carefully planned out his finances, making smart investment choices that led to him achieving billionaire status. Bridgeman, after being encouraged by his Bucks owner, Jim Fitzgerald, invested in a cable company, which, as a starter, earned him a significant amount of wealth. Then he established his fast-food business, and went over to own 500 plus Wendy's, Chili's, and Pizza Hut outlets, at a time when they were at their peaks. He sold a majority of his restaurants in 2016 for around $250 million, per Celebrity Net Worth. Instead of blowing up the money he received through that, Bridgeman invested it in a Coca-Cola bottling business. In September 2024, Bridgeman also took 10% ownership in his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks, for an estimated amount of $4 billion, all of which had added to his massively growing financial wealth. Magic Johnson: $1.5 billion In 2023, Forbes declared former Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson a billionaire right next to Michael Jordan. As of 2025, Magic Johnson’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 billion, as per Forbes. Johnson has invested in several big companies and brands for him to reach this position. After he retired from professional basketball because of his sudden HIV diagnosis, Johnson began focusing on expanding his financial assets through investments in companies such as partnering up Starbucks Coffee (1998) in equal shares, which he then sold in 2010, then he took majority ownership of EquiTrust, which is a life insurance company, and helped it reach its assets from $16 million to $26 million. Just like that, Johnson smartly invested and partnered up with brands such as Sony theatre chains, and also with Burger King, and invested in sports teams, such as, Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Washington Commanders (NFL), Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), and, LAFC (MLS), all of which have earned him a wholesome amount of money. LeBron James: $1.3 billionThe Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James comes next in line, having a net worth of $1.3 billion, as per Forbes. LeBron James has been playing in the league for nearly 2 decades, beginning in 2003, since he was drafted in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and still continues to shine with his excellent performances. James then went on to play for the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers, his current team, and with each trade, James is believed to have earned a total of $500 million as a whole as salary in his entire NBA career. Along with his NBA income, James is believed to have signed endorsement deals with globally renowned brands such as Nike. His family foundation, that is the LeBron James Family Foundation, established its first school in the year 2018, in order to educate and spread education among underprivileged children. James has also invested in Fenway Sports Group, an American Sports company. He also has ownership stakes in sports teams such as baseball, soccer, hockey, etc. In 2021, James broadened his business by selling a small portion of his ownership in his film and television company, SpringHill, to a select group of investors, for which he is believed to have secured around $725 million, according to Forbes.Also Read: How Magic Johnson reached billionaire status? A look at his Top 5 high-value assets