Kings of the Court: The 10 Wealthiest NBA Players in History
The National Basketball Association (NBA) boasts some of the world’s top athletes—and its rosters are filled with financial heavyweights. Thanks to record-breaking player salaries, lucrative endorsement deals, and successful business ventures after retirement, several NBA legends have amassed remarkable fortunes. Here’s an in-depth look at the ten richest NBA players of all time and how they built their wealth, both on the hardwood and far beyond it.
Kevin Durant: Scoring Big On and Off the Court – $300 Million Net Worth
Few current NBA stars embody both dominance on the court and financial savvy like Kevin Durant. Over a 15-year career, he has earned more than $300 million in salary, ranking as the third highest-paid player in NBA history. Now with the Phoenix Suns, Durant remains one of the game’s elite scorers, all the while expanding his empire off the court.
Durant’s off-court ventures include 35 Ventures, his investment firm, which brings in millions annually. He has brokered notable endorsement deals with names such as Coinbase, NBA Top Shot, and Weedmaps. Nike, one of his most significant partners, has even secured a $50 million retirement bonus for Durant as part of his lifetime contract. Durant’s skill at leveraging his brand ensures his wealth continues to grow long after the final buzzer.
Grant Hill: From NBA All-Star to Real Estate Mogul – $300 Million Net Worth
Grant Hill’s career earnings exceeded $100 million, providing him with a solid financial foundation before he retired in 2013. Guided by advice from his father, a former NFL player, Hill invested wisely, launching Hill Ventures, a real estate development firm responsible for more than $200 million worth of projects.
Hill’s financial influence extends into sports ownership as a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks. He’s also an avid art collector and philanthropist, promoting works by Black artists through major exhibitions. Inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2018, Hill cemented his legacy further by signing a lifetime deal to reissue his classic Fila sneakers—a nod to his enduring impact on culture.
Hakeem Olajuwon: Property Powerhouse After NBA Stardom – $300 Million Net Worth
Hakeem Olajuwon is celebrated as one of the most dominant centers in league history, with two NBA championships for the Houston Rockets and the distinction of being the first non-American MVP. Olajuwon’s commitment to financial prudence, driven by his faith’s restrictions on loans, pushed him towards real estate investment late in his career.
Today, Olajuwon holds a formidable and diverse property portfolio, leveraging his local knowledge to strike deals in Houston. His real estate acumen continues to pay dividends, making him as successful off the court as he was on it.
Shaquille O’Neal: Beyond Basketball to Entertainment & Business – $400 Million Net Worth
Shaquille O’Neal is not just a basketball icon—he’s a cultural phenomenon. Earning almost $300 million from his NBA career, Shaq transitioned seamlessly into television, music, film, podcasting, and business. His charismatic media presence keeps him relevant with fans new and old.
O’Neal’s business ventures are vast, including significant investments in companies like Google and Apple, and the ownership of 155 Five Guys franchises. His relentless work ethic and smart investments have enabled him to outpace his fellow athletes in post-retirement financial growth.
Vinnie Johnson: From Sixth Man to Automotive Industry Magnate – $500 Million Net Worth
Despite not being a marquee NBA superstar, Vinnie Johnson carved out a pivotal role with the Detroit Pistons and hit the 1990 championship-winning shot. With modest career earnings of about $6 million, Johnson’s post-NBA journey is especially remarkable.
He used his savings to launch Piston Automotive, a company now absorbed into his broader empire, Piston Group. Supplying auto parts to major automakers, Piston Group generates annual revenues in the billions and operates far beyond Detroit, exemplifying how strategic entrepreneurship can yield massive wealth, even without superstar status on the court.
Kobe Bryant: Iconic Athlete and Entrepreneur – $600 Million Net Worth
The late Kobe Bryant left an indelible mark on basketball and business alike. At the time of his tragic passing in 2020, Bryant’s estimated net worth was $600 million. He accumulated nearly $680 million throughout his NBA tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers—thanks to salary and a slew of lucrative endorsements.
Bryant’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through ventures like Granity Studios, which earned an Oscar for the animated film “Dear Basketball.” His shoe lines with Adidas and Nike remain bestsellers. The partnership between the Bryant estate and Nike ensures that his legacy and business empire endure for generations of fans.
Junior Bridgeman: From NBA Role Player to Fast-Food and Beverage Tycoon – $600 Million Net Worth
Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman exemplifies the power of business savvy. Earning just over $4 million during his NBA days, Bridgeman transformed his earnings into a restaurant empire by purchasing and running Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises.
After selling his restaurant holdings in 2016, he acquired bottling rights from the Coca-Cola Company. Today, his company Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Co. operates numerous distribution centers with a workforce of thousands. Bridgeman also owns iconic magazine brands Ebony and Jet, reinforcing his status as a multifaceted business leader.
LeBron James: A Billion-Dollar Legacy On and Off the Floor
LeBron James is more than an all-time NBA leading scorer—he’s a global brand. Still active with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron became the highest-paid player in league history with a multi-year contract extension in 2022. His career earnings and business acumen have placed him in the rare company of billionaire athletes.
James’s off-court endeavors are just as impressive. By opting for equity in brands and spearheading numerous endorsements and investments, he’s multiplied his fortune. His lifetime deal with Nike alone brings in roughly $32 million annually, proving his impact both in the game and in the business world.
Magic Johnson: Building a Billion-Dollar Empire – $1.2 Billion Net Worth
Magic Johnson is recognized not only for his basketball accolades but for his investment portfolio. Earning a relatively modest $39 million as a player, Johnson turned to the business world, once owning a portion of the Los Angeles Lakers and maintaining stakes in the LA Dodgers, LA Sparks, and Los Angeles FC.
Through Magic Johnson Enterprises, his numerous investments are now valued at approximately $1 billion. Despite a few missed opportunities—most notably, declining an early Nike equity offer—Magic’s vision and leadership have made him a role model for athletes pursuing prosperity after their playing days.
Michael Jordan: Basketball’s First $3 Billion Icon
Sitting at the top of the financial pyramid is Michael Jordan, the six-time champion who globalized the NBA brand from his debut in 1984 to his retirement in 2003. While his total player salary was around $90 million, the enduring success of Nike’s Jordan brand propelled him to new heights. Jordan earns 5% on all Jordan Brand sales, and with Nike still moving millions of dollars in merchandise daily, his fortune soared to an estimated $3 billion.
Beyond Nike, Jordan’s investments in sports franchises further expanded his net worth. He purchased the Charlotte Hornets in 2010, significantly increasing their value before selling most of his stake in 2023. Jordan also owns interests in NASCAR’s 23XI Racing and is involved with DraftKings as an advisor and investor. Philanthropy remains a core value for Jordan, who continuously donates to charitable causes, including a $10 million gift to Make-A-Wish for his 60th birthday.
A Legacy Beyond Basketball
The stories of these ten NBA legends reveal that championship rings and trophy cases are only part of their legacies. Thanks to diverse investments, innovative business deals, and powerful personal branding, the richest players in NBA history have become global icons—reinventing what it means to achieve lasting success beyond the basketball court.
For more insights into basketball’s biggest stars and financial milestones, explore related features on average NBA player height, the biggest hands in the NBA, or a detailed analysis of WNBA salaries.
