Top 10 Richest Nba Players In The World By Net Worth In 2025
In 2025, the financial status of NBA players goes far beyond the basketball court. Through smart business ventures, endorsements, and media empires, several legends of the game have amassed tremendous fortunes. This list explores the top 10 richest NBA players in the world by net worth in 2025—featuring a blend of retired legends and current superstars.
Top 10 Richest NBA Players in 2025
|
Rank |
Player |
Estimated Net Worth |
Major Income Sources |
|
1 |
Michael Jordan |
$3.5 Billion |
Jordan Brand, Hornets sale, endorsements |
|
2 |
Magic Johnson |
$1.5 Billion |
Business holdings, MLB & NFL investments, real estate |
|
3 |
LeBron James |
$1.2 Billion |
NBA salary, endorsements, SpringHill Company |
|
4 |
Junior Bridgeman |
$600 Million |
Fast food franchises, Coca-Cola bottling, media |
|
5 |
Shaquille O’Neal |
$400 Million |
Endorsements, real estate, restaurants, media |
|
6 |
Grant Hill |
$250 Million |
NBA, broadcasting, ownership in Atlanta Hawks |
|
7 |
Hakeem Olajuwon |
$250 Million |
Real estate, endorsements, NBA earnings |
|
8 |
Stephen Curry |
$240 Million |
NBA salary, Under Armour, brand investments |
|
9 |
Kevin Durant |
$200 Million |
NBA salary, media, venture capital |
|
10 |
David Robinson |
$200 Million |
Private equity, NBA salary, philanthropy |
1. Michael Jordan – $3.5 Billion
Michael Jordan remains the wealthiest NBA player of all time in 2025. Even though he retired decades ago, his wealth continues to grow primarily through the iconic Jordan Brand under Nike, which generates over $5 billion in annual sales. Jordan also made headlines in 2023 for selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, which netted him a substantial return on investment. His endorsement legacy remains unmatched.
Key Businesses: Jordan Brand, Nike royalties, former Charlotte Hornets stake, investments in NASCAR and real estate.
2. Magic Johnson – $1.5 Billion
Earvin “Magic” Johnson transitioned from basketball to business with astonishing success. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, has interests in Starbucks franchises, movie theaters, and real estate. He's also a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Commanders.
Income Sources: Business ownership, MLB/NFL team shares, real estate, motivational speaking.
3. LeBron James – $1.2 Billion
LeBron James became a billionaire while still active in the NBA. His wealth stems from his NBA salary, brand partnerships with Nike, Beats, and Pepsi, and his production company, SpringHill, which has created films and series for Netflix and HBO.
Businesses: SpringHill Company, real estate, investments in Blaze Pizza and Fenway Sports Group.
4. Junior Bridgeman – $600 Million
Bridgeman may not be a household name like others on this list, but his financial journey is one of the most impressive. After his playing days, he built a fast-food empire with hundreds of Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises. He later became a major Coca-Cola bottler and owns Ebony and Jet magazines.
Key Ventures: Food franchises, Coca-Cola distribution, media ownership.
5. Shaquille O’Neal – $400 Million
Shaq is a larger-than-life personality on and off the court. He holds investments in over 50 brands, including Papa John's, Five Guys, and gyms. He’s a television personality, sports analyst, and successful real estate investor.
Business Empire: Real estate, fast food, tech companies, endorsements, media.
6. Grant Hill – $250 Million
Grant Hill, a former NBA All-Star, became a successful broadcaster and co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks. He made wise investments early in his career and continues to earn through media and sports ownership.
Sources of Wealth: Broadcasting, NBA ownership, endorsements.
7. Hakeem Olajuwon – $250 Million
The Nigerian-American legend known as "The Dream" has built a strong real estate portfolio, especially in Houston. His post-career focus on business and mentorship has added to his legacy.
Revenue Streams: Property investments, faith-based public speaking, endorsements.
8. Stephen Curry – $240 Million
Stephen Curry is not just known for revolutionizing basketball with his shooting; he’s also an entrepreneur. Curry has a lifetime contract with Under Armour and owns production company Unanimous Media. He also has investments in tech and gaming.
Key Assets: Under Armour contract, tech investments, Curry Brand, NFTs and metaverse projects.
9. Kevin Durant – $200 Million
Kevin Durant is known for his scoring prowess and smart investments. Through his company Thirty Five Ventures, Durant has backed tech startups like Coinbase, Postmates, and Robinhood. He also produces media content and holds equity in sports franchises.
Revenue Sources: Thirty Five Ventures, NBA earnings, business partnerships.
10. David Robinson – $200 Million
The "Admiral" earned his fortune from a decorated NBA career and investments through his private equity firm, Admiral Capital Group. He is also known for his philanthropy and educational work.
Business Interests: Private equity, education foundations, real estate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is the richest NBA player in 2025?
A: Michael Jordan remains the richest NBA player in the world with a net worth of $3.5 billion.
Q2: Is LeBron James a billionaire in 2025?
A: Yes, LeBron James’ net worth in 2025 is estimated at $1.2 billion, thanks to his basketball earnings and business ventures.
Q3: How did Junior Bridgeman become so wealthy?
A: Bridgeman made his fortune through fast food franchises, becoming a top Coca-Cola bottler, and owning major media brands like Ebony.
Q4: Which current NBA players are billionaires?
A: As of 2025, LeBron James is the only active NBA player confirmed to be a billionaire.
Q5: Do endorsements still play a big role in player wealth?
A: Absolutely. Endorsements from brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Pepsi remain key income sources for many NBA stars.
📌 Conclusion
The richest NBA players in 2025 prove that wealth in basketball is no longer just about contracts and shoe deals. The most successful players have built empires by branching into business, entertainment, tech, and real estate. From Michael Jordan’s billion-dollar shoe empire to LeBron James’ media dominance and Shaq’s branding genius, these players continue to redefine what it means to be a professional athlete.
As new players rise and business landscapes shift, we can expect this list to keep evolving—but for now, these ten NBA stars sit at the summit of financial success in the sport.
