LeBron James Becomes NBA's First Active Billionaire: A Look at His $1.2 Billion Net Worth

NBA All-Star LeBron James has reached a remarkable milestone, boasting a net worth of $1.2 billion as of September 2024, according to Forbes. He is the first active player in NBA history to achieve billionaire status, having made more than $479 million during his two-decade career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.

In 2022, James joined the elite ranks of sports billionaires, a distinction previously held by legendary player Michael Jordan, who became a billionaire in 2014 after retiring from the league. Beyond his basketball earnings, James has become a savvy businessman, amassing over $900 million in endorsements and investments in 2022 alone.

James recently signed a lucrative two-year contract worth $101.35 million with the Lakers. Forbes estimates that he has more than $500 million in cash and investments, along with an $80 million real estate portfolio.

Key Sources of Income

Brand Partnerships:
James has secured partnerships with major brands, including a lifetime deal with Nike that reportedly earns him about $32 million annually. Maverick Carter, his longtime business partner, has suggested that this deal is valued at over $1 billion. In 2024, James’s endorsements are projected to earn him around $80 million.

Investments:
James has invested wisely in various companies, significantly increasing his wealth. Notable investments include:

• Beats by Dre: As an early investor, James reportedly earned $30 million when Apple acquired Beats for $3 billion in 2014. Some estimates suggest he made as much as $700 million from this investment.
• Blaze Pizza: James is a founding investor and brand ambassador for Blaze Pizza, turning down a $15 million McDonald’s endorsement to invest. His stake is valued at around $30 million, following an initial investment of less than $1 million.
• SpringHill Company: Co-founded with Carter, SpringHill is valued at approximately $725 million after a minority stake sale in 2021. James’s share is estimated to be worth $300 million.
• Fenway Sports Group: In 2021, James became a part-owner of Fenway Sports Group, which includes ownership of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool F.C. His 1% stake in the group is valued at about $90 million.

LeBron James’s journey from NBA superstar to billionaire entrepreneur underscores not only his athletic prowess but also his business acumen, marking him as a prominent figure in both sports and finance.