<p>Michael Jordan tops the list at $3.5 billion, but the real story is how these basketball icons turned court success into business dynasties.</p> <p>Michael Jordan sits atop the list with an estimated $3.5 billion fortune, more than double any other basketball player in history. Records show that he earned 'just' $93.7 million during his entire playing career, with most of his net worth coming through off-court deals like a sneaker empire and a savvy Charlotte Hornets investment that turned $275 million into a $3 billion sale.</p> <p>The pattern repeats across nearly every name on this list - as the largest earnings rarely come directly from the contracts.</p> <p>Magic Johnson's NBA salary totalled roughly $40 million, yet he's now worth $1.5 billion through Starbucks franchises, movie theatres, and stakes in the Dodgers, Commanders, and Lakers.</p> <p>And, before you find that impressive, make sure you discover the true numbers behind Junior Bridgeman's net worth. He never made more than $350,000 in a single season but died in March 2025 with $1.4 billion to his name, built on Wendy's franchises and Coca-Cola bottling.</p> <p>These are the richest NBA players alive in 2026, ranked by total net worth. If you're interested in following the league, check out our guide on <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/how-to-stream-the-nba">how to watch NBA in Australia</a>.</p> <h2>1. Michael Jordan Net Worth: $3.5 Billion</h2> <p>The greatest player in basketball history is also the sport's wealthiest by a massive margin.</p> <p>Jordan's fortune stems primarily from his Jordan Brand partnership with Nike, which generates over $5 billion in annual revenue. His 5% royalty on wholesale reportedly (still) nets him around $350 million yearly, making it the single largest contributor to his wealth.</p> <p>Jordan purchased the Charlotte Hornets in 2010 for $275 million. Then, he sold his majority stake in 2023 at a $3 billion valuation, crystallising a massive gain while retaining a minority position.</p> <p>Outside basketball, he co-owns 23XI Racing in NASCAR alongside Denny Hamlin, holds a stake in DraftKings, and launched Cincoro Tequila.</p> <p>His actual NBA career earnings? Just $93.7 million across 15 seasons with the Bulls and Wizards. He earned more in endorsements during his playing days than from his salary, and that equation has only grown more lopsided since retirement.</p> <h2>2. Magic Johnson Net Worth: $1.5 Billion</h2> <p>Magic made roughly $40 million playing basketball and, yet, he's worth 37 times that now. The Lakers legend became one of the first athletes to go all-in on corporate ownership after retirement, and his business model has become a case study in athlete entrepreneurship.</p> <p>Magic Johnson Enterprises spans movie theatres (sold to Loews in 2004), Starbucks franchises in underserved urban areas (sold for $75 million in 2010), and his majority ownership of EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, which now manages over $26 billion in assets.</p> <p>He holds ownership stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers, LA Sparks, LAFC, and most recently the Washington Commanders.</p> <p>Forbes certified his billionaire status in late 2023, making him the fourth athlete to reach ten figures after Jordan, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James. In 2025, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.</p> <h2>3. LeBron James Net Worth: $1.2 Billion</h2> <p>The first active NBA player to become a billionaire, LeBron achieved the milestone in 2022 while still putting up All-Star numbers for the Lakers.</p> <p>His wealth comes from a combination of <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/nba-player-salaries">NBA player salaries</a> (over $530 million in career earnings, the highest in league history), his lifetime Nike deal worth over $1 billion, and strategic equity stakes rather than simple endorsement fees.</p> <p>LeBron owns a stake in Fenway Sports Group, which controls the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC. His media company SpringHill Entertainment produces films and television.</p> <p>He's an investor in Blaze Pizza and holds endorsement deals with PepsiCo, AT&amp;T, and Beats by Dre. His longtime business manager Maverick Carter has been instrumental in structuring deals that give LeBron equity rather than flat fees.</p> <p>At 40, LeBron continues defying Father Time, entering his 23rd NBA season in 2025-26. His on-court earnings combined with endorsements push his annual income past $130 million, making him the highest-earning basketball player in the world.</p> <h2>4. Shaquille O'Neal Net Worth: $500 Million</h2> <p>Shaq earned $292 million in NBA salary during his 19-year career and over $200 million from playing-day endorsements. But the big man's post-career business moves have been just as dominant as his paint presence.</p> <p>O'Neal owns franchise locations of Papa John's, Five Guys, Auntie Anne's, and Krispy Kreme. He's a fixture on TNT's Inside the NBA, earning a substantial salary as an analyst.</p> <p>His endorsement portfolio includes Icy Hot, Gold Bond, and The General Insurance. He's also invested in tech startups, esports, and launched his own NFT collection.</p> <p>Shaq reportedly still earns around $60 million annually from his various business ventures and media appearances. His philosophy has been simple: invest in products you actually use and believe in.</p> <h2>5. Vinnie Johnson Net Worth: $500 Million</h2> <p>The Detroit Pistons' "Microwave" earned his nickname for heating up quickly off the bench during the Bad Boys era. His two championship rings with Detroit are impressive, but his business empire dwarfs his basketball achievements.</p> <p>Johnson founded the Piston Group, an automotive manufacturing company that generates over $3 billion in annual revenue.</p> <p>The company supplies parts to major automakers and has become one of the largest Black-owned businesses in America. Johnson's relatively modest NBA earnings have multiplied exponentially through his manufacturing success.</p> <h2>6. Kevin Durant Net Worth: $300 Million</h2> <p>Durant recently became the highest career earner in NBA salary history, surpassing LeBron James with his latest contract. His current deal pays over $51 million annually, and he's earned more than $350 million in career salary through stints with Seattle/Oklahoma City, Golden State, Brooklyn, and Phoenix.</p> <p>Off the court, Durant signed a lifetime deal with Nike in 2023, joining Jordan and LeBron in that exclusive club. His investment firm Thirty Five Ventures has stakes in over 80 companies including Postmates (sold to Uber) and micro-investing platform Acorns.</p> <p>He co-founded Boardroom, a sports business media platform, and owns stakes in the Philadelphia Union (MLS), Gotham FC (NWSL), and a Major League Pickleball team.</p> <p>At 36, Durant remains one of the most lethal scorers in the game and continues climbing the all-time earnings list. For those looking to follow his performances, explore the latest <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-us/nba">NBA betting odds</a>.</p> <h2>7. Hakeem Olajuwon Net Worth: $300 Million</h2> <p>The Dream built his fortune quietly through real estate investment, starting during his playing days in Houston. Olajuwon accumulated commercial and residential properties across the United States, with particular concentration in the Houston area where he won back-to-back championships with the Rockets.</p> <p>His real estate portfolio includes commercial buildings, parking garages, and various residential developments.</p> <p>Olajuwon earned approximately $100 million during his NBA career, but his disciplined approach to property investment has tripled that figure in retirement. He's also known for launching an affordable footwear line, keeping prices under $35 to make quality shoes accessible.</p> <h2>8. Dwyane Wade Net Worth: $250 Million</h2> <p>Wade's three NBA championships with Miami came with substantial earnings, but his post-retirement moves have been equally strategic. He purchased an ownership stake in the Utah Jazz, making him one of the few former players with NBA franchise equity. He's also invested in Vineyard Brands and sock company Stance.</p> <p>His media work includes broadcasting and various brand collaborations. Wade has positioned himself as one of the most diversified retired NBA stars, with interests spanning sports ownership, consumer products, and entertainment.</p> <h2>9. Grant Hill Net Worth: $250 Million</h2> <p>The former "Jordan heir apparent" turned his $140 million in NBA career earnings into a diversified portfolio spanning art, real estate, and sports ownership. Hill is co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks and part-owner of Orlando City SC in MLS.</p> <p>Hill's approach to wealth management has been notably refined, with investments in fine art and high-end real estate complementing his sports holdings. Despite ankle injuries that limited his peak years, Hill managed to build one of the more substantial post-career fortunes among players of his era.</p> <h2>10. Stephen Curry Net Worth: $240 Million</h2> <p>The greatest shooter in basketball history commands the highest base salary in the NBA at $59.6 million for 2025-26, a position he's held for nine consecutive seasons. Curry has earned over $350 million in career salary and lifetime earnings exceeding $800 million when endorsements are included. Understanding <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/nba-salary-cap-explained">how the NBA salary cap works</a> helps explain why contracts of this magnitude are possible.</p> <p>His Under Armour deal created the Curry Brand, giving him equity in a signature line rather than just endorsement fees. His investment portfolio includes stakes in tech companies like Tonal, Mos, and Guild Education. He founded SC30 Media for sports and entertainment content production, and his Gentleman's Cut Bourbon venture represents another revenue stream.</p> <p>At 37, Curry continues to rewrite the record books with Golden State while building a business portfolio that should see his net worth climb significantly in the coming years.</p> <h2>Honourable Mention: Junior Bridgeman (1953-2025)</h2> <p>Bridgeman deserves special recognition as perhaps the most surprising fortune in basketball history. He never made more than $350,000 in a single NBA season during 12 years with the Milwaukee Bucks and LA Clippers. Yet at his death in March 2025, his net worth stood at approximately $1.4 billion.</p> <p>He built his empire through Wendy's and Chili's franchises, eventually owning over 450 fast-food restaurants. He later sold many of those holdings and pivoted to Coca-Cola distribution, acquiring Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company. In 2020, he purchased Ebony and Jet magazines, adding media to his portfolio.</p> <p>Bridgeman also held a minority stake in the Milwaukee Bucks at the time of his death. His story remains the ultimate example of post-career wealth building in professional sports.</p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3>Who is the richest NBA player of all time?</h3> <p>Michael Jordan is the richest NBA player of all time with an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion. His wealth comes primarily from his Jordan Brand partnership with Nike and his 2023 sale of the Charlotte Hornets at a $3 billion valuation.</p> <h3>Is LeBron James a billionaire?</h3> <p>Yes. LeBron James became a billionaire in 2022, making him the first active NBA player to reach that milestone. His net worth stands at approximately $1.2 billion as of 2025.</p> <h3>How many NBA billionaires are there?</h3> <p>There are currently three living NBA billionaires: Michael Jordan ($3.5 billion), Magic Johnson ($1.5 billion), and LeBron James ($1.2 billion). Junior Bridgeman was worth $1.4 billion at his death in March 2025.</p> <h3>Who is the highest-paid NBA player?</h3> <p>Stephen Curry has the highest base salary in the NBA at $59.6 million for the 2025-26 season. However, LeBron James earns the most total income when endorsements are included, with annual earnings exceeding $130 million.</p> <h3>How did Junior Bridgeman become a billionaire?</h3> <p>Junior Bridgeman built his fortune through fast-food franchises, eventually owning over 450 Wendy's, Chili's, and other restaurant locations. He later expanded into Coca-Cola distribution and purchased Ebony and Jet magazines. Despite modest NBA earnings, his business ventures made him worth $1.4 billion.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/nba-news-2025-most-triple-doubles-in-nba">The players who've racked up the most triple-doubles in NBA history</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/top-10-biggest-nba-arenas">Inside the biggest arenas in the NBA — and what makes them special</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-on-the-nba">Everything you need to know before betting on the NBA</a></li> </ul>