Wealthiest NBA players: When we think about wealth in sports, footballers often steal the spotlight with their massive salaries and endorsement deals. However, NBA players quietly build their fortunes in a different, more strategic way. While some of them may not earn as much in yearly salaries as top football stars, their long-term investments, brand deals, and business ventures take their net worth to another level.

In this article, we take a look at the top 10 richest NBA players and how they turned their on-court success into off-court empires. From owning restaurants and real estate to investing in tech start-ups, these players have shown how to score big even after retirement.

1. Michael Jordan – Net Worth: $3.5 Billion

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Michael Jordan is not just one of the greatest NBA players of all time; he is also the richest. Despite earning around $94 million during his playing days, he made billions from endorsements and smart business decisions.

His lifetime partnership with Nike and the Jordan Brand earns him over $1 billion alone. He’s also endorsed companies like McDonald's, Gatorade, and Hanes, which add another $1.5 billion to his fortune. Off the court, Jordan owns a car dealership, a tequila brand, restaurants, and a film production company. He recently joined NBC as a contributor, adding another income stream to his massive empire.

2. Magic Johnson – Net Worth: $1.2 Billion

Magic Johnson | Instagram/Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson played his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers and earned around $25 million in salaries. But he didn’t stop there. After retiring, he built Magic Johnson Enterprises, which manages businesses in real estate, fitness, and more.

He once owned 125 Starbucks outlets and made a huge profit by selling them. Magic has also been involved with PepsiCo and now owns part of the Los Angeles Dodgers. His story is inspiring, especially after retiring due to his HIV diagnosis in 1991. Today, he stands tall as one of the richest NBA players.

3. LeBron James – Net Worth: $1.2 Billion

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Still active in the league, LeBron James has already reached billionaire status. His total NBA salary earnings are around $480 million, and his net worth in 2025 is estimated at $1.2 billion.

LeBron’s lifetime deal with Nike is worth an estimated $1 billion. He also invested $1 million in Blaze Pizza, which has grown into a $1 billion brand. Other major endorsements include Coca-Cola, Beats, and Kia Motors. Off the court, he is involved in charity, especially in education, and continues to grow his wealth smartly.

4. Shaquille O’Neal – Net Worth: $500 Million

Shaquille O’Neal | Credit: Turner Sports

Shaquille O’Neal, one of the biggest stars in NBA history, has an estimated net worth of $500 million. During his playing days, he signed a $120 million contract with the Lakers.

He’s endorsed brands like Reebok, Pepsi, and Icy Hot. After retiring, he built a huge business empire with restaurants, real estate, and even music albums. He’s also a reserve police officer in Miami Beach, proving he’s more than just a basketball legend.

5. Vinnie Johnson – Net Worth: $500 Million

Vinnie Johnson | Credit: Hoopshallny

Vinnie Johnson played for the Detroit Pistons but didn’t earn much from his playing days—his biggest contract was worth $800,000. However, after retiring, he founded Piston Group, a company that supplies auto parts to giants like Ford and General Motors.

His company now makes over $2 billion in annual revenue, and his net worth is estimated at $500 million. Johnson proves that smart business moves can make you one of the richest NBA players, even if your basketball income was modest.

6. Russell Westbrook – Net Worth: $375 Million

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Russell Westbrook is known for his triple-double performances and high energy. Over 15 seasons, he earned around $250 million from the NBA. His biggest contract was with the Oklahoma City Thunder, earning him $44 million per season.

Westbrook signed a $200 million deal with Nike’s Jordan Brand. He also launched his own clothing line, Honour the Gift, and invested in real estate, including a commercial property in Oklahoma that brings in millions in rental income.

7. Kevin Durant – Net Worth: $300 Million

Kevin Durant | Credit: NBA

Kevin Durant has earned millions from both basketball and smart investments. His contract with the Brooklyn Nets was worth $194 million, and he also has a lifetime deal with Nike worth $300 million.

Durant co-founded Thirty Five Ventures, through which he has invested in companies like Postmates, Acorns, and other tech startups. He also runs a media production company that creates sports content, showing he’s a business-savvy superstar.

8. Hakeem Olajuwon – Net Worth: $300 Million

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Hakeem Olajuwon, a Hall of Fame NBA player, is also one of the wealthiest, with a net worth of $300 million. Although his NBA salary totalled $103 million, he made a fortune in real estate in Houston.

He bought and developed properties, including parking lots and commercial spaces, and grew his wealth slowly but surely. He now coaches young NBA players, including LeBron James, helping them improve their skills.

9. Grant Hill – Net Worth: $250 Million

Grant Hill | Credit: Instagram/Grant Hill

Grant Hill earned over $140 million during his basketball career. Although injuries affected his playing days, he built a huge fortune after retirement.

He signed a lifetime deal with Fila, bringing in $10 million annually. He also had deals with Sprite, AT&T, and McDonald’s. Hill became a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks in 2015, further boosting his net worth.

10. Stephen Curry – Net Worth: $240 Million

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Stephen Curry, famous for revolutionising the three-point shot, is the tenth richest NBA player. He has earned around $800 million in his career and has a net worth of $240 million.

In 2017, he signed a $201 million contract with the Golden State Warriors. He chose to partner with Under Armour after Nike passed, a move that paid off well. Curry also owns a bourbon brand and a media company, SC30, that produces shows, podcasts, and films.

These richest NBA players have shown that smart planning, branding, and investment can turn sporting success into financial freedom. From Michael Jordan’s billion-dollar shoe empire to Curry’s business ventures, they have taken their fame beyond the basketball court and built lasting legacies.

Their stories prove that in the NBA, the real game starts when the final whistle blows—and it’s played in the boardrooms, not just on the hardwood.

(With inputs from TOI)

Tags: NBA, NBA players, richest NBA players, NBA net worth, top NBA earners, Michael Jordan net worth, LeBron James billionaire, Magic Johnson business, Shaquille O’Neal wealth, Kevin Durant investments, Stephen Curry income, Russell Westbrook fashion brand, Vinnie Johnson company, Hakeem Olajuwon real estate, Grant Hill endorsements.

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