Top 8 NBA Players with Thriving Businesses Outside Basketball

As the new NBA season kicks off, some of the league's top players are not only dominating on the court but also making waves in the business world. These athletes have successfully leveraged their fame, fortune, and connections into thriving business ventures, proving that they are just as formidable in the boardroom as they are on the hardwood.

Here’s a look at eight NBA players who have built impressive business empires beyond basketball:

8.        Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala, a four-time NBA champion, is renowned for his tech investments as he is one of NBA business moguls. He has established himself as a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, leveraging his earnings and network to invest in tech startups, making him as influential in the tech industry as he was on the court.

7.        Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan, an NBA legend, is also a billionaire businessman. He made his mark with the iconic Air Jordan line with Nike, which evolved into the Jordan Brand. In 2022, the Jordan Brand recorded $5.1 billion in revenue. Jordan further solidified his financial legacy by selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, boosting his net worth to $3 billion.

6.        Al Harrington

Al Harrington ventured into the cannabis industry after a personal experience with his grandmother's glaucoma. He founded Viola, now the largest Black-owned cannabis brand, generating $20 million in revenue in 2021. Harrington's passion for the industry has made Viola a leading name in cannabis.

5.        Dave Bing

Dave Bing, known for his time with the Detroit Pistons, became a successful businessman in the steel industry after his NBA career. He founded Bing Steel with $80,000 in savings and a $250,000 loan, growing it into one of the largest Black-owned companies in the U.S., with $300 million in annual sales.

4.        Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson transitioned from NBA legend to business icon by amassing a substantial portfolio of successful ventures. After retiring, he built a vast business empire, including a significant investment in Starbucks, where he owned 105 locations before selling them for $75 million in 2010.

3.        Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant, through Thirty-Five Ventures, has become a prolific investor. With over 100 early-stage investments in companies like Coinbase, Postmates, and Robinhood, Durant has diversified his portfolio across fintech, cryptocurrency, and sports, solidifying his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur.

2.        Junior Bridgeman

Former NBA forward Junior Bridgeman revitalized the iconic Ebony magazine after purchasing it out of bankruptcy. Bridgeman's efforts have restored Ebony to its former glory, with the magazine once again gracing newsstands and promoting Black excellence through its renowned covers and a content-sharing partnership with Bloomberg.

1.        LeBron James

LeBron James, beyond his legendary basketball career, has established himself as a business mogul. His entertainment company, SpringHill, co-founded with Maverick Carter, is valued at $725 million. LeBron's business acumen has propelled him to an estimated net worth of $1 billion, thanks to strategic investments and partnerships.