Richest Players in NBA history have emerged from the league, where not only are they celebrated for their incredible basketball skills but also for their immense wealth. Over the years, many of the richest NBA players have turned their on-court success into off-court business ventures, endorsement deals, and savvy investments. This list of the richest NBA players in history highlights those who have excelled both as players and entrepreneurs.
Richest Players in NBA History
| Rank | Player | Net Worth | Career Points | Business Ventures/Endorsements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Jordan | $3 billion | 30.1 | Nike, NASCAR team, Charlotte Hornets |
| 2 | LeBron James | $1 billion | 27.2 | Nike, Blaze Pizza, SpringHill Company |
| 3 | Magic Johnson | $800 million | 19.5 | Magic Johnson Enterprises, LA Dodgers |
| 4 | Junior Bridgeman | $600 million | 13.6 | Bridgeman Foods Inc., Coca-Cola |
| 5 | Vinnie Johnson | $500 million | 12.0 | Piston Group |
| 6 | Shaquille O’Neal | $400 million | 23.7 | Reebok, Google, Papa John’s |
| 7 | Hakeem Olajuwon | $300 million | 21.8 | Real estate investments |
| 8 | Kevin Durant | $300 million | 27.4 | Nike, 35 Ventures, Postmates |
| 9 | Grant Hill | $250 million | 16.7 | Fila, NBA Africa project, AT&T |
| 10 | David Robinson | $200 million | 21.1 | Private equity, real estate |
Here is the list of Top 10 Richest Players in NBA History:
10. David Robinson – Net Worth: $200 million
David Robinson, famously known as “The Admiral,” spent his entire NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs from 1987 to 2003. Known for his remarkable skill and sportsmanship, Robinson earned over $110 million in salary during his 15 seasons. He later established his own private equity funds and invested in real estate, including hotels and office buildings across the U.S., making him one of the richest players in NBA history.
- Career Stats: 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.5 APG
- Business Ventures: Private equity funds, real estate investments
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9. Grant Hill – Net Worth: $250 million
Grant Hill played in the NBA for 18 seasons, amassing over $141 million in earnings while playing for teams like the Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns. Known for his skill and versatility, Hill also secured a lifetime endorsement deal with Fila worth around $10 million per year. He holds investments in the NBA Africa project and co-owns the Atlanta Hawks, contributing significantly to his position among the richest players in NBA.
- Career Stats: 16.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.1 APG
- Endorsements: Fila, Sprite, McDonald’s, AT&T
8. Kevin Durant – Net Worth: $300 million
As one of the most successful active players on this list, Kevin Durant’s net worth reflects both his on-court success and his business acumen. Durant has accumulated over $396 million in career earnings and holds lucrative endorsement deals with companies like Nike. His investments in Postmates, Acorn, and his own media company, 35 Ventures, solidify his spot among the Richest Players in NBA.
- Career Stats: 27.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.4 APG
- Endorsements: Nike, Gatorade, Degree
7. Hakeem Olajuwon – Net Worth: $300 million
Known as “The Dream,” Hakeem Olajuwon earned around $97 million during his NBA career, primarily with the Houston Rockets. Post-retirement, Olajuwon invested in real estate, owning parking garages, apartment complexes, and more. His successful ventures in the real estate industry make him one of Richest Players in NBA of all time.
- Career Stats: 21.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 3.1 BPG
- Business Ventures: Real estate investments
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6. Shaquille O’Neal – Net Worth: $400 million
Shaquille O’Neal, or “Shaq,” spent 19 seasons in the NBA and earned around $286 million. Known for his powerful presence both on and off the court, Shaq has endorsement deals with Reebok, Pepsi, and more. He’s invested in companies like Google and Papa John’s, contributing to his impressive net worth, ranking him among Richest Players in NBA.
- Career Stats: 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG
- Endorsements: Reebok, Pepsi, Carnival Cruise Line
5. Vinnie Johnson – Net Worth: $500 million
Vinnie Johnson, although not a household name, is among Richest Players in NBA due to his successful business career. After retiring, he founded the Piston Group, an auto parts supply company generating billions in revenue. Johnson’s post-NBA achievements have made him a surprisingly wealthy figure in basketball history.
- Career Stats: 12.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.3 APG
- Business Ventures: Founder of the Piston Group
4. Junior Bridgeman – Net Worth: $600 million
Junior Bridgeman played 12 seasons in the NBA, mostly with the Milwaukee Bucks. He wisely invested in fast-food franchises, owning over 160 Wendy’s and several other restaurants. Today, he’s a Coca-Cola bottler and a successful businessman with a remarkable net worth, ranking him among Richest Players in NBA.
- Career Stats: 13.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.4 APG
- Business Ventures: Bridgeman Foods Inc., Coca-Cola Heartland
3. Magic Johnson – Net Worth: $800 million
Magic Johnson is a legend both on the court and in the business world. After earning around $39 million during his NBA career, Johnson founded Magic Johnson Enterprises, now valued at $1 billion. He owns stakes in various sports franchises, including the LA Dodgers and Washington Commanders, solidifying his place as one of Richest Players in NBA.
- Career Stats: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG
- Business Ventures: Magic Johnson Enterprises, sports investments
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2. LeBron James – Net Worth: $1 billion
LeBron James, also known as “The King,” is the richest active NBA player. Currently in his 21st season, he has earned close to $480 million in career salary. With investments in Blaze Pizza, his own production company SpringHill Company, and a lifetime Nike deal, LeBron has become one of the wealthiest figures in sports, securing his place among Richest Players in NBA.
- Career Stats: 27.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 7.3 APG
- Endorsements: Nike, Blaze Pizza, SpringHill Company
1. Michael Jordan – Net Worth: $3 billion
Michael Jordan, often called the greatest player of all time, tops the list with a staggering net worth of $3 billion. While he earned $90 million on the court, his Air Jordan deal with Nike has generated over $2.4 billion pre-tax. He also owns a NASCAR team and recently sold his stake in the Charlotte Hornets for $3 billion, making him not just the richest NBA player, but one of the wealthiest athletes ever.
- Career Stats: 30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG
- Endorsements: Nike, Hanes, McDonald’s, DraftKings
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