Superstar NBA players often end up becoming business moguls. The bigger the name recognition, the higher chances of building a robust brand. Therefore, it is not surprising that LeBron James and Michael Jordan have ended up as billionaires. Their wealth keeps expanding at a high pace and they have set an example for the current generation of players to craft an empire. 

As their empires grow, how much distance does LBJ need to cover to get near the net worth of MJ?

Can LeBron James catch up to Michael Jordan? 

In June 2022, Forbes announced that LeBron has officially become a billionaire. He became the first active NBA player to achieve this huge feat. Measuring his pre-tax earnings at $1.2 billion at the time, Forbes declared that his endorsements and business projects total around $1 billion alone.

A major reason for such a huge bloom in the fortunes has been equity. Instead of opting for quick paychecks, he asks for equity as an investor in a brand. The amazing Point Forward has already amassed more than $430 million from contracts. That number is predicted to grow past $500 million soon.

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His seven-year shoe deal worth $87 billion with Nike also contributes to the numbers. His lifetime deals (2015) with the company are soaring sky-high! This deal has allowed him to earn millions per year.

Apart from that, he’s a minority stakeholder in the world-famous football franchise, Liverpool FC. Whether it’s investments in Beats by Dre or fitness company Beach Body, the Lakers’ wing is swimming in money. He’s also diving into the realm of movies and docuseries production to enhance his gains.

Michael Jordan earned just $93 million from his salary, which, considering the difference in inflation, was still the highest of his time. He would have commended almost a similar salary to LBJ had he played today.

Therefore, in terms of age, His Airness became a billionaire much later in his life compared to LeBron. He hit the mark first in June 2014, 11 years after his NBA retirement. The credit goes for this goes to his investment in the Hornets from 2010 when he owned a majority stake in the then-Bobcats. Compared to the former Cleveland Cavaliers Forward, Jordan’s net worth is still more than twice as more. As per estimates, it is around $2.6 billion.

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He has earned $1.4 billion from endorsements alone and after his retirement; he is still earning around $100 million a year from such types of deals. His shoe brand, Jordan, which is a part of Nike, remains the hottest in its line and has only grown further after his retirement. He reportedly earned  $256.1 million through the brand last year.

Much of his wealth is the result of his 13-year ownership of the Charlotte Hornets and his Jordan brand. He sold 80% of his stakes last month, which made his jump his net worth from $2.2 billion to $2.6 billion. 

Net worth changes shape every moment

The estimates regarding net worth are raw, at best. They evaluate assets, investments, and contracts closely, but the market is dynamic. Things can change quickly and the net worths of both athletes have likely increased much more.

Although officially, LBJ has to cover the ground of more than $1.3 billion. And, the way things are going, by the time he reaches MJ’s age, he may have easily surpassed the valuation.

Which player do you think will be the next billionaire in the NBA? Do share in the comments below.

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