We all know that Magic Johnson hails from Michigan and even won an NCAA championship for the Michigan State Spartans. So why did he attend an event at WSU? At Wayne State University, a few months ago, the 5x NBA champion completed a business relationship. His recent visit was more than just transactional. He was present at the leadership luncheon and summit to honor the volunteers.

“Thanks to all of you for what you do,” Johnson said during a 40-minute chat on Friday. It was during the Advocates and Champions Volunteer Leadership Luncheon and Summit at the Hilberry Gateway. Alongside him was Richard A. Bierschbach, interim president of Wayne State University, who also praised more than 100 honored faculty, staff, and community volunteers.

Magic Johnson continued, “Thanks for providing all these great young people with a quality education. Thanks for all of you who reach back and give back to help these young people achieve their goals and dreams. Somebody helped you, and somebody helped me achieve my goals and dreams. So, thank you for what you do for Wayne State University.” As stated before, this comes on the back of the partnership between WSU and SodexoMagic.

Yes, Sodexo, Inc., whose market capitalization was approximately $9.13 billion as of October 2025, joined forces with Magic Johnson Enterprises in 2006 to form the joint venture. SodexoMAGIC, LLC has been the WSU’s official food and dining facilities since July 2025. Not just the NBA icon, but even the vice president for academic affairs was appreciative of this partnership.

“Working with SodexoMagic will allow us to provide these dining services while heightening our focus on efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction.” Dr. Laurie M. Lauzon also stated that this dining program aims to serve to the best ability for the diverse and energetic university students. Since SodexoMagic provides catering as well as food and facilities management for the university’s main residential dining hall, Towers Café, in addition to other campus retail locations.

The Lakers legend also made sure to visit the Wayne State Fieldhouse to have a brief chat with SodexoMagic campus and student life employees. In fact, there were 350 student athletes, 20 coaches and staff, and members of the Wayne State Student Senate eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the 5x NBA champion.

Magic Johnson flipped his winning portfolio with a clear mindset

Despite earning just $40 million in his NBA career, Magic Johnson went to created a portfolio of over $1.5 billion. For this, there was definitely hard work and consistency involved. The 66-year-old admitted and revealed his routine that keeps him sharp. ‘In bed by 8 p.m., up by 4 a.m., two hours in the gym, and then straight into the office for a full day of work.’ This process helped him become part of the ownership tables in the WNBA, NFL, NWSL, and even MLB. So, when an opportunity knocked about purchasing a stake in the LA Dodgers, the Lakers legend grabbed it with both hands.

Although this involved selling a profitable business. In 2010, Magic Johnson cashed out of his Starbucks deal, selling his equity back to Howard Schultz for a reported $100 million. Just two years later, he joined Guggenheim Baseball Management and made headlines by buying the Los Angeles Dodgers for a jaw-dropping $2.2 billion. There were two main reasons for this switch.

“Why did I do that, first of all there was no people of color being honored in Major League Baseball, that’s one reason. Second reason is, I’m buying the Dodgers. The Dodgers got the biggest brand…so I knew it was gonna be a home run.” Now, as per Forbes, the Dodgers are the second most valued team in the league ($6.9 B), behind only the Yankees with $8.2 B. With the clear aim of improving representation, as he once stated that you’re “at the table,” you have the power to shape decisions that impact your city and community. Speaking about community, he is also set for an extended role for the FIFA World Cup starting next year.