Stadiums today are more than just arenas—they’re engines of culture, economy, and community identity. With cities across the globe racing to unveil state-of-the-art sports facilities, the question isn’t just what we’re building, but why. From futuristic designs to multi-use complexes, these developments promise to redefine how we experience sports. It’s in this rapidly evolving sports landscape that new kinds of players are emerging—not just athletes or owners, but visionary investors who understand the long game. And few embody that shift more than Magic Johnson.

What if Johnson’s next championship moment doesn’t come on the hardwood, but in the boardroom? As Washington, D.C. experiences a full-scale sports revival, there’s a quieter, high-stakes subplot taking shape. At the heart of it is Johnson, whose post-retirement legacy as a savvy investor has rivaled his on-court brilliance. Now, with his fingerprints on the city’s sports and entertainment blueprint, the question looms: will Magic elevate D.C. as he did the Lakers—or simply become a billion-dollar figurehead in someone else’s game?

Johnson took to X to share his excitement about the upcoming development of the new stadium, commenting, “I’m so excited about this incredible project. Our new stadium will be a state-of-the-art facility, including a roof and entertainment areas!” Washington, D.C. is on the cusp of a full-blown sports revival—and leading the charge is a bold redevelopment plan for the RFK Stadium site at a valuation of $3.6 billion.  At the heart of it is a proposed 65,000-seat, roofed venue set to bring the Washington Commanders back to the city after nearly 30 years. But this isn’t just about football. The stadium is being imagined as a year-round hub for over 200 events, from major tournaments to professional women’s soccer. It’s a fresh chapter for D.C. sports—bigger, bolder, and more inclusive.

Johnson’s track record of investing in urban communities aligns perfectly with this project’s goals. His Magic Johnson Enterprises has long focused on bringing development to underserved areas, and this new stadium is another example of that commitment. He sees the potential for sports to be a powerful engine for social and economic change.

For Magic, this isn’t just about a new stadium—it’s a strategic move that positions him for success on multiple levels. As both a co-owner of the Washington Commanders and an investor in the Washington Spirit, Magic is in a unique position to benefit twice from this project. Not only will the new stadium serve as a high-tech home for the NFL team, but its multi-use design will also provide a perfect venue for the Washington Spirit, the NWSL team he has stakes in, that’s worth $35 million in 2022. This means his investments are tied directly to the future of both men’s and women’s professional sports in D.C., making it a true double win for the NBA legend.

With his influence in the sports world and his history of successful ventures, Magic Johnson is once again setting himself up for a lucrative payoff. His involvement in this stadium project is a testament to his understanding of how to turn sports into an economic and cultural powerhouse.

More than a game: Magic Johnson’s entrepreneurship

As an owner and investor, Magic’s most notable involvement is with the Los Angeles Lakers. He became part of the Lakers’ ownership group in 1994 when he acquired a minority stake in the team. His deep connection with the franchise culminated in 2017, when he became the team’s president of basketball operations, a position he held until 2019. During his tenure, Magic was credited with helping to bring LeBron James to the Lakers and guiding the team to the 2020 NBA Championship.

Beyond the Lakers, Magic’s business empire includes a range of sports investments. In 2012, he became a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers when a group he was part of purchased the team for $2 billion. The Dodgers have since become one of the most successful MLB franchises under his leadership. Magic’s other sports-related investments include the Los Angeles Sparks, a women’s professional basketball team in the WNBA, where he has been a co-owner since 2014.

Magic’s investments extend beyond sports, as well. His business portfolio includes ventures in real estate, entertainment, and the food industry. He co-founded Magic Johnson Enterprises, a company that focuses on urban development and media, which has been instrumental in bringing business opportunities to underserved communities. Through his ventures, Magic has built an empire that continues to thrive, all while using his platform to promote diversity and inclusion.

As the sports world continues to evolve, Magic’s ability to adapt and expand his influence beyond the basketball court remains unmatched. His involvement in Washington, D.C.’s sports revival, through both the Washington Commanders and the Washington Spirit, highlights his visionary approach to transforming the game—not just in terms of sports, but in culture and community impact.