When we talk about athletes who turned their post-retirement game into something even bigger, Magic Johnson’s name automatically comes up. Back in 1991, he walked away from the NBA with a $40 million net worth. Fast forward to now, and he’s cruising in billionaire territory. But what’s really fascinating is how he made it happen. Take last year, for example—Magic shared a snap on Instagram that got a lot of attention. He was pictured with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at the high-profile Sportico Summit in Doha. A room full of power players talking sports and business? Yeah, Magic soaked it all in.

Not surprisingly, when he got back home, he couldn’t stop thinking about the experience. In fact, he let his followers in on just how much the trip impacted him. “Now that I’m back, I’m still processing all the gems and wisdom I gained throughout the last couple of days so I can apply them in my current and future business ventures!” he shared. That’s the thing about Magic—he’s always got his eye on the next move. And clearly, those “gems” turned out to be pretty valuable.

Just ask Forbes. Last month, the 2025 World’s Billionaires list dropped, and Magic was sitting comfortably at $1.5 billion. To put that in perspective, that’s ahead of LeBron James’ $1.3 billion. Sure, these two made millions through sports and endorsements. But Magic? He’s been mastering the business boardroom long after leaving the hardwood.

Even so, Johnson’s focus isn’t only on stacking billions. Just last week in Baltimore, he teamed up with WNBA star Angel Reese for a cause that hits close to home—financial literacy. They launched a program aimed at helping high school seniors learn how to manage money and build wealth early on. It’s the kind of guidance many wish they had.

Then, Magic let the world in on the moment. He took to Instagram Stories and wrote, “The magicjohnsonfoundation in partnership with the angelreesefoundation and @pullupneighbor launched the Wealth Playbook, a financial literacy program in Baltimore, MD!” This wasn’t a one-off, either—he once donated $1 million to his alma mater.

With Merrill Lynch in the equation, there is some serious briefcase energy coming to the table. Known lately for doubling down on financial education, the firm teamed up with IMG Academy in 2024 to teach student-athletes how money works. IMG CEO Brent Richard summed it up best: “Given the modern high school and collegiate student-athlete landscape, it is becoming increasingly important to develop financial literacy at a younger age”. 

But when it comes to Reese, this cause becomes even more personal. She’s a proud alumna of Saint Frances Academy, and her journey from Baltimore’s streets to the WNBA spotlight reads like a pep talk for every kid in the neighborhood. With the launch of the Angel C. Reese Foundation in 2023, she’s been all about boosting young women and youth through the power combo of books and basketball.

Now, Johnson has added yet another chapter to the ever-growing playbook of the Magic Johnson Foundation—which kicked off with one big goal: helping underserved, ethnically diverse communities thrive socially, medically, financially, and academically. Since 1991, he’s been rewriting the rules of development—whether it was starting community stores before it was cool or, these days, making sure there’s a whole new generation ready to carry the torch. So, yes, transformation isn’t a step for him; it is the identity of his brand. 

Magic Johnson’s philanthropic effort to Michigan State

While Magic Johnson’s business empire keeps grabbing headlines, his heart has always been tied to Michigan State. That Spartan pride hasn’t faded a bit. Back in 2011, when his alma mater needed support, Magic didn’t just write a check—he made a statement. First, he dropped $1 million to help boost the program. Then, not too long after, he went a step further and added another $3 million. That’s not just giving back—that’s investing in something you still believe in.

“I think that Mark (Hollis) and I have an outstanding relationship, and Tom (Izzo). We all three sat down, and Mark says, ‘I’m going to bring you into the program a lot more.’ I said, ‘OK, I’ve been waiting.’ I gave them a million, then I gave another (donation),” Magic said that time.

Even now, the Lakers legend isn’t just sitting on the sidelines. Last month, Tom Izzo stopped by The Dan Patrick Show and was asked if Magic ever lends a hand when it comes to recruiting. Izzo didn’t hesitate. “I ask him all the time, but I really don’t have to ask him he’s always tweeting out something, or he’s saying something.” So basically, Magic’s already in the game before the call even comes.

What’s more, new rules now allow legends like Magic to be even more hands-on. “Now they’re actually allowed to help you legally… but Magic’s been great,” Izzo added, giving props to other former players, too. But let’s be real—Magic’s presence is still the loudest in that Spartan huddle.