Apart from remarkable success on the basketball court, LeBron James is known for his wise business investments and his king-style lifestyle, which many desire to achieve. The Lakers legend is currently the highest-paid athlete in the world. However, the four-time NBA champions achieved another feat on Thursday. As per Forbes, James’ estimated net worth in 2022 is about $1 billion. Moreover, LeBron becomes the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status. Micheal Jordan is also a billionaire with an estimated net worth is $1.7 billion. But, the ghost of Chicago reached the milestone eleven years after his retirement from the league.
As per Forbes’ estimation, King James earned $121.2 million in 2021. Only Lionel Messi was the one who grossed more money than LeBron, with $130 million. James has earned an estimated $400m in salary during his time with the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Miami Heat in the NBA. However, his off-court earnings are way more than the given figure. As per the business magazine, the 37-year-old has grossed over $900m from business investments and endorsement deals.
Back in 2014, James talked about becoming a billionaire during a GQ interview. LeBron James told that being a billionaire would be the biggest milestone for him. The 37-year-old talked about maximizing his business and said that he would be thrilled to be a billion-dollar athlete.
LeBron’s Key Investment & Endorsement Deals
LeBron James owns a production group Spring Hill. As per Forbes, the 18-time All-Star sold a minority stake of the company for $725million. The production company has worked on shows like The Shop, a Naomi Osaka docuseries, and the movie Space Jam: A New Legacy, starring LeBron. Moreover, Spring Hill has also been involved in the making of a movie on James’ early life called the Shooting Stars.
The four-time NBA MVP has a one percent stake in Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox. Moreover, the sports group recently agreed to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL. James also bought a ten percent stake in Blaze pizza for less than a million dollars in 2012. The food joint is now worth around $20m, as per Forbes.
Meanwhile, King James’ real estate portfolio is worth around $80m, including a $10m property in Akron and two houses in LA with a combined worth of $60m. The Lakers superstar has invested a lot of money in his hometown Akron, where his single mother raised him. He has also supported the people of his hometown with a new school, housing planning, and a community center to support the families and kids. LeBron James is still the hottest asset in the NBA. And his net worth is expected to go way up even after he hangs his boots.