Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the United States and the world. Because of that, professional NBA players are among the wealthiest athletes in the country. The National Basketball Association has produced several major names in the sport, with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant being two of the most well-known. NBA players come in many shapes and sizes, with varying degrees of talent, but one thing is certain: the best 20 players in the sport's history have amassed a fortune that the rest of us can only dream of. These players are undeniably well compensated in order to perform effectively in front of the league's adoring supporters.
Many NBA players instantly become billionaires because of their large contracts. Other participants, on the other hand, utilize their earnings to invest in other businesses, allowing them to become financially successful as well. Some of the world's finest NBA players are worth more than half a billion dollars. Here is a list of the top ten wealthiest NBA players of all time.
No. | Name | Net Worth |
1 | Michael Jordan | $2.2 billion |
2 | Junior Bridgeman | $600 million |
3 | Magic Johnson | $600 million |
4 | LeBron James | $500 million |
5 | Shaquille O’Neal | $400 million |
6 | Vinnie Johnson | $400 million |
7 | Hakeem Olajuwon | $300 million |
8 | Grant Hill | $250 million |
9 | David Robinson | $200 million |
10 | Kevin Durant | $200 million |
You haven't paid attention too much around you if you don't know who Michael Jordan is. From basketball to television, movies, apparel, and shoes, his name is everywhere. He is the most well-known player in NBA history and has a net worth of $2.2 billion, making him the richest player of all time. The majority of his money now comes from endorsement deals with 'Nike,' his largest sponsor. Junior Bridgeman is just behind him. Apart from the expanding number of Chili's restaurants (with 118 locations and counting), Bridgeman currently owns over 160 outlets. Bridgeman was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. His net worth is $600 million, making him the world's second-wealthiest NBA player.
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Magic Johnson was a point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers for 13 seasons and amassed a net worth of $600 million. Starbucks, Fridays, and 24 Hour Fitness are among Johnson's current collaborations. Magic Johnson's estimated net worth is $600 million. LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers is ranked fourth on the list. He was able to sign a $153 million contract with the Lakers because of his presence and accomplishments on the court. His prominence on the court has also led to sponsorship partnerships with companies like Nike. According to Forbes, he has a $1 billion lifetime contract with Nike. James has also made investments, such as becoming a franchise owner of Blaze Pizza and purchasing a part of the Liverpool football team.
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Many teams wanted Shaquille O'Neal's domination and star power. As a result, NBA teams are more than eager to give the All-Star center millions of dollars. Shaq benefited financially from his sponsorships, which included large companies like Burger King, Taco Bell, and Buick, in addition to his massive NBA earnings. He had various endorsements, which contributed significantly to his $400 million net worth. He is followed by Vinnie Johnson. Vinnie Johnson has a $400 million net worth as a former professional basketball player and entrepreneur. Vinnie was a member of the Seattle SuperSonics, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs throughout his NBA career.
Hakeem Olajuwon sits seventh on this list. Hakeem earned a staggering $107 million after 18 seasons in the league. He has a net worth of $300 million as a result of his great skill and talent in the game. For his easy dunking skill, he was dubbed "The Dream" and was inducted into two Halls of Fame, the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. Grant Hill follows Olajuwon. Hill, now retired, hasn't strayed far from basketball. As a broadcaster or host, he would appear on NBA TV and CBS Sports. Hill would also become one of the Atlanta Hawks' co-owners. Hill has also ventured outside basketball, co-hosting the MTV Video Music Awards with Rikki Lake. Hill also makes money through his firm, Hill Ventures, which deals with housing projects.
David Robinson is 9th on the list of the richest NBA players of all time. Robinson is still making winning plays off the court as a venture entrepreneur after an illustrious NBA career. According to CNBC, he is one of the co-founders of the Admiral Capital Group, which is involved in private equity and the real estate market. Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant sits 10th in the list of the richest NBA players of all time. In addition to his scoring prowess, the dangerous scoring forward has been successful in his investments. According to Forbes, this includes a $15 million payout after Uber purchased Postmates, in which the Nets player invested $1 million. Kevin Durant's net worth is estimated to be at $200 million in 2022, making him the 10th richest NBA player in the world.
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