At 37 years old, LeBron James broke a new benchmark in his professional life by becoming the oldest person to ever break the “billion dollar chart” in terms of earnings from his basketball career.
The tremendous LeBron James will have difficulty succeeding in the 2021–2022 season. After the team experienced a run of back-to-back losses, he was unable to guide the Los Angeles Lakers to the playoffs. Despite this, he achieved a new personal goal when he became a “billionaire.”
The remarkable journey that led LeBron James to break into the “billion-dollar club” at the age of 37 is an impressive feat. Forbes estimates that LeBron James earned approximately $121.2 million in total income in 2021, enabling him to join the exclusive group of billionaires while still being recognized as one of the best basketball players globally.
Prior to LeBron James, Michael Jordan was the only other basketball player to achieve this financial milestone. However, Jordan surpassed the billion-dollar threshold primarily through investments and commercial activities after retiring from professional basketball.
Often referred to as the “King,” LeBron James is also the highest-paid athlete in the world, having earned a total of $127 million in the previous year from his salary, bonuses, and other endeavors. A chart published by Sportico illustrates that LeBron James outearned football giants such as Lionel Messi ($122 million), Cristiano Ronaldo ($115 million), and Neymar ($103 million). Notably, LeBron James maintains a significant financial advantage over other top basketball talents, including Stephen Curry ($86.2 million) and Kevin Durant ($85.9 million), even when considering only basketball-related earnings.
LeBron James’s journey to reaching the “billion-dollar club” is a testament to his incredible career and business acumen.
Born into challenging circumstances, with his mother Gloria giving birth to him at the age of 16 and facing uncertainties about his father, LeBron James rose above adversity. His natural athletic abilities and unique approach to the game caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft.
LeBron’s career achievements include winning four championships, being named Finals MVP four times, earning four MVP awards, and receiving numerous accolades and titles. Beyond his on-court success, LeBron James has amassed significant wealth, earning approximately $385 million in salary over his 19-year career and around $900 million from various business endeavors.
One noteworthy achievement is LeBron’s lifetime contract with Nike, the world’s largest athletic apparel manufacturer, solidifying his status as a global sports and business icon. This contract, along with his impressive earnings, has propelled LeBron James into the exclusive group of athletes with a billion-dollar net worth.
LeBron James not only excels in generating income but also demonstrates astute investment in various business and real estate ventures. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the value of the diverse assets owned by LeBron James, as provided by Forbes:
- Shares in SpringHill Company ($300 million): SpringHill Company is a significant venture for LeBron James, valued at $300 million. The company has sponsored well-known films such as “More Than A Game” and “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” In 2021, LeBron James sold certain shares, totaling $725 million.
- Shares in Fenway Sports Group ($90 million): LeBron James owns shares in Fenway Sports Group, which includes complete ownership of the renowned English football team, Liverpool. This investment has proven to be lucrative. Despite this success, LeBron James has expressed his ultimate goal of becoming the owner of his own NBA basketball franchise someday.
These investments showcase LeBron James’s strategic approach to diversifying his wealth across different sectors, from entertainment to sports ownership. His financial acumen has played a pivotal role in securing his position as one of the most successful athletes and entrepreneurs globally.
Certainly, LeBron James’s financial portfolio extends beyond his entertainment and sports ventures. Here’s a breakdown of his real estate holdings and additional investments:
- Real Estate:
- Luxurious residences in Akron, Ohio.
- A residence in Tony Brentwood, Los Angeles.
- A large estate in Beverly Hills, California.
- The combined value of these properties is estimated at $80 million.
- Shares in Blaze Pizza ($30 million):
- LeBron James has invested in Blaze Pizza, a pizza chain. He initially invested $1 million, and the brand has since expanded to own more than 300 shops across the United States, excluding franchise locations.
- Cash and Various Investments:
- LeBron James holds cash and various investments amounting to $500 million in total.
This diverse portfolio showcases LeBron James’s strategic approach to wealth management, including real estate, equity in successful ventures like Blaze Pizza, and a mix of cash and investments. His financial prowess extends beyond the basketball court, positioning him as a savvy businessman and investor.
