15 of the Richest NBA Players in the World and Their Net Worth
Basketball is among the most popular sports, with an ever-growing global fan base. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the world's best basketball league that produces world-class players. With outstanding performances in each game, there's no doubt that they've already made a name for themselves in the industry.
According to the latest stats, the NBA earns between $7 and $10 billion per season. Since NBA is the most-watched sport in the United States, many sponsors and advertisers sign contracts with their players. It is undeniable that these world-famous stars earn massive salaries and receive various endorsement deals.
This article compiles a list of the world's richest active and retired NBA players based on their current net worth. Join us and find out which of your favorite NBA players have made it to billionaire status. Without further ado, let's get started.
Michael Jordan
Net Worth: $1.5 billion
Former basketball player Michael Jordan, also known as MJ, is now a successful entrepreneur. Jordan currently derives most of his income from endorsement deals with his main sponsor, Nike. He also serves as the team primary owner for the National Basketball Association's Charlotte Hornets.
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest NBA player of all time. He played 15 seasons in the NBA, winning NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.
Junior Bridgeman
Net Worth: $600 million
Junior Bridgeman was a professional basketball player in the NBA for twelve years before becoming a successful businessman. He currently owns over 160 Chili's restaurants and is expanding his business. Bridgeman appeared in 849 NBA games and was subsequently appointed as the NBA association's president.
Magic Johnson
Net Worth: $600 million
American retired NBA basketball player Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is a native of Michigan. He is typically regarded as the best point guard in NBA history. Johnson now partners with well-known companies like Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, and Fridays.
Johnson spent 13 seasons with the Lakers, and in 1996, he was named one of the '50 Greatest Players in NBA History'.
LeBron James
Net Worth: $500 million
American professional basketball player LeBron James also referred to as 'King James,' plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. His accomplishments have led to him being compared to Michael Jordon, the greatest player in NBA history, as he is the only player in NBA that won NBA Championships with three different franchises.
Shaquille O'Neal
Net Worth: $400 million
Former professional basketball player Shaquille O'Neal now works as a sports analyst on the show Inside the NBA. The rest of his 19-year NBA career saw him play center for six different teams. In addition, with four NBA titles to his name, O'Neal is regarded as one of the greatest centers and basketball players in the history of the NBA.
James Harden
Net Worth: $400 million
James Edward Harden Jr. is an American professional player from Los Angeles who is currently a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. The Oklahoma City Thunder selected him as the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. In addition to being the league's best shooting guard in the NBA, Harden was also named was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Vinnie Johnson
Net Worth: $400 million
Former NBA player Vincent Johnson, also known as 'The Microwave,' played for the Detroit Pistons and contributed to the team's NBA titles in 1989 and 1990. After retiring, Vincent started a business called Piston Automotive and became an investor. It now ranks among the biggest auto parts suppliers in the US, bringing in more than $2 billion a year.
Grant Hill
Net Worth: $250 million
Former American NBA player Grant Hill played for the Detroit Pistons. He is currently the co-owner and executive of the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA and co-hosts the NBA Inside Stuff on NBA TV. He previously played for four different NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons, the Orlando Magic, the Phoenix Suns, and the Los Angeles Clippers.
David Robinson
Net Worth: $200 million
Former NBA player David Maurice Robinson, also known as 'The Admiral,' was a Florida native who played for the San Antonio Spurs. Robinson, a first-round draft pick, is widely regarded as one of the league's most notable centers. Robinson is still considered one of the best centers in NBA and college basketball history.
Hakeem Olajuwon
Net Worth: $200 million
Former professional basketball player Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, also known as 'The Dream,' is from Nigeria. He was a starting center for the NBA team Houston Rockets. In 1994 and 1995, Hakeem steered the Rockets to back-to-back NBA titles.
His steadfast effort and dedication led to his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
Luol Deng
Net Worth: $200 Million
Former South Sudanese-British NBA player Luol Ajou Deng is a successful real estate mogul and a two-time NBA All-Star. At age 19, he began his professional career in Chicago, and in 2005, he was selected for the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He has also represented the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Lakers, and Cleveland.
Kevin Durant
Net Worth: $170 million
American basketball player Kevin Wayne Durant plays for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. He was chosen by the Seattle SuperSonics as the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Additionally, Durant was a part of the gold-medal winning 2012 US Men's National Basketball Team.
He won back-to-back championships with the State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. Aside from other awards, Kevin Durant has won two NBA titles and the league's Most Valuable Player award.
Russell Westbrook
Net Worth: $170 Million
American professional basketball player Russell Westbrook III is currently a member of the Washington Wizards of the NBA. He is a nine-time NBA All-Star and had a fantastic career with incredible statistics. Westbrook was one of only two players in NBA history to record a triple-double for a season while playing for the Seattle Supersonics.
Yao Ming
Net Worth: $160 Million
Yao Ming is a Chinese basketball executive who was a former professional player for over ten years. He was a member of the Chinese Basketball Association's Shanghai Sharks and the National Basketball Association's Houston Rockets. Ming started playing basketball as a teenager. He is an NBA All-Star and eight-time winner and finished his basketball career in 2011.
Dirk Nowitzki
Net Worth: $140 million
Dirk Nowitzki is a German professional basketball player who was a member of the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki led the Dallas Mavericks to 15 NBA playoff appearances. He was also the first European to receive the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2007 and 2011, making NBA history.
Final Thoughts
Basketball is by far one of the most lucrative sports in the world. It can provide athletes with a massive opportunity for fame and financial success. However, becoming a world-famous athlete takes time to happen. NBA players with the biggest names in the industry have amassed their fortunes through hard work and dedication.
It takes more than just a desire for money and fame. You need both skill and passion to be a good athlete. While success through sports is possible, these advantages require persistent dedication. We hope this list of the world's wealthiest NBA players has motivated and inspired you.
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