Forbes said the Los Angeles Lakers star has “maximized his business,” generating more than $ 1.2 billion in pre-tax profits. His salary in the NBA from three different teams over the past 19 years has risen to $ 383 million, and James has “earned more than $ 900 million in revenue from endorsements and other business,” the magazine said. In addition to lucrative support agreements with Nike (NKE), AT&T (T), PepsiCo (PEP) and Walmart (WMT), Forbes said James structured its agreements to include the capital of these brands, giving a “rising cut instead of a quick pay.” The four-time NBA champion also has investments in fitness startup Tonal, shared travel company Lyft and the arrival of Blaze Pizza restaurants.
Another lucrative investment for James is the SpringHill Entertainment television and film studio, which Forbes values at about $ 300 million. The studio helped produce “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” a film that starred and grossed $ 163 million in box office worldwide.
James has long dreamed of being a billionaire.
“It’s my biggest goal,” he told GQ in a 2014 interview. “Obviously I want to maximize my business. My God, I’m excited. “
In particular, Michael Jordan is the only other basketball billionaire on the Forbes list. He didn’t make it until 2014, more than a decade after his retirement.