The 10 Richest NBA Players of All Time – From Millionaire to Billionaire

September 4, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Some NBA players didn’t just dominate on the court—they turned their fame into fortune. From real estate moguls to franchise kings, these basketball legends built wealth that far exceeds their playing days. Here's a countdown of the ten richest NBA players in history, ranked from #10 to #1.

10 David Robinson – Net Worth: $200 Million

David Robinson, a San Antonio Spurs legend, made over $110 million during his 15-year career. But it’s his savvy investments—private equity funds, office buildings, and hotels—that truly built his wealth. The Admiral’s post-retirement business moves earned him a spot among the NBA’s financial elite.

9 Grant Hill – Net Worth: $250 Million

Grant Hill played 18 seasons in the NBA, racking up $141 million in salary. His lifetime deal with Fila alone brings in around $10 million per year, and he’s backed by endorsements from Sprite and McDonald’s. With investments in NBA Africa and part-ownership of the Atlanta Hawks, Hill’s fortune continues to grow.

8 Kevin Durant – Net Worth: $300 Million

Kevin Durant isn’t just a scoring machine—he’s a smart investor too. Alongside nearly $400 million in NBA earnings, he holds a lifetime Nike contract and owns part of Postmates, Acorns, and his own media company, 35 Ventures. His business instincts match his on-court precision.

Read also: The 10 Richest Boxers in History

7 Hakeem Olajuwon – Net Worth: $300 Million

Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon made about $97 million playing in the NBA, but his real fortune came after. He built a real estate empire in Houston, owning major commercial buildings, apartment complexes, and even a former Federal Reserve Bank. His business skills are nearly as legendary as his footwork.

6 Shaquille O’Neal – Net Worth: $400 Million

Shaquille O’Neal was a giant both on and off the court. He earned nearly $300 million in the NBA and expanded his empire through endorsements with Reebok, Pepsi, and Icy Hot. He’s also invested in companies like Google and Papa John’s, making him one of basketball’s most successful entrepreneurs.

5 Vinnie Johnson – Net Worth: $500 Million

Vinnie Johnson may not be a household name, but his business record is remarkable. After earning just $3 million in the NBA, he founded the Piston Group, a leading auto parts supplier with $3 billion in annual revenue. That move made him one of the league’s richest retirees.

4 Junior Bridgeman – Net Worth: $600 Million

Junior Bridgeman turned small NBA paychecks into a fast-food empire. He owned over 160 Wendy’s and other franchises through his company Bridgeman Foods, then became a major Coca-Cola bottler and executive. Few have flipped a modest career into such staggering success.

3 Magic Johnson – Net Worth: $800 Million

Magic Johnson's wealth isn’t just from basketball—it’s from building an empire. While his career earnings were under $40 million, he invested wisely in sports teams, real estate, and businesses through Magic Johnson Enterprises. He now holds ownership stakes across the MLB, WNBA, NFL, and more.

2 LeBron James – Net Worth: $1 Billion

LeBron James is still active—and already a billionaire. He’s made nearly half a billion on the court, and his business ventures include Blaze Pizza, a lifetime Nike deal, and media company SpringHill. He also held a stake in Liverpool FC and continues to expand his portfolio.

1 Michael Jordan – Net Worth: $3 Billion

Michael Jordan tops the list as not just the richest NBA player, but the richest athlete in history. He earned $90 million during his career, but his legendary Nike deal and smart investments—including a recent $3 billion sale of the Charlotte Hornets—pushed him to a $3 billion net worth. Air Jordan isn't just a brand—it's a billion-dollar empire.