Basketball is a sport that is popular all over the world. Obviously, the NBA, the National Basketball Association, in the US has millions of fans. However, it’s surprisingly popular in Europe as well, with Euroleague odds getting plenty of attention.

Not only has it produced athletic legends, but it’s also hugely lucrative to those biggest-name players. The money earned by top basketball players goes way beyond the courts. These players attract huge-paying endorsements, business ventures, and very profitable contracts.

So, that being said, let’s take a look at the lives of some of the richest basketball players in the world.

Michael Jordan – The Undisputed Financial King

It will come as no surprise that Michael Jordan tops the list. Michael Jordan, the ultimate basketball legend, has had success that goes way beyond the court to become a financial king. His Air Jordan brand, a very lucrative collaboration with Nike, has become a huge name in the athletic footwear industry – and it generates astronomical revenues… establishing Jordan as a serious player, not just in basketball, but in the business world. The success of his brand – and the enduring popularity of the Air Jordan footwear, has contributed massively to his bank balance.

Beyond footwear, Jordan owns the Charlotte Hornets, an NBA franchise, which adds another layer to his financial kingdom. The team’s value and profitability have increased under his ownership. So, not only has he made big bucks thanks to his athletic prowess but also because of his impressive business acumen.

LeBron James – It’s All in the Endorsements

LeBron James, known as the ‘King’ on the basketball court, has crowned himself as the king of endorsements in the world of sports. While his on-court success cannot be denied, it is his huge-paying endorsement deals that have made him financial royalty. James’ partnership with Nike, particularly with the creation of the LeBron James line of basketball shoes, has contributed a lot to his eye-watering wealth.

In addition to his association with Nike, LeBron James has built up quite a portfolio of endorsements with other major brands like Coca-Cola, Beats by Dre and Blaze Pizza. These partnerships, along with his NBA contracts, have made James a real financial powerhouse. However, he’s also a bit of a philanthropist. His LeBron James Family Foundation has been put in place to make a social impact – making him a basketball icon and a businessman with a social conscience.

Kobe Bryant – Beyond the Basketball

The late, great Kobe Bryant, remembered as one of the greatest players ever in NBA history, left a lasting legacy both on and off the court. His investment acumen and business ventures – including creating his own production company, Granity Studios, along with his successful investments in tech companies, have all contributed to his financial success.

Shaquille O’Neal – A Business Mogul

Shaquille O’Neal – or Shaq to his friends, is known for his dominant presence on the basketball court. However, he’s another player who has managed to transition into other business ventures after retiring from the sport. His numerous successful endorsement deals – including partnerships with companies such as Pepsi and Reebok, along with his investments in real estate, technology, and entertainment, have all added to his bank balance. The “Shaq” brand is alive and well – making him not only a basketball legend but a real business mogul.

Kevin Durant – The Silicon Valley Tech Man

Kevin Durant, a high-scoring NBA champion, has ventured into the tech world. His investments in companies, including Postmates, Coinbase, and Overtime, have all added a Silicon Valley touch to his portfolio. As well as his on-court earnings and endorsements, his investments have helped to contribute to his position as one of the wealthiest players in basketball.

Conclusion

Basketball players are superstars, especially in the US. So, it comes as no surprise that the most successful players are literal money-making machines. As well as huge pay packets from the NBA, companies are lining up around the block to work with them – so that they can bring a touch of their star power to the brand. From endorsements to investments, they know how to make money!