LeBron James has reportedly officially joined the billionaire boys club.
The 18-time NBA all-star, four-time NBA champion, and two-time Olympic gold medalist continues to show why he has been dubbed the king.
He is now the first active NBA player to hit billionaire status, Forbes reports. What’s more, the accomplishment is proof that in this game of chess that we call life, moving with intention as the most important piece will bring in an overflow every single time.
As previously reported by AfroTech, James topped the Forbes list as the second-highest-paid athlete in the world thanks to not only his status as an NBA player but his business mindset. It is what sets the Akron, OH native apart from the rest.
In fact, he spoke his billionaire status into existence during a 2014 interview with GQ.
“It’s my biggest milestone, obviously. I want to maximize my business,” said James. “And if I happen to get it, if I happen to be a billion-dollar athlete, ho. Hip hip hooray! Oh, my God, I’m gonna be excited.”
It’s always been James’ excitement that has set him up for success. As a player, the 37-year-old is unstoppable, talented, and strong, which has been the same secret sauce for him as a businessman.
More Than Just Basketball
While basketball might have been the thing that put James on the map at the age of 18, it’s definitely not the thing that keeps him relevant. Despite all of the accolades and achievements as a ball player, it’s his work off-court that has garnered a lot of success.
For example, his SpringHill production company has been taking up space in the television and film industry. It has helped bring stories like the reimagined “Space Jam” film, in which James starred, as well as the upcoming basketball film, “Hustle,” set to debut on Netflix on June 8.
When he isn’t sharing stories, the LA Laker is continuing to write his own narrative. Never one to shy away from endorsements that prove to be the perfect match, it’s been history in the making ever since he rejected other athletic brands to partner with Nike in 2003. He now even has his own building, The LeBron James Innovation Center, which sits atop the company’s headquarters in Oregon. His lifetime agreement with the brand pays him tens of millions of dollars annually.
Breaking Down His Fortune
Now that James is said to be worth an estimated $1 billion, let’s break down the numbers.
The aforementioned SpringHill Company, created alongside his longtime friend Maverick Carter, is worth approximately $300 million. It is named after the apartment complex where James and his mother — who had him at the age of 16 and raised him on her own — first found stability.
Through the Fenway Sports Group, James draws in about $90 million. It is this venture that allows the global superstar to have holdings in pro baseball, soccer, and hockey franchises.
According to Forbes, his real estate properties are worth around $80 million and his stake in the Blaze Pizza chain earns him approximately $30 million.
Lastly, the outlet estimates that cash and other investments account for over $500 million of the James’ new billionaire status.
