LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and savvy investor, has added a new title to his name: billionaire.
His net worth is now estimated at $1 billion ($1.4 billion), according to Forbes.
The title means James is the first active NBA player to achieve billionaire status.
The 37-year-old, a four-time NBA MVP, ranks second on the league’s all-time list and has played in the league since 2003. But his fortune doesn’t just come from playing basketball.
Michael Jordan, whose net worth Forbes estimated at $1.7 billion ($2.34 billion), did not reach billionaire status until 11 years after his retirement.
Forbes estimated that James made $121.2 million ($167 million) last year.
James made nearly $400 million ($550 million) in salary with the LA Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, but it’s his off-the-job earnings that stand out.
Forbes estimates that James has raised more than $900 million from corporate investments and approvals.
Raised by a single mother in Akron, Ohio, James has put a lot of money back into his hometown by opening a school and community center to help families and children.
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Becoming a billionaire is something 37-year-old James talked about in a 2014 interview with GQ.
“When it happens, that’s my biggest milestone,” James said at the time.
“Of course. I want to maximize my business. And when I get it, when I’m a billion dollar athlete, whoops. Hip hip hooray! Oh my god, I’ll be excited.”
His investments and businesses include the Spring Hill Company, a business group that includes his Uninterrupted and SpringHill Entertainment; Fenway Sports Group and Blaze Pizza—a casual restaurant chain.
His investments also include an $80 million ($110 million) real estate portfolio, including the Beverley Hills complex which he bought in 2020 for $36.8 million ($50.6 million).
Reuters