Athletes Who Became Billionaires Feat. Michael Jordan and LeBron James

Posted on by Jack Marks

LeBron James now holds the label of a billionaire on his resume. In a study released on Thursday, Forbes pegged the Los Angeles Lakers player’s net worth at $1 billion. He has attained the position as the first NBA player still playing. Michael Jordan didn’t become a billionaire until 11 years after he retired, according to Forbes, which estimates his net worth at $1.7 billion.

Forbes reported James made $121.2 million last year, a record topped only by Lionel Messi, who pulled in $130m. James’ off-court earnings greatly outweigh his near to $400 million salaries throughout his NBA career with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers.

Michael Jordan LeBron James
Credits: GQ

James, 37, reportedly earned more than $900 million through company investments and sponsorships, according to Forbes. However, now there is a third athlete who has entered the billionaire club: Tiger Woods.

Billionaire club – Michael Jordan, LeBron James & Tiger Woods

According to business publication Forbes, basketball legends Michael Jordan and LeBron James are the only other sportsmen with a $1 billion net worth in addition to golfer Tiger Woods. In his 27-year professional golf career, Woods has earned nearly $1.7 billion in salary, sponsorships, and other sources of revenue.

Tiger Woods

According to Forbes, that sum represents the highest amount of money ever earned by an athlete. With a current estimated net worth of more than $1 billion, James and Woods are the only sportsmen who achieved billionaire status while participating in their respective sports.

Less than 10% of Tiger Woods’ total wealth has been acquired from golf-related revenue. Instead, the majority of Woods’ income has come from endorsement and sponsorship deals with brands like Nike, TaylorMade, Gatorade, and Monster Energy. Over the years, despite several off-course incidents, Woods’ net worth has gradually increased. While still recuperating from a vehicle accident, according to Forbes, Woods earned $68 million this year alone, off the course.