
This article endeavors to delve deeper into the business ventures of NBA players, exploring their motivations for entering and succeeding in varying fields beyond the court. With a broad range of activities ranging from direct investments, tech involvement, real estate, fashion, and post-retirement projects — it’s no wonder why many of the league’s superstars have parlayed their success on the hardwood into long-term financial security and career mobility.
From the insights of business owners Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan, to the latest trends leveraged by the likes of LeBron James and Steph Curry, this piece will take an up-close look at how generations of NBA greats have used their platforms effectively to earn generational wealth.
How Common is it for NBA Players to Pursue Business Ventures?
It is not uncommon for NBA players to pursue business ventures after their basketball career.NBA stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have all made headlines with their business investments. Many other NBA players have also followed in their footsteps, investing in a variety of different industries. Even retired NBA legends, such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal, have found success as entrepreneurs.
Having a career in the NBA can be financially lucrative, but many players still have to find ways to plan for the future after their basketball career. With the help of their fame and the resources available to them, many NBA players have created successful businesses. These ventures range from technology startups to wineries. NBA players have shown that they can be successful entrepreneurs and investors, and many have used their fame and influence to create successful businesses.
What Types of Businesses Do NBA Players Invest In?
NBA players invest in a variety of businesses, including technology, real estate, restaurants, and startups. Many NBA stars, both current and retired, have leveraged their fame to build successful business portfolios. For example, NBA legend Michael Jordan has investments in multiple companies, including his own line of Nike sneakers. Similarly, NBA teams have seen the potential of their players as entrepreneurs and have taken steps to support them in their endeavors.

In addition to the traditional business ventures, NBA players have also invested in more innovative opportunities like cryptocurrency, virtual reality, and even sports memorabilia. For example, NBA star LeBron James has invested in the cryptocurrency platform Coinbase. Meanwhile, NBA MVP Stephen Curry has invested in the virtual reality platform Future and the sports memorabilia platform OpenSea. NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant has invested in the collectibles platform NBA Top Shot. These investments demonstrate the potential of NBA players to become successful entrepreneurs.
With the right investments, many of these players can turn their NBA career into a business empire.
Notable Current NBA Player-Entrepreneurs
Many current NBA players have ventured into business, investing in a variety of industries.NBA stars such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have all become successful businessmen in addition to their NBA careers. Other notable current NBA entrepreneurs include Chris Paul, Andre Iguodala, Carmelo Anthony, and Jimmy Butler.
These NBA players have all used their business acumen to invest in a wide range of businesses, from technology startups to real estate. With the success of these NBA player-entrepreneurs, many other NBA players have been inspired to pursue business ventures of their own.
These NBA player-entrepreneurs have shown that they can be successful in both sports and business.
LeBron James
LeBron James is one of the most successful NBA players-entrepreneurs. Throughout his NBA career, James has built an impressive business portfolio. He is a part-owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and has a majority stake in the team. He has also invested in media and entertainment through his company Uninterrupted and TV and movie studio SpringHill Entertainment.
"Basketball isn't [LeBron] James’ side hustle. However … referring to him predominantly as a basketball player is ridiculously inaccurate."@JustinTinsley dissects the athlete and entrepreneur's unrivaled empire and its impact on the business of sports. pic.twitter.com/ni45uvJtQl
— Outside the Lines (@OTLonESPN) January 20, 2023
His business ventures have earned him a lot of money, and he has signed lucrative endorsement deals with big brands such as McDonald’s, Coca Cola, Nike, Baskin Robbins, and Dunkin’ Donuts. In addition to his endorsement deals, James has also become a savvy investor. He has invested in tech startups such as Tonal and Step and his new media company has been funded by Warner Brothers.
James has also made other lucrative investments throughout his career, including his $30 million endorsement deal with Beats Electronics. LeBron James’ business ventures, endorsement deals, and media companies are just a few of the many successful investments he has made throughout his career.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is one of the most successful NBA players-entrepreneurs, and has been building a business portfolio largely around technology startups. He has invested in companies such as Tonal, Step, and TMRW Sports. Curry has also signed a long-term contract extension with Under Armour, and has a travel investment that helps his net worth.

In addition to his tech investments, Curry has also invested in other businesses such as Rubrik, Postmates, PlayersTV, and a wine company. Curry has taken an entrepreneurial approach to his post-NBA career. He has invested in a basketball training app and a sleep tracking company.
Curry’s investments and business ventures have helped him build a strong net worth and a successful career as an NBA player-entrepreneur.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has invested in various companies through his investment firm Thirty Five Ventures, including Postmates, Acorns, Overtime, and Coinbase. Durant has diversified his investments beyond those related to sports. He has invested in Thrive15, a B2B online learning platform focused on entrepreneurship.
"Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard." ~ Kevin Durant
— Jackson A. Robin (@iamjacksonrobin) February 19, 2020
–#jacksonrobin #entrepreneur #spreadinghappiness #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurlife #success #motivationalquote #gratitude #behumble #leadership #kevindurant pic.twitter.com/6Ncllyfzq7
Durant has become a successful entrepreneur, and his investments and business ventures have helped pave the way for other retired NBA players to explore their own business ventures. He has also established a venture capital firm, M7 Tech Partners, and has signed endorsement deals with Jordan Brand, 2K Sports, and Foot Locker.
Kevin Durant has made a name for himself as a successful entrepreneur, paving the way for retired NBA players to explore their own business ventures.
Notable Retired NBA Player-Entrepreneurs
Retired NBA players have been increasingly investing in business ventures, and have had a great deal of success in doing so.Many NBA players, both retired and current, have become successful entrepreneurs, investing in a variety of businesses. Notable retired NBA players-entrepreneurs include Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal.
These former players have used their fame and success in the NBA to launch successful business ventures. Michael Jordan’s net worth is estimated at $1.1 billion, and Magic Johnson’s net worth is estimated at $620 million. Shaquille O’Neal has invested in a variety of businesses, such as Five Guys, Papa John’s Pizza, Krispy Kreme, and several restaurant franchises.
From Michael Jordan to Shaquille O’Neal, retired NBA players have proven that they can be just as successful in business as they were on the court.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is one of the most successful NBA players-entrepreneurs, with a net worth of $1.1 billion. He has invested in tech startups, restaurants, a car dealership, and has stakes in over 20 businesses.
He also has a controlling stake in the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan is also one of the most well-known endorsers of brands, having endorsed Nike, McDonald’s, and Coca-Cola. He experienced a lot of success in his shoe sales in 2014. Total revenue reached almost $3 billion. Jordan’s success as an entrepreneur has been credited to his ability to identify profitable opportunities and to use his fame and success to attract corporate partners.
Jordan is also an example of how NBA players can use their fame and success to become successful entrepreneurs. His success has been attributed to his drive, ambition, and determination. He has also been able to attract corporate partners and make profitable investments. Jordan was one of the early professional athletes to invest in Google, and this investment has paid off significantly. His success has paved the way for other NBA players to invest in tech startups and other businesses.

Jordan was also able to capitalize on his fame by becoming a part owner of the Charlotte Hornets. He has been credited with keeping the ball rolling with the team, and his ownership has been credited with bringing big brands to the urban area. Jordan’s success with the Hornets has also been attributed to his ability to attract sponsors to the team and to bring in high-level talent.
Michael Jordan is a prime example of how NBA players can use their fame and success to become successful entrepreneurs. His success has been attributed to his drive, ambition, and determination, as well as his ability to make profitable investments and attract corporate partners. He has also shown that NBA players can be successful entrepreneurs in the business world.
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is a former NBA player and one of the most successful NBA players-entrepreneurs. He has invested in a variety of businesses, including sports teams, movie theaters, sports apparel, and wearable technology for basketball players. He also owns or helps operate companies ranging from more than a dozen 24 Hour Fitness centers, more than 100 Starbucks licenses, and 30 Burger King restaurants. His personal net worth is estimated at $620 million.
Magic Johnson Enterprises is an entertainment company. It has a chain of theaters, known for bringing big brands to urban areas. Johnson has invested up to $3 million per early-stage company. He is also a majority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and part owner of the Los Angeles Sparks WNBA team. Johnson’s success as an entrepreneur has been credited to his ability to identify profitable opportunities and to use his fame and success to attract corporate partners.

Magic Johnson’s franchises serve 32 million customers annually. His success with his franchises has been attributed to his understanding of the importance of customer service and his ability to hire and manage quality employees. Johnson has also been an example of how NBA players can use their fame and success to become successful entrepreneurs.
Magic Johnson’s success in business is an example of the potential for NBA players to become successful entrepreneurs. He has shown that NBA players can use their fame and success to attract corporate partners and make profitable investments. Johnson has also been successful in the business world, proving that NBA players can be successful entrepreneurs, even after retirement.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal has invested in a variety of businesses, including Five Guys, Papa John’s Pizza, Krispy Kreme, and several restaurant franchises such as Auntie Anne’s. He also owns a movie theater, shopping center, and a night club, and has invested in Lyft and JCPenney. O’Neal is also an example of how NBA players can use their fame and success to become successful entrepreneurs. He has been credited with identifying profitable investments and using his fame to attract corporate partners.
I never worry about the problem. I worry about the solution.
— Jan (@goandgrabit) October 26, 2021
– shaquille O'Neal#quote #solutions #Entrepreneur #goodness #kindness #inspiration pic.twitter.com/Gk2V2pavB3
Shaquille O’Neal’s success as an NBA player-entrepreneur provides insight into the common traits of successful NBA player-entrepreneurs. His success can be attributed to his drive, ambition, and determination, as well as his ability to make profitable investments and attract corporate partners. O’Neal has also shown that NBA players can be successful entrepreneurs in the business world.
What Do All These NBA Player-Entrepreneurs Have in Common?
What do all these NBA player-entrepreneurs have in common? As NBA players, they have used their fame and financial resources to become successful entrepreneurs. From Michael Jordan to Shaquille O’Neal to LeBron James, many NBA players have invested in multiple businesses, used their public profile to promote their businesses, and have the drive and motivation to succeed in their business ventures.
These NBA players have leveraged their name, net worth, and experience in the NBA to make business decisions that could benefit their future. For example, Michael Jordan became the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets after his NBA career and has used his basketball experience to make decisions for the team. Similarly, LeBron James has invested in multiple businesses, such as Blaze Pizza, and has used his public profile to promote these businesses.

The players have also utilized their competitive drive in order to succeed in business. For instance, Shaquille O’Neal has created multiple successful companies, such as Big Chicken, and has invested in real estate, technology, and other business ventures. Similarly, Magic Johnson has invested in multiple businesses and currently has a net worth of over half a billion dollars.
In addition, many of these NBA players have displayed the grit necessary to be successful in business. Kobe Bryant, for example, has used his passion for storytelling to find his own production company and has been successful in his business ventures. Similarly, Kevin Durant has invested in many technology companies and is a successful entrepreneur.
These NBA player-entrepreneurs have all invested in multiple businesses, used their public profile to promote their businesses, and have the drive and motivation to succeed in their business ventures. While success in business is not guaranteed, these NBA players have been successful in their respective business ventures and have used their experiences to help them become successful businessmen.
Summary
The NBA has long been acknowledged not only as a world-renowned sports league, but also as a launching pad to success, both on and off the court. Numerous retired and current NBA players have leveraged their name and stardom to venture into the business world, through investments in various industries such as real estate, technology, restaurants, and startups.
Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Andre Iguodala, and Jimmy Butler are just some of the renowned NBA player-entrepreneurs who have become successful businessmen. Whether it is through lucrative investments that leverage their fame or startup ventures that capitalize on their experience and competitive ambition, these players have proven that success on the court can be translated into a profitable business empire.
They show that having the courage to pursue their own opportunities and the determination to create something tangible from nothing, can open up countless possibilities for success. To this end, if there is one core value that all of these NBA player-entrepreneurs share, it is perseverance. Through relentless dedication and pursuit of their goals, they have solidified their place in the enterprise world alongside many of the most powerful and influential businesspeople around the globe.
It is an admirable feat and testament to the power and influence of the NBA, even long after the basketball career has ended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What businesses does LeBron James own?
LeBron James has established himself as a shrewd business person off the court. He is the owner of Blaze Pizza and owns 10% of its shares. Additionally, he and his business partner hold 1% of Liverpool Football Club, which is part of the Fenway Sports Group.
Furthermore, LeBron holds 2% ownership in Fenway Sports Group.
What revenue share do NBA players get?
NBA players currently receive 50% of shared revenue, while WNBA players receive only 20%. This means the NBA players’ share of the league’s revenue is significantly higher than that of their counterparts in the WNBA.
The discrepancy in revenue sharing between the two leagues is a major issue that needs to be addressed. It is unfair to the WNBA players who are not receiving the same level of training.
What NBA players own car dealerships?
NBA superstars Michael Jordan, Russell Westbrook, and LeBron James are all part of the exclusive club of athletes that own their own car dealerships. They have used their popularity and influence to build successful franchises in their respected cities and countries.
Each of these three players has carved out an impressive career in the car business, showing just how powerful the combination of success on the court and astute business sense can be.
