LeBron Becomes NBA’s First Active Three-Comma Player

LeBron James missed the playoffs this year, but he still managed to do something no NBA player has ever done: He’s the first active player to reach a net worth over $1 billion, per Forbes.

The star has earned $385 million in salary from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, but his endorsements, investments, and ventures have brought him into the three-comma club.

• James holds an estimated $300 million in equity in the entertainment venture SpringHill Company, which he founded with Maverick Carter. SpringHill, a producer on last year’s “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” was valued at $725 million after a $100 million raise in 2020.
• His stake in Fenway Sports Group, owner of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park, Liverpool, and the Pittsburgh Penguins, is valued at $90 million.
• Forbes estimates that James has $80 million in real estate and $30 million through his stake in Blaze Pizza.

On top of his most publicized investments, James is believed to hold over $500 million in cash, stock, and other assets.

Still Raking It In

While James’ Lakers had a forgettable year, LeBron still excelled as an earner. He’s the second-highest-paid athlete in the world this year with $121.2 million, behind only Lionel Messi at $130 million, according to Forbes.

While Messi gets most of that through his salary ($75M on-field, $55M off-field), James earns $80 million off the court — deals such as his lifetime pact with Nike brings him tens of millions annually.