• Loading stock data...
Monday, February 23, 2026

Magic Johnson Joins Athlete Billionaire Club

  • Johnson is now worth $1.2 billion, according to Forbes’ most recent calculations.
  • He joins Tiger Woods, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan as the only four known athlete billionaires.
NBA great Magic Johnson before the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Earvin “Magic” Johnson has joined the elite ranks of athlete billionaires.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend is worth $1.2 billion, according to Forbes’ most recent calculations, making him the fourth current or former athlete to reach billionaire status. 

He joins Tiger Woods, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan — whose net worth hit $3 billion following his sale of the Charlotte Hornets in June — in the Three Comma Club.

Johnson has minority ownership stakes in the NFL’s Washington Commanders, MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and MLS’ LAFC — but the majority of his wealth comes from his controlling stake in Iowa-based life insurance provider EquiTrust, which he owns through Magic Johnson Enterprises.

The 64-year-old has also expressed interest in acquiring a stake in the New York Knicks. He previously turned down an opportunity to join the Golden State Warriors ownership group when Peter Guber and Joe Lacob bought the franchise in 2010.

Forbes notes that Johnson’s on-court career earnings — $40 million, or $110 million when adjusting for inflation — are nowhere near those of his fellow athlete billionaires; James, for example, has made $479 million on the court and is still playing.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

WNBA Team Hires Reporter From Athletic for Front Office Role

Ben Pickman will be a cap and strategy analyst for the Fire.
A'ja Wilson
exclusive

WNBA Proposes Same Salary Cap in New CBA Offer

The league did offer players slightly better terms on housing.
Sep 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) scores on Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) and forward Alyssa Thomas (25) in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena.

Are the WNBA’s 9-Figure Losses What They Seem?

The WNBA claims the union’s proposal would cause massive losses.
Jan 6, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) holds the ball while Cleveland Cavaliers forward/guard De'andre Hunter (12) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

NBA Gets Serious About Anti-Tanking Measures

There is a growing push to have reforms in place for next season.

Featured Today

[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
February 20, 2026

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.
Max Valverde by Ron Winsett
February 17, 2026

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.
Anthony Kim
February 20, 2026

Inside Anthony Kim’s Chaotic Path to Stunning Victory at LIV Golf

Anthony Kim joined the 4Aces after Patrick Reed abruptly left LIV.
February 23, 2026

Mexican Soccer Postponed Amid Violence With World Cup Months Away

Tennis and UFC events will continue as planned.
Sponsored

A Head Start on History: Early Access to Olympic Hospitality for the..

From private suites to curated experiences, On Location is redefining how fans and brands show up at LA28.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team USA Stripes forward Jaylen Brown (7) of the Boston Celtics shoots against Team USA Stars guard Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
February 19, 2026

Beverly Hills Apologizes to Jaylen Brown Over All-Star Fiasco

Brown released a statement following the city’s apology.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; eam World forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on in-between games during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome.
February 19, 2026

How Alexis Ohanian Became Giannis’s Sports Investment Whisperer

“It all started with a DM from Thanasis,” Ohanian tells FOS.
Aryna Sabalenka
February 18, 2026

Tennis’s Brutal Schedule Comes to a Head in Dubai As Dozens Drop..

Some stars appear to have found a loophole in WTA rules.
Feb 17, 2026; Pacific Palisades, CA, USA; Genesis Invitational tournament host Tiger Woods speaks to the media during a press conference at Riviera Country Club.
February 17, 2026

PGA Tour Schedule Changes May Take Multiple Years to Roll Out

A new schedule could include fewer events and new major markets.