Friday, October 30, 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

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) celebrates with fans after a victory over the Golden State Valkyries in game six of the 2026 WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena.
First at FOS

WNBA ‘Assessing’ Possibility of Prediction Market Deals

The NBA announced partnerships with Kalshi and Polymarket this week.

WNBA’s First Finals Game 7 Comes With a Record Price Tag

Saturday’s game is the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history.

WNBA Finals Ticket Prices Recover Before Game 6

The Valkyries lead the Dream 3–2 in the Finals.
Houston Comets

New Houston Comets Logos Revealed in Trademark Filings

The Comets are expected to officially announce their team logos Thursday.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/30/26 – First WNBA Game 7, Utah Targets Kalshi Founders, Cowboys Cheerleaders Unionize

0:00

Featured Today

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Oct 10, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit:

Dylan Larkin’s Trade Demand Comes With a $41K Daily Price Tag

Larkin is playing an expensive waiting game, holding out for a trade.
October 28, 2026

Golf and Tennis See Big Gains in Youth Sports Participation

Youth participation in flag football also keeps growing.
October 30, 2026

Pro Marathoners Grapple With the Sport’s Pervasive Doping Problem

Pros and coaches tell FOS the ripple effects last for years.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
October 28, 2026

Saquon Barkley Opposes 18-Game NFL Season: ‘Hell of a Sport’

The Eagles RB cited player health.
Exclusive
October 28, 2026

NFL Told Saquon Barkley to Divest Polymarket Stake

“I was in it before, but no bueno,” Barkley told FOS.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
October 25, 2026

Jackson Contract Standoff Looms Over Ravens As Team Treads Water

The two-time MVP missed his third straight game.