REPORT: LeBron James Becomes First (ACTIVE) Billionaire In The NBA
Earlier this year, there were several reports claiming by 2022, LeBron James would likely be a billionaire.
And well, it looks like he may have reached that $1 billion mark a little earlier than expected. According to this tweet by Sports Illustrated (via a report by Sportico) James now has a net worth over $1 billion.
LeBron has become the first NBA player with $1 Billion in career earnings ??
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 22, 2021
(via @Sportico) pic.twitter.com/pmUQPi2hdi
How did he do it? Well, he’s earned over $300 million just for playing basketball, which is already impressive and more than enough money to live several lifetimes.
But he’s earned an additional $700 million off the court.
Since being drafted in 2003, James has earned $330 million in playing salary—net of recent escrow deductions—and another $700 million off the court from endorsements, merchandise, licensing and his media business. Current endorsement partners AT&T, Beats, Blaze Pizza, GMC, Nike, PepsiCo, Rimowa and Walmart help James earn more than $100 million annually. The latest addition is Epic Games, where Fortnite players will have access to a pair of James-themed outfits or ‘skins.‘
And let’s not forget, James’ net worth may increase even more if he and his business partner Maverick Carter decide to sell a portion of their entertainment/production company SpringHill Company. It’s been valued at around $750 million.
James is the first NBA player in history to reach the $1 billion mark while still playing. Michael Jordan is worth nearly $2 billion currently, but he wasn’t able to reach $1 billion while still playing.
No active player is that close to James at the moment. Kevin Durant has $580 million and Steph Curry has around $430 million, but it’ll take them a few years before they’re touching $1 billion, provided they play their cards right.
Congrats to the king. And since he’s officially a billionaire now, that means he gets to travel to space, right? That’s what all the billionaires are doing. I mean, he was in Space Jam. It only makes sense.
