Basketball superstar LeBron James made history by becoming the first active NBA player to join the billionaire club, according to Forbes. Born to a 16-year-old single mother and raised by a patchwork of family members and friends, James's journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable.
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With over $431 million in pretax salary from his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and current team Los Angeles Lakers, James has also amassed an impressive $900 million off the court through endorsements and business ventures. His canny move of taking equity in the brands he works with, such as Beats by Dre and Blaze Pizza, has been key to his billionaire status.
When it comes to investing, James knows how to play the game. The basketball legend has made some savvy business moves, from taking equity in brands to opening schools for underprivileged children. But what may surprise some is the range of his investments.
James put his money where his mouth is by becoming a spokesperson and part owner of Blaze Pizza. He also helped turn the chain into a major player with 340 locations across the U.S. His equity stake in the company is now valued at $40 million.
One of James's most notable investments is in the Fenway Sports Group, the parent company of the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC and other sports teams. James purchased a minority stake in the company in 2011, and since then, the value of his investment has skyrocketed. With the Red Sox winning the World Series in 2018 and Liverpool FC capturing the Premier League title in 2020, James' investment is proving to be a home run.
Another area where James has made a big impact is in entertainment. He's a co-founder of SpringHill Entertainment, a production company that has created hit shows like "Survivor's Remorse" and "The Wall." James is also an executive producer on the upcoming "Space Jam: A New Legacy," which he stars in alongside Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes crew.
James's media empire extends beyond SpringHill. He's also the founder of Uninterrupted, a media platform that gives athletes a voice and allows them to share their stories in their own words. And with the recent launch of his own production company, The SpringHill Company, James is set to continue making waves in the entertainment industry.
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But James's investments aren't limited to sports and entertainment. He's also invested in Ladder, a health and wellness company that offers supplements and other products to help people achieve their fitness goals. With a focus on transparency and high-quality ingredients, Ladder is quickly becoming a go-to brand for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Despite recently becoming a billionaire, James has lived like one for years. He has an impressive real estate portfolio worth over $100 million, according to Architectural Digest. His Beverly Hills mansion, which was once owned by Hugh Hefner and Katherine Hepburn, is a stunning fortress that's fit for a king. He also has properties in Ohio and Miami, both of which he's owned for over a decade and shows no signs of selling. While these properties are for his personal use and not rented out, their value has skyrocketed over the years.
With these lucrative investments and partnerships, James continues to solidify his status as one of the wealthiest athletes in history.
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