Magic Johnson shows off his massive superyacht as he and Michael Jordan spark a luxury showdown across Europe
Magic accumulated approximately $40 million in salary, less than what OG Anunoby will earn this season ($42.5M)
Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Michael Jordan shake hands near the end of the gold medal basketball game against Croatia at the XXV Summer Olympics in BarcelonaAP
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is not only a name synonymous with NBA greatness, he is also a blueprint for turning athletic fame into lasting wealth. During his 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, he racked up five NBA championships, three MVP awards, and three Finals MVP honors. He also made history as the only rookie to win the Finals MVP award. Financially, Magic pocketed roughly $40 million in salaries during his playing days. His standout deal? A 1981 contract worth $25 million over 25 years-at the time, the richest and longest in sports history. The contract guaranteed him $1 million annually starting in 1984, plus a future management role with the Lakers after retirement. While these numbers were impressive in the ’80s, they were just the beginning of his off-court fortune.
Magic Johnson Shows Off Massive Superyacht
After hanging up his sneakers, Johnson didn’t rest on his laurels. Through Magic Johnson Enterprises, he transformed that $40 million into an estimated $1.5 billion empire. His investments span real estate, healthcare, and entertainment, with a knack for uplifting underserved urban areas. Think Starbucks franchises and movie theaters in neglected neighborhoods-ventures that blend profit with purpose.
Today, he’s soaking up the rewards, waving from a massive superyacht against Europe’s stunning coastlines. Oh, and he’s not just a basketball mogul-Johnson holds stakes in elite teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), LAFC (MLS), and Washington Commanders (NFL), proving his Midas touch transcends sports.
Meanwhile, Michael Jordan has also been spotted in the Mediterranean, aboard his own gleaming superyacht. These icons, whose legacies were forged on the hardwood, are now proving their dominance extends far beyond the court-thanks to sharp business moves and staggering financial empires. His NBA career, mostly with the Chicago Bulls, earned him about $93 million in salaries-more than double Magic’s earnings.
But that’s pocket change compared to what came next. With a net worth of $3.5 billion, much of Jordan’s empire is owed to his Nike partnership, Jordan Brand, which still rules the sneaker and apparel game. Taking into account his unsuccessful ownership of the Charlotte Hornets, it’s clear that MJ’s financial success far surpasses his six NBA titles.
LeBron James The Next in Line
LeBron James, still balling after 22 seasons, is following the same playbook. He’s already banked over $528 million in NBA salaries-dwarfing both Johnson and Jordan-thanks to today’s inflated contracts. With a net worth of $1.2 billion, LeBron’s diversifying like a pro. He’s co-owner of SpringHill Company, a content production giant, and holds stakes in Liverpool FC (soccer) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL). A lifetime Nike deal sweetens the pot, hinting he might one day eclipse his predecessors.
With NBA rookies now pulling in millions straight out in college, the real challenge isn’t earning the cash-it’s growing it. Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James show how it’s done. From urban redevelopment to global brands and media empires, their journeys scream one truth: vision and hustle beat raw earnings every time. As their superyachts glide through Europe, they’re not just flexing-they’re teaching the next generation how to turn points into billions.
