NBA Players Who Became Successful Businessmen

Andre Iguodala — From NBA Champion to Tech Investor

A four-time NBA champ, Andre Iguodala retired in 2023 after a 19-year career and has since made waves in Silicon Valley. He’s invested in 50+ companies and now leads Mosaic, a $200M venture fund focused on backing early-stage founders and boosting minority participation in tech.

Stephen Curry — From Deep Threes to Hollywood Deals

Stephen Curry, a four-time NBA champ, is reshaping entertainment with his company Unanimous Media. Focused on sports, family, and faith-driven stories, Curry signed a high eight-figure deal with Comcast NBCUniversal in 2021. His doc Underrated premiered on Apple TV+ in 2023, chronicling his underdog rise to NBA superstardom.

Shaquille O’Neal — From NBA Legend to Business Mogul

Shaquille O’Neal turned his dominance on the court into a business empire after retiring in 2011. The 51-year-old Hall of Famer owns 155 Five Guys, 40 gyms, and holds a major stake in Authentic Brands (Forever 21, Barneys, Reebok). In 2024, Shaq returned to Reebok as President of Basketball, with Allen Iverson as his VP.

Michael Jordan — Billionaire Icon & Golf Club Owner

Michael Jordan became the first pro athlete on the Forbes 400 after selling his stake in the Charlotte Hornets and hitting a $3 billion net worth. His Jordan Brand made $5.1 billion in 2022 alone. An avid golfer, MJ also built Grove XXIII, an exclusive $20 million club in Florida known as “Slaughterhouse 23” for how tough it is on guests.

Al Harrington — From NBA Vet to Cannabis Industry Trailblazer

Inspired by his grandmother Viola Harrington, who regained her ability to read the Bible after glaucoma relief through cannabis, Al Harrington launched Viola in 2011. Today, it’s the largest Black-owned cannabis brand, generating $20 million in 2021. Harrington’s mission: transform both cannabis culture and equity in the $25 billion industry, where only 2% of businesses are Black-owned. He’s raised $34 million with backing from NBA peers like J.R. Smith and DeMarcus Cousins.

Dave Bing — From Pistons Legend to Detroit’s Industrial and Civic Leader

During his nine-year NBA career with the Pistons, Dave Bing spent his offseasons working in finance and manufacturing. In 1980, he launched Bing Steel with his savings and a loan, growing it into a $300 million company and one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the U.S. In 2009, Bing sold the business to become mayor of Detroit, leading the city through a financial crisis.

Magic Johnson — From NBA Legend to Business Mogul

After a Hall of Fame career with the Lakers, Earvin “Magic” Johnson built a business empire. He owned 105 Starbucks stores before selling them for $75 million in 2010 and now holds stakes in the Dodgers, Sparks, LAFC, and Washington Commanders.

Kevin Durant — Hoops Star, Power Investor

Through Thirty Five Ventures, Kevin Durant and partner Rich Kleiman have invested in 100+ companies including Coinbase, Postmates, and Robinhood. Their media arm, Boardroom, covers sports business and culture, and recently launched Boardroom Advisory to guide athletes into investing and ownership opportunities.

Junior Bridgeman — From NBA to Media Mogul

Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA forward, bought Ebony and Jet out of bankruptcy in 2020 and revived the iconic brands. Before that, he built a restaurant empire with 250 Wendy’s and 120 Chili’s, a Coca-Cola bottling company, and briefly owned part of the Sacramento Kings. Now worth an estimated $600 million, Bridgeman is one of the wealthiest ex-NBA players around.

LeBron James — Athlete, Mogul, and Community Builder

LeBron James has made $480 million on the court and built a $1 billion fortune through endorsements and business ventures. His SpringHill Company, co-founded with Maverick Carter, is valued at $725 million. Beyond business, LeBron’s committed to his hometown of Akron, Ohio. In 2018, he opened the I Promise School for at-risk students, and in 2024 launched House 330, a workforce and career development hub for the community.