The 10 Richest NBA Players of All Time

Regarding worldwide basketball leagues, none are as famous or wealthy as the National Basketball Association (NBA). Founded in 1946, the NBA fast became the most prominent basketball league on earth, attracting not only homegrown talent but players from all across the globe. As the league has gone from strength to strength, so too has the money invested in the program, with owners splashing hundreds of millions of dollars every year on their teams. Playing in the NBA has become a lucrative opportunity that’s resulted in some of the richest NBA players of all time. 

While you probably expect this list to be dominated by current superstars like Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry (or Steph Curry as he is commonly known),  Philadelphia 76ers James Harden, Los Angeles Laker Russell Westbrock, and Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s actually many of the old-timers who are still making the big bucks. Despite retiring before the ludicrous contracts that are offered these days came to fruition, these pro basketballers invested their money wisely and signed big advertising and endorsement contracts that made sure they got paid well into retirement. 

10. Russell Westbrook – $200 Million

Russell Westbrook has played for four teams during his career so far, and it would surprise no one in the NBA if he ends up at a fifth club. So far he can count Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers as the teams he has represented.

As one of the modern game’s richest basketball players, Westbrook earns most of his money from his salary, along with the odd endorsement here and there. He’s also invested in property and owns several expensive homes throughout the states. His net worth is a cool $200 million. 

9. Kevin Durant – $200 Million

KD is another NBA player who is still playing to make it on the list of the 10 richest NBA players. Kevin Durant has played for the Seattle Supersonics/Oklahoma Thunder and Golden State Warriors and is currently turning out for the Brooklyn Nets. Although quite a decisive character, there is no doubting Durant’s ability on the court. He has won multiple awards during his time in the NBA, along with two championships while playing for the Golden State Warriors.

As well as being a successful basketball player, Kevin Durant is also making the big bucks thanks to his talent. He is earning $42 million a season, making him one of the five highest-paid players in the league. Then there are his endorsement deals which total around $65 million. Durant is also a big investor in startups and tech businesses, although he’s still waiting to make big money from these ventures. Overall his net worth is $200 million, which is nothing to cry over. 

8. Grant Hill – $250 Million

Currently, a co-owner and director of the Atlanta Hawks, Grant Hill made his bones as a small forward. He played for the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers across an 18-year career. Hill’s net worth of $250 million is almost split down the middle, earning $140 million from playing ball and $120 million from endorsements. 

While he hasn’t made as many business investments as other former NBA players, Hill has looked after his money well, making sure he will never have to worry about going broke. 

7. Hakeem Olajuwon – $300 Million

The former Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors superstar is a two-time NBA championship winner. Born in Nigeria, Hakeem Olajuwon moved to the United States to play for the University of Houston. This led to an 18-year NBA career that saw “the Dream” become one of the greatest centers in NBA history. Earning around $110 million across his career, it was once Olajuwon retired that he really began to make his fortune. 

A keen entrepreneur, the great basketball player got into the real estate business. But he wasn’t just buying and renting houses. Olajuwon purchased large areas of land that could be developed, making even more money by turning them into apartment blocks, retirement homes, garages, and commercial buildings. All this has pushed his net worth to an impressive $300 million. 

6. Shaquille O’Neil – $400 Million

The majority of Shaquille O’Neil’s wealth came from his playing career. The 7-foot-1-inch giant played for six teams over his 19-year journey, winning four titles, three with the Los Angeles and one with the Miami Heat. Shaq earned more than half of his fortune on the court, making $292 million. He made over $200 million from endorsements which makes up the rest of his $400 million fortune. 

Former NBA player Shaq is one of those basketballers who has managed to stay in the spotlight since retiring, whether that’s DJing in Ibiza, releasing rap albums, or co-hosting Inside the NBA. His profile, like his bank balance, doesn’t look like slipping anytime soon. 

5. Kobe Bryant – $600 Million

He may no longer be with us but Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is still making more money than most. He was one of the most well-paid basketball stars in the NBA’s history and made sure his wife and daughters will forever be taken care of through his shrewd investments. He put $6 million into the drink BodyArmour, with those shares quickly being valued at $350 million. Coca-Cola then purchased the shares for $5.6 billion, which is an insane amount of money. 

Tragically Bryant wouldn’t live long enough to enjoy the spoils of war, perishing in a tragic helicopter accident in 2000 at the age of 41. But his legacy lives on through his wife and children who have access to his net worth of $600 million. 

4. Ulysses Junior Bridgeman – $600 Million

Ulysses Junior Bridgeman played basketball professionally for 12 years for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. While he never made more than $350,000 in a season, the famous basketball player has managed to build a financial empire off the back of his business savvy.

When he wasn’t playing basketball, Bridgeman was learning all he could about the fast food business. He went into business for himself, purchasing a Wendy’s franchise. One led to two, then three, and by the time Bridgeman sold the businesses he owned, he had acquired over 100 Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises. 

Junior Bridgeman also runs several other companies under the Bridgeman name and is the Canadian bottler of Coke in Canada. This is why he has a net worth of $600 million. 

3. Magic Johnson – $620 Million

Magic Johnson will not only go down as one of the greats but also one of the richest NBA players. The all-time best point guard won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 80s and had the world at his feet until he suddenly quit the sport he helped transform in 1991. It was revealed that Johnson had contracted HIV. While he did make a couple of comebacks, neither went that well and caused controversy among players and fans. 

Johnson didn’t let the diagnosis define him and after finally retiring for good in 2000, he launched Magic Johnson Enterprises. The multi-media company does just about everything and is now worth $1 billion, boosting Johnson’s net worth to an impressive $620 million.

2. LeBron James – $1.2 Billion

The modern-day answer to Micahel Jordan only became a billionaire earlier this year. LeBron James, the four-time NBA champion who’s played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, finally crossed off another record after becoming the first active NBA basketball player to reach billionaire status. LeBron James’ net worth is a whopping $1.2 million. Unlike many of the past players who have made bank, James has earned a huge amount of money playing basketball. His career earnings total in the region of $385 million so far, but it’s off the court where James has done damage. 

King James signed his first deal with Nike in 2003 at the age of 18, eventually signing a lifetime contract with the sportswear giant in 2015. This deal apparently earns LeBron tens of millions annually, and through advertising deals with companies affiliated with Nike, has positioned NBA player LeBron James as the second highest earning athlete in the world, with only PSG’s Lionel Messi ahead of him. 

1. Michael Jordan – $1.7 Billion

It will come as no surprise to basketball fans that the great NBA player Michael Jordan tops the list of the richest NBA players in the world. Gifted with incredible ability, Jordan became a superstar while playing at the Chicago Bulls during the 90s. Possessed with mad skills and a winning mentality, Jordan led the Bulls to six titles (1991-1993 and 1996-1998) and redefined what the modern basketballer was. His NBA career is one that made many former basketball players jealous. As well as being an absolute beast on the court, winning six NBA Finals MVP awards, Jordan handled his business like a pro off it. 

He signed a lucrative endorsement deal with Nike which resulted in his signature sneaker, the Air Jordan. As well as Nike, Jordan has promoted everything from Gatorade and McDonald’s to Hanes and Coca-Cola. Forbes estimates Jordan earned $90 million during his playing career for the Bulls and Washington Wizards, which pales in comparison to modern-day ballers. But they also believe he’s earned around $1.8 billion from endorsements, which goes to show it pays to sell out. 

Michael Jordan also earned a reported $1.5 billion when he sold the minority shares he had in the Charlotte Hornets. He also has a stake in a NASCAR team, owns several restaurants, and even some car dealerships. So it’s not hard to believe His Airness has a tidy net worth of $1.7 billion in the bank.