2025 Global Black Billionaire List: Jordan No. 7, James No. 18

Recently, Forbes rankings released the 2025 global black billionaires list, with three NBA stars entering the top 20.

Michael Jordan: No. 7

Network: $3.5 billion

Jordan is generally considered the greatest basketball player of all time, winning six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls. The salary in his career totaled $90 million, but he earned over $2.4 billion (before tax) from corporate partners such as Nike, Harns and Gatorade. In 2023, Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, a deal that valued the NBA team at $3 billion.

Magic Johnson: No. 12

Network: $1.5 billion

After retiring from the NBA in 1996, Johnson began investing in opening cinemas and Starbucks franchise stores, usually in the black community. Much of his wealth comes from 60% ownership stake in life insurance company Equitrust, which has grown from $16 billion to $27 billion since he took over in 2015. Johnson also owns a small stake in four sports teams, including the NFL’s Washington Commander team and the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

LeBron James: No. 18

Network: $1.3 billion

In 2022, James became the first active basketball player to become a billionaire, earning more than $900 million (pre-tax) through endorsement and business investment. James has won 21 NBA All-Stars, four NBA Championships and four NBA MVPs in his career.