Michael Jordan vs LeBron James’ Net Worth: Who is richer?
Owing to their vast wealth, fans have often speculated which of the giants have amassed a greater fortune.
Michael Jordan and LeBron James (Image: FS)
NBA legends Michael Jordan and LeBron James are two of the greatest basketball players the sporting world has ever seen. Era-defining giants in terms of their game and stature, both LeBron and MJ have excelled for their respective teams throughout their careers. Often pitted against each other in the GOAT debate, James and Jordan never truly played face-to-face.
MJ played his last game in the NBA in April 2003, while LeBron James made his debut in October 2003. As if by celestial coincidence, two of the all-time greats never really got to compete with each other on the courts. But it is not only in terms of sporting accomplishments that the two NBA giants are debated upon.
Owing to their vast wealth, fans have often speculated which of the two superstars have amassed a greater fortune. With LeBron James making it into the billion-dollar club as the only active basketball player to have done so, here we take a look into exactly who is richer of the two – Michael Jordan or LeBron James?
Who is richer, Michael Jordan or LeBron James?
Michael Jordan is the first ever NBA player to have gained billionaire status. Jordan’s net worth stands at a towering $3 billion compared to LeBron James’ $1 billion net worth.
The difference, perhaps, is that MJ made it to the billion-dollar club about a decade after his retirement. LeBron, however, is an active NBA player and has achieved billionaire status while still playing.
MJ’s staggering spike in net worth was triggered when he sold his majority share of the Charlotte Hornets earlier last year. Michael Jordan clearly trumps LeBron James when it comes to their net worth. But how much had the two giants earned from their on-court salaries during their time in the NBA?
Michael Jordan vs LeBron James: On-court Salaries
It is almost unsettling that Michael Jordan, despite being one of the highest-paid athletes of his time, only earned about $93 million in salaries. LeBron, on the other hand, has amassed well over $400 million in salaries only throughout his NBA career.
Although LeBron James has won four rings in his career, two less than Michael Jordan’s six, his on-court salaries have been astronomically clear of MJ.
The huge gap exists because of the difference in salary cap of the present NBA and the 90s. Nevertheless, it is clear that LeBron James has amassed more from his on-court earnings than MJ did in his era.
Michael Jordan vs LeBron James: Net Worth
In terms of net worth, Jordan is the clear winner with his $3.01 billion wealth. Most of MJ’s net worth comes from the sale of his franchise ownership of the Charlotte Hornets, and Nike’s Air Jordan brand.
Jordan’s partnership with Nike for the Jordan brand is another of his successful business partnerships. MJ is said to earn about 5% of every sale Nike’s Jordan Brand makes, and by now, he has earned over $1.3 billion in revenues only from the deal. His numerous other investments and endorsement deals continue to earn Jordan millions every year, adding to his sky-high net worth.
LeBron James, besides his stellar salary, has earned over $900 million from his business investments and brand endorsements. James has been involved in many endorsement deals with renowned companies, including Nike, Crypto, and Coca-Cola, among others.
He has various investments in different firms, including SpringHill, Blaze Pizza, and Fenway Sports, and also has an equity share at Liverpool FC, amounting to almost $90 million in value. LeBron’s previous investment in “Beats by Dre” also earned him over $50 million when Apple bought the company for $3 billion.
All in all, Michael Jordan trumps LeBron James in terms of wealth as the richer athlete. Nevertheless, both of the NBA legends have been exceptional businessmen aside from their excellence on the court.
FAQs
Michael Jordan has an estimated net worth of about $3 billion in 2024.
LeBron James has an estimated net worth of about $1 million in 2024.
Michael Jordan is richer than LeBron James.
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Anjum Ash.
(521 Articles Published)