Ranking of the World's Wealthiest Athletes in 2025
Headline: Success Stories Beyond the Court and Field: A Look into the Wealth of Iconic Athletes
In the world of sports, success is often measured by trophies and medals. But for some of the most iconic athletes, their stories of success extend far beyond the field or court, into the realm of entrepreneurship and business ventures. Let's take a closer look at the wealth-building journeys of some of the world's richest athletes.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan's name is synonymous with basketball, but his success story is about more than just basketball. With a net worth of $3.5 billion in 2025, Jordan's wealth comes from a combination of his earnings from the Chicago Bulls, his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets, and the Jordan Brand under Nike. After selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, he made approximately $2.725 billion. Today, his portfolio includes investments in sports betting, NASCAR, and a VC fund focusing on sports, lifestyle, and gaming.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods' earnings from tournament winnings may be less than his endorsement deals. With long-standing partnerships with Nike, Rolex, and TaylorMade, Woods' net worth stands at $1.7 billion. His business acumen extends beyond golf, as he has ventured into real estate and even co-owns a restaurant in Florida.
LeBron James
LeBron James' net worth is $1 billion. While his earnings come from his substantial soccer contracts and many endorsement deals with global brands, James' approach to wealth-building goes beyond traditional athlete endorsements. He has equity stakes in companies such as Blaze Pizza and Beats Electronics. James' media company, SpringHill Entertainment, has successfully produced content for major networks and streaming platforms. His commitment to social causes and education, exemplified by the I Promise School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, shows that he views his wealth as a means to create positive change.
Novak Djokovic
In 2025, Novak Djokovic is listed among the ten richest athletes worldwide. He has largely attributed his wealth to real estate acquisitions in Europe, owning luxury apartments in Belgrade and Monte Carlo worth over 30 million euros.
Anna Kasprzak
Anna Kasprzak's wealth comes from a combination of her family's business success and her achievements in equestrian sports. With a net worth of $1.46 billion, she has ventured into new industries, recently acquiring Ebony and Jet magazines.
Junior Bridgeman
Junior Bridgeman's net worth is $600 million. His success comes primarily from his investments in the fast-food industry, particularly in Wendy's and Chili's franchises. Bridgeman's business strategy focused on acquiring and improving underperforming restaurant franchises. His recent acquisition of Ebony and Jet magazines demonstrates his willingness to venture into new industries.
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson's post-basketball career includes interests in movie theaters, health clubs, and food service companies, often focusing on urban areas. His net worth is $1.85 billion.
Ion Tiriac
Ion Tiriac's net worth is $2.1 billion. His wealth comes from a diverse portfolio spanning banking, real estate, and auto dealerships.
Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher's net worth is $780 million. His wealth is not just from his racing salary but also from numerous endorsements and wise investments.
Eddie Jordan
Eddie Jordan's net worth is $600 million. His success comes from his ventures in Formula One racing and his investments in the fast-food industry, particularly in KFC franchises.
In the world of sports, these athletes have proven that success extends far beyond the field or court. Their stories of entrepreneurship and business ventures serve as inspiration for the next generation of athletes to think beyond their sport and aim for financial success.
