When talking about the biggest names in sports, LeBron James has got to be near the top.
As, arguably, basketball’s greatest player ever, he has a worldwide following and an influence in culture, business, film, and politics.
His fame has reached a point that should see him become a literal billionaire this year, joining a very small and exclusive club of active athletes.
LeBron James is the NBA’s top-earning player for the seventh straight year, including off-court income (2016-17 was the only season of his career James had the highest playing salary). He’s expected to earn $95.4 million, including an estimated $64 million from endorsements, memorabilia and media. It is a record haul for an NBA player and the highest ever in American team sports. The historic year will push his career earnings to $1 billion, including $700 million off the court. He joins Tiger Woods, Floyd Mayweather, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in reaching the three-comma club while still an active athlete.
It’s an enormous milestone for James, who just finished his 17th year in the league.
But with involvement in several successful business ventures (Blaze Pizza, Uninterrupted, Fenway Sports Group, and SpringHill Entertainment), it isn’t really all that surprising.
LeBron’s brand is massive, and he has likely only scratched the service of his potential earnings. Who knows what more he’ll be able to do once he retires from the game…
