LeBron James has become the first NBA player to make $1 billion while still active in the basketball.
The news comes after Space Jam: A New Legacy, which James starred in and produced, enjoyed a whopping $31.6 million in revenue its opening weekend.
According to Sportico, James has earned $330 million in his playing salary alone since being drafted in 2003.
The 36-year-old has reportedly made another $700 million off the court through endorsements deals, merchandise, licensing, and his media production company, SpringHill Co. His current endorsement deals, which include partnerships with AT&T, Beats Electronics, Blaze Pizza, GMC, Nike, PepsiCo, Rimowa, and Walmart garner over $100 million every year.
Although, Michael Jordan has surpassed the $1 billion mark — and the $2 billion mark — he didn’t get there until after his playing career ended.
James is the first player from a U.S. team sport to earn $1 billion during his career while still active, but athletes from other sports and other countries have also done it.
Golfer Tiger Woods, boxer Floyd Mayweather, tennis player Roger Federer, and football players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have all earned $1 billion while still active in their sports.
According to Sportico, there are a few other NBA players who might be able to reach the $1 billion club before they retire.
Kevin Durant, 32, has made $580 million in his career, and 33-year-old Stephen Curry has made $430 million. Of those, Durant is most likely to join James.
He is still owed $84 million from Brooklyn Nets over the next two seasons and roughly $85 million from Nike through 2024, when his 10-year Swoosh deal expires.
He has largely eschewed new endorsements in recent years and focused on his investment vehicle, Thirty-Five Ventures, which has made more than 75 investments and has a couple of huge wins with Coinbase and Postmates.
