From Michael Jordan to LeBron James, there are certain Black Athletes who have carved out their names in the history of sports with their legendary contributions. Their net worth as well, is remarkable, seeing their contributions not only to sports but also to finance and philanthropy. Continue reading to learn more about the top 10 richest Black Athletes in the world, their net worth, contributions to their games, and other integral details.
Top 10 Wealthiest Black Athletes
These top 10 Black athletes have contributed tremendously to their sports field through their sheer hard work and dedication over the years. Their net worth as well as their contributions have been elucidated below.
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1. Michael Jordan
![Michael Jordan](https://blackstarnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Michael-Jordan.jpeg)
Also popularly known as MJ, he has a net worth of $1.6 Billion. Being the only Black athlete on the list of billionaires, he has established himself as the best of the basketball players in history. His Air Jordan brand, under Nike, is a household name among fans and is the reason for his ascend to the list of billionaires. Along with his sponsorships and endorsements, he also gained recognition for the Charlotte Hornets NBA franchise. After his ownership, it has significantly gained value since 2010. Although he faced a $500 million drop due to market volatility attributed to the GameStop saga, he continues to shine as the richest Black sports athlete in history.
2. LeBron James
![LeBron James](https://blackstarnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/LeBron-James-1024x683.jpeg)
After MJ, Lebron James has established his name in the game of basketball as the greatest player in the current decade. Owning an estimated $850 million net worth to his name, he is on the way to becoming the second black billionaire athlete in history. He carries the NBA’s highest endorsement earnings and is also among the highest-paid athletes in the world. He not only displays his dedication on the court but is also known to contribute to social issues. His contribution to the LeBron James Family Foundation and the I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio, displays his community spirit. He also owns an entertainment company known as SpringHill Entertainment for films and television series.
3. Tiger Woods
![Tiger Woods](https://blackstarnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Tiger-Woods-1024x682.jpeg)
Following closely after LeBron is Tiger Woods with an estimated $800 million net worth. Woods needs no introduction as he already has decades of accomplishments to his name. The King of Golf is known to have his earnings mostly from advertisement deals such as Gatorade, Nike, and Accenture. He remains to be among the highest-paid athletes even during his most tumultuous career seasons. His income also comes from real estate and he owns a private island in Sweden. Also venturing into the NFTs, he has partnered up with Autograph, to invent digital collectibles for his fans.
4. Magic Johnson
Another basketball player who has established his mark in the list of millionaires, Magic Johnson has an estimated $600 million net worth to his name. The income is derived mainly from his NBA salary and other business ventures. Post-retirement, he invested in other lucrative industries, such as cinema, real estate, and food franchises. The premium brand, Starbucks is also with his ventures, and he has made investments in urban areas and film theatres with it. He has introduced this market in order to enhance community spirit among his fans.
5. Junior Bridgeman
Along with Magic Johnson, Bridgman also shares an equal net worth of $600 million. Being an NBA player himself, he has also derived his income stakes from sports contracts as well as through other business ventures. After spending quality time playing for the NBA, he set forth to widen his entrepreneurial skills. He initially began with fast food franchises such as Wendy’s but made his way up to Chilli’s. In 2016, he made a strategic move to sell off his restaurant franchises for a plant of Coca-Cola. This lifted him into the list of Black millionaires.
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6. Lewis Hamilton
Known as the Formula 1 (F1) champion, Lewis Hamilton is a household name when it comes to sports. With a net worth of $475 million, he has established himself as the Black athlete who has made a mark in F1 games. He has exclusive brand deals with Mercedes Benz and Tommy Hilfiger, displaying his vigor and determination not only on the race track but also in business ventures. Within motorsports, Hamilton has also portrayed a zeal for social issues as well as diversity and inclusion. Being a fashion enthusiast, he has launched his own fashion line and is actively involved in the fashion industry.
7. Floyd Mayweather
In the arena of boxing, Floyd Mayweather is a name recognized by all. With a net worth of $450 million, he has established himself as one of the prime Black athletes in boxing. Earning up to $300 million per fight in his career span, he has received accolades for his strength and talent. The promotion the company accorded to him also allowed him to earn through fights, revenues, and merchandise. He is known for his brand “Money Team” which displays his success in the field of sports as well as in entrepreneurship.
8. Shaquille O’Neal
A dominant force in the NBA, Shaquille has been a star of the game for much longer than fans in the current decade. With a net worth of $400 million, he has had a stellar basketball career. Post-retirement, the player has ventured into businesses such as Papa John’s, Auntie Annie’s, and other successful brands. Fast food franchises are not the only area where he has thrived. He has also tried his hand at acting and DJing. He has been a beloved figure since his games and also post-retirement.
9. Serena Williams
When discussing Black athletes, one cannot forget about Black female athletes. In this list, Serena has definitely established herself as a legend. With a net worth of $240 million to her name, she is a star in the game of tennis. Her wealth is credited to her tennis tournaments as well as the revenue from partnerships with brands such as Nike and Wilson. She has also invested in fashion with her own clothing line, along with investments in tech companies. Her venture capital firm is known as Serena Ventures.
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10. Russell Wilson
Quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson is also a prominent figure in the game of football. As a black athlete, he has a net worth of $135 million, adding him to the list of richest Black athletes. His stellar performances for the NFL as well as his contracts and endorsements have gained him a substantial net worth. Along with his wife, singer Ciara, he has been able to discuss minority-based businesses and opportunities. They are actively engaged in philanthropy and community-driven projects.