LeBron James Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Title: LeBron James Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Last Updated: February 9, 2025
What is LeBron James’ Net Worth and Salary?
An American professional basketball player and entrepreneur, LeBron James boasts a net worth of $800 million. Rising to prominence in high school basketball, he opted to skip college and was selected as the #1 pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, his hometown team, in the 2003 NBA draft. LeBron remained with the Cavs from 2003 to 2010 before moving to Miami to join the Heat from 2010 to 2014, where he helped secure two NBA championships in 2012 and 2013. He made a return to the Cavaliers from 2014 to 2018, claiming a championship in 2016, and subsequently joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, winning another championship with them in 2020.
As of now, he ranks as the third-highest-paid player in the NBA based solely on salary, which is $52 million per year. Notably, on February 7, 2023, LeBron surpassed Kareem Abdul Jabbar to be named the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Beyond the realm of sports, LeBron stands as one of the highest-earning and most influential celebrities worldwide, bringing in over $60-90 million annually through endorsements and benefiting from a $1 billion lifetime contract with Nike. He has effectively transformed his celebrity status and wealth into a thriving business empire with investments across numerous startups, and he also holds part ownership in several teams, including Liverpool F.C., Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, RFK Racing, A.C. Milan, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. If he maintains his current trajectory of earnings and investments, LeBron James is expected to reach billionaire status by 2030.
Annual Income
LeBron James generates an annual income of about $45 million from his NBA salary and around $55 million from endorsements, leading to a total exceeding $100 million. Between June 2016 and 2017, his earnings reached $86 million. From June 2017 to June 2018, he earned $85.5 million. In the next year, he garnered approximately $85 million again. His earnings surged to $121.2 million from June 2021 to June 2022. For the 2022-2023 season, his combined salary and endorsement income was $119.5 million.
Salary & Career Earnings
Currently, LeBron has accumulated just over $800 million from his contracts and endorsements throughout his career (before taxes and expenses).
In his first ten seasons in the NBA, he earned slightly more than $126 million purely from salary, while adding an estimated $326 million from endorsements, totaling $452 million in his initial decade as a professional. LeBron inked a two-year, $85 million contract extension with the Lakers.
In August 2022, he signed a two-year deal worth $99.02 million with the Lakers. By the end of that contract in 2025, he will have amassed over $530.8 million from NBA salaries. In July 2024, he agreed to another two-year contract worth $102 million with the Lakers. By the conclusion of the 2026 season, LeBron’s total earnings from NBA salary alone will be $583 million.
Endorsement Deals
LeBron has endorsement
LeBron has partnerships with numerous companies, such as McDonald’s, Microsoft, State Farm, Beats by Dre, Coca-Cola, Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Samsung, Nike, among others. Beyond endorsing Beats by Dre, he held 1% ownership in the company and garnered $1 million in royalty payments during his time as a spokesperson. When the company was sold to Apple for $3 billion, LeBron’s share amounted to $30 million. In 2011, he co-founded the designer retail store UNKNWN located in Miami.
Nike Deal
At the age of 18, LeBron signed his initial endorsement deal with Nike, which was worth $90 million over a period of seven years, averaging $12.8 million annually. Notably, he turned down an offer of $115 million from Reebok to join Nike.
Currently, LeBron receives $20 million each year from Nike, consisting of salary and royalty payments from his signature shoe line.
In December 2015, he secured a lifetime endorsement deal with Nike that could eventually exceed $1 billion. This marked the first lifetime deal ever offered by Nike, and it is reportedly the most significant deal in Nike’s history.
Contracts
As many are aware, LeBron opted out of college to pursue a professional career, being selected as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, his home team. His initial contract was valued at $18.8 million over four years. Prior to the 2007-2008 season, he agreed to a three-year $60 million extension with the Cavaliers, which increased his yearly salary from $5.8 million to $13 million, $14.4 million, and finally $15.8 million for the 2009-2010 season. Infamously, heading into the 2011 season, LeBron declared his intention to leave Cleveland for Miami during a televised special known as “The Decision.” While this broadcast drew criticism for its perceived arrogance, it raised nearly $6 million for charity. Upon his move to Miami, LeBron accepted a below-market value contract worth $110 million for six years, driven by his belief that he could secure an NBA Championship alongside Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. In his inaugural season with the Heat, he earned $1.2 million less than he had in Cleveland.
Following four seasons with the Heat, LeBron made a return to the Cavaliers before the 2014-2015 season. Throughout his tenure in Cleveland, he intentionally opted for one-year contracts to optimize his earning potential as the NBA salary cap increased.
In 2016, after celebrating an NBA championship win, LeBron signed a three-year $100 million agreement with the Cavaliers. His first-year earnings totaled $23 million, while in the second year, he earned $30.963 million, making him the highest-paid player in the league for the first time. The third year of the contract saw him earn a league-leading $33.285 million.
Before the start of the 2018-2019 season, LeBron transitioned from the Cavaliers to the Lakers with a four-year $153 million deal, which averages out to $38 million annually.
In November 2020, LeBron, along with the Lakers, announced a two-year $85 million contract extension, ensuring his presence with the team through 2023, translating to an annual base salary of $42.5 million. In August 2022, they reached an additional two-year extension worth $99.02 million, the veteran maximum. This contract positions LeBron James as the highest-paid player in NBA history, exceeding $530.8 million in total earnings, surpassing Kevin Durant.
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Will LeBron James Become A Billionaire?
In the coming decade, but we will discuss that shortly. To become a net-worth billionaire, LeBron must first enter the billion-dollar athlete club. This exclusive club currently includes six members: Michael Schumacher ($1 billion), Floyd Mayweather ($1.1 billion), Jack Nicklaus ($1.15 billion), Arnold Palmer ($1.35 billion), Tiger Woods ($1.65 billion), and Michael Jordan ($1.9 billion).
When you factor in his new salary along with forthcoming endorsements, LeBron’s annual earnings easily exceed $100 million during his four years in LA, potentially nearing $110 or $120 million. It’s predicted that LeBron will retire in 2026 with around $1.1 billion in total career earnings. Based on our projections, if LeBron mirrors the paths of legends such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant, his net worth could exceed $1 billion by 2030.
Early Life
LeBron James came into the world on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. As an infant, his mother gifted him a small hoop and basketball, which he spent countless hours playing with. Basketball quickly became central to LeBron’s life, and he excelled on the court from an early age when he played for his elementary school. He later attended St Vincent-St Mary High School, where, as a sophomore, he made history by becoming the youngest player to join the USA Today All-USA first team. By his junior year, he earned the title of Gatorade National Player of the Year and started to gain the nickname “King James.” Even while still in high school, he graced the covers of “SLAM” magazine and Sports Illustrated, showcasing his undeniable future in the NBA.
The Cleveland Cavaliers selected LeBron James as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft. During his rookie season, he set records as the youngest player to score 40 points in a game and to win the Rookie of the Year award. Besides his time with the Cavaliers, he represented the United States Olympic basketball team, earning both bronze and gold medals in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, respectively. In 2012 and 2013, LeBron, alongside The Miami Heat, clinched the NBA championship while being voted MVP of both finals.
Jason Miller/Getty Images
Personal Life and Real Estate
LeBron has three children with Savannah Brinson, his high school sweetheart. The couple tied the knot in September 2013 in San Diego, California.
While residing in Miami, the James family lived in a mansion that overlooked Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, which LeBron purchased for $9 million in November 2010. He put this home on the market for $17 million in October 2014 but eventually sold it for $13.4 million in August 2015.
In November 2015, LeBron
A mansion measuring 9,350 square feet was purchased by LeBron in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for $21 million. At that moment, it represented the highest amount ever spent on a home in that neighborhood. After trying to sell the property for nearly a year, he ultimately accepted a minor loss when he sold it for $19.6 million in September 2021.
Later, in November 2017, LeBron invested $23 million in a new mansion, also located in Brentwood.
In September 2020, he made a $36.8 million purchase of a mansion in Beverly Hills. In 2023, LeBron had that house demolished with intentions to construct his ideal home on the site.
Returning to Ohio, LeBron possesses one of the priciest homes in the Cleveland vicinity. Situated in Bath Township, this custom-built residence is appraised by Ohio tax authorities at $9.5 million. It features 20 rooms within a total of 30,000 square feet of living space. He acquired the property in 2003 when he was just 18, shortly after entering the NBA.
SpringHill Entertainment
LeBron, alongside his business associate Maverick Carter, co-founded the production company SpringHill Entertainment, which has produced a variety of films, documentaries, and television shows.
Blaze Pizza
In 2012, LeBron opted to invest in a pizza startup known as Blaze Pizza. At that time, he had a contract with McDonald’s. However, in 2017, he declined a $15 million extension from McDonald’s in favor of focusing entirely on Blaze Pizza. As of now, he owns no fewer than 21 Blaze Pizza franchises, making it one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in history. His equity stake in the company is currently valued at $40 million.
Fenway Sports Group
While LeBron dreams of owning an NBA team, currently, he is content with owning a soccer team. In 2011, he secured a 2% stake in Liverpool F.C. from the Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox. Since the agreement was made, Liverpool has won the UEFA Champions League tournament and its value has skyrocketed to $2 billion. LeBron’s share is estimated to be worth a minimum of $40 million.
In 2021, he became a partner in Fenway Sports Group, thus gaining partial ownership of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and RFK Racing, in addition to Liverpool F.C.
Quotes on Success
“I’m going to use all my tools, my God-given ability, and make the best life I can with it.”
“You can’t be afraid to fail. It’s the only way you succeed – you’re not gonna succeed all the time, and I know that.”
LeBron James Net Worth (Money & Salary)
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Data is sourced from 2023 and 2024, with forecasts available for 2025 and 2026. The forecast data has also been extended to include 2027 and 2028.
* This information was taken from various sources around the world, including these countries:
Australia, Canada, USA, UK, UAE, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, US, United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia, U.S., South Africa, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan.
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi.
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Islands), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Croatia (Hrvatska), Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic.
Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, Metropolitan, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories.
Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and McDonald Islands, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy.
Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.
Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar.
Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand (NZ), Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway.
Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe.
Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.
Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), UK (United Kingdom), USA (United States of America, U.S.), US Minor Outlying Islands.
Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (US), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Post Title: LeBron James Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Last Updated: February 9, 2025