In the world of sports, success on the field often translates to financial prosperity off it. Looking at the landscape of athletic wealth in 2025, we see a diverse group of individuals who have excelled in their respective sports and leveraged their fame and talent into lucrative business ventures and endorsements.Let’s examine the list of the top 10 richest athletes in the world as of 2025, exploring how they’ve built their fortunes and what sets them apart in sports and business.Here are the top ten wealthiest athletes in the world in 2025 based on their net worth:1. Michael Jordan: $3.5 BillionMichael Jordan’s journey from basketball superstar to business mogul is legendary. With a net worth of $3.5 billion in 2025, Jordan continues to dominate the financial landscape of sports long after he retired from the NBA.The Jordan Brand, under Nike, remains a powerhouse in athletic footwear and apparel, contributing significantly to his wealth. Jordan’s business acumen extends beyond sneakers; his sale of the Charlotte Hornets in 2023 for approximately $3 billion while retaining a minority stake showcased his ability to make savvy investment decisions.Michael Jordan made approximately $2.725 billion from selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets. The sale was completed in August 2023 at a valuation of about $3 billion. Jordan had initially purchased a majority stake in the team for $275 million in 2010, which means his investment yielded a significant return over 13 years. Jordan retained a minority stake in the franchise after the sale.Jordan’s portfolio also includes investments in sports betting with DraftKings and co-ownership of a NASCAR team. His recent venture into Courtside Ventures, a VC fund focusing on sports, lifestyle, and gaming, demonstrates his continued interest in staying at the forefront of sports-related businesses. Jordan’s brand value continues to grow, proving that his impact on and off the court is timeless.2. Ion Tiriac: $2.1 BillionIon Tiriac’s path to wealth is as unique as his career trajectory. Tiriac has built an empire worth $2.1 billion, from a successful tennis player to a business tycoon. His diverse portfolio spans banking, real estate, and auto dealerships, showcasing his ability to succeed across various sectors.Tiriac’s involvement in sports management and tennis tournaments has kept him connected to the athletic world, while his business ventures have propelled him to the upper echelons of wealth.Tiriac’s success story is a testament to the power of leveraging sports fame into business opportunities. His strategic investments and entrepreneurial spirit have allowed him to multiply his earnings from tennis many times over, securing his place among the world’s wealthiest athletes.3. Anna Kasprzak: $1.46 BillionAnna Kasprzak’s presence on this list is unique, representing the world of equestrian sports. Her wealth, estimated at $1.46 billion, combines her family’s business success and her achievements in dressage. Kasprzak’s story highlights how inherited wealth, personal passion, and athletic achievement can create a robust financial legacy.While details about Kasprzak’s business ventures are less publicized than some of her counterparts, her continued involvement in equestrian activities suggests a deep commitment to the sport that has played a significant role in her life and wealth.4. Magic Johnson: $1.85 BillionEarvin “Magic” Johnson has transformed his NBA stardom into a business empire worth $1.85 billion. Johnson’s post-basketball career is a masterclass in diversification and community impact. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, has interests in movie theaters, health clubs, and food service companies, often focusing on urban areas.Johnson’s business philosophy extends beyond profit, emphasizing job creation and economic empowerment in underserved communities. His involvement in sports team ownership, including part ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers, keeps him connected to the athletic world. Johnson’s success story is about personal wealth accumulation and using that wealth to create opportunities for others.5. Tiger Woods: $1.7 BillionWith a net worth of $1.7 billion, Tiger Woods has been dominant in golf and sports marketing for decades. Despite personal and professional challenges, Woods has maintained his status as one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. His earnings from tournament winnings pale compared to his endorsement deals, including long-standing partnerships with Nike, Rolex, and TaylorMade.Woods’ influence extends beyond the golf course. His golf course design business has become increasingly significant in his portfolio, allowing him to leave a lasting impact on the sport he has dominated for so long. Woods’ ability to maintain his brand value and attract sponsors, even later in his career, speaks to his enduring appeal and business savvy.6. LeBron James: $1 BillionLeBron James has successfully translated his on-court excellence into off-court financial success, amassing a fortune of $1 billion. James’ business acumen is evident in his diverse investment portfolio, which includes stakes in sports teams, media production companies, and health and wellness brands. His media company, SpringHill Entertainment, has successfully produced content for major networks and streaming platforms.James’ approach to wealth-building goes beyond traditional athlete endorsements. He’s taken equity stakes in companies he believes in, such as Blaze Pizza and Beats Electronics, which have paid off handsomely. His commitment to social causes and education, exemplified by the I Promise School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, shows that James views his wealth as a means to create positive change.7. Michael Schumacher: $780 MillionMichael Schumacher, the legendary Formula 1 driver, has a net worth of $780 million. Schumacher’s financial legacy remains strong despite his tragic skiing accident in 2013. During his racing career, Schumacher was one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with lucrative contracts from Ferrari and Mercedes.Schumacher’s wealth is not just from his racing salary but also from numerous endorsements and wise investments. His family continues to manage his estate and maintain the value of the Schumacher brand. The ongoing reverence for Schumacher in the motorsports world ensures that his financial legacy, like his racing legacy, will endure for years.8. Lionel Messi: $1 BillionLionel Messi, often regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has joined the billionaire athletes club with a net worth of $1 billion. Messi’s earnings come from his substantial soccer contracts, most recently with Inter Miami, and many endorsement deals with global brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Huawei.Messi’s move to Major League Soccer in the United States has opened up new marketing opportunities, potentially increasing his earning power in the North American market. His global appeal and continued excellence on the field ensure that Messi will remain among the highest-earning athletes for years, even as he approaches the latter stages of his playing career.9. Eddie Jordan: $600 MillionEddie Jordan, with a net worth of $600 million, represents a different path to wealth in the world of sports. As a former Formula 1 team owner and current media personality, he has leveraged his knowledge and connections in motorsports to build his fortune.His success story is about entrepreneurship and adaptability, transitioning from team ownership to media and other business ventures.Jordan’s wealth demonstrates the path to financial success in sports, not just as an athlete but also as a team owner, manager, and media figure. His ability to remain relevant in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, even after selling his team, speaks to his business acumen and understanding of the sport’s ecosystem.10. Junior Bridgeman: $600 MillionJunior Bridgeman’s journey from NBA player to business tycoon is perhaps one of the most impressive on this list. With a net worth of $600 million, Bridgeman has far surpassed his earnings as a basketball player. His success comes primarily from his investments in the fast-food industry, where he owned hundreds of 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. Bridgeman’s story is a powerful example of how athletes can use their earnings and business acumen to build lasting wealth long after playing.ConclusionThe list of the wealthiest athletes in 2025 represents a diverse group of individuals who have excelled in their respective sports and the business world. From Michael Jordan’s enduring brand power to Junior Bridgeman’s franchise empire, these athletes have shown that true financial success often comes from smart investments and business ventures beyond their athletic careers.Their stories serve as inspiration and blueprints for current and future athletes looking to secure their financial futures. As the worlds of sports, entertainment, and business continue to intersect, we can expect to see more athletes joining the ranks of the ultra-wealthy, leveraging their fame and skills into lasting financial legacies.

Top 10 Richest Athletes in the World 2025

The Jordan Brand, under Nike, remains a powerhouse in athletic footwear and apparel, contributing significantly to his wealth. Jordan’s business acumen extends beyond sneakers; his sale of the Charlotte Hornets in 2023 for approximately billion while retaining a minority stake showcased his ability to make savvy investment decisions.Bridgeman’s business strategy focused on acquiring and improving […]

The Jordan Brand, under Nike, remains a powerhouse in athletic footwear and apparel, contributing significantly to his wealth. Jordan’s business acumen extends beyond sneakers; his sale of the Charlotte Hornets in 2023 for approximately billion while retaining a minority stake showcased his ability to make savvy investment decisions.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. Bridgeman’s story is a powerful example of how athletes can use their earnings and business acumen to build lasting wealth long after playing.Jordan’s portfolio also includes investments in sports betting with DraftKings and co-ownership of a NASCAR team. His recent venture into Courtside Ventures, a VC fund focusing on sports, lifestyle, and gaming, demonstrates his continued interest in staying at the forefront of sports-related businesses. Jordan’s brand value continues to grow, proving that his impact on and off the court is timeless.

1. Michael Jordan: $3.5 Billion

Let’s examine the list of the top 10 richest athletes in the world as of 2025, exploring how they’ve built their fortunes and what sets them apart in sports and business.James’ approach to wealth-building goes beyond traditional athlete endorsements. He’s taken equity stakes in companies he believes in, such as Blaze Pizza and Beats Electronics, which have paid off handsomely. His commitment to social causes and education, exemplified by the I Promise School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, shows that James views his wealth as a means to create positive change.Michael Jordan made approximately .725 billion from selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets. The sale was completed in August 2023 at a valuation of about billion. Jordan had initially purchased a majority stake in the team for 5 million in 2010, which means his investment yielded a significant return over 13 years. Jordan retained a minority stake in the franchise after the sale.LeBron James has successfully translated his on-court excellence into off-court financial success, amassing a fortune of billion. James’ business acumen is evident in his diverse investment portfolio, which includes stakes in sports teams, media production companies, and health and wellness brands. His media company, SpringHill Entertainment, has successfully produced content for major networks and streaming platforms.

2. Ion Tiriac: $2.1 Billion

In the world of sports, success on the field often translates to financial prosperity off it. Looking at the landscape of athletic wealth in 2025, we see a diverse group of individuals who have excelled in their respective sports and leveraged their fame and talent into lucrative business ventures and endorsements.His success story is about entrepreneurship and adaptability, transitioning from team ownership to media and other business ventures.Here are the top ten wealthiest athletes in the world in 2025 based on their net worth:

3. Anna Kasprzak: $1.46 Billion

Earvin “Magic” Johnson has transformed his NBA stardom into a business empire worth .85 billion. Johnson’s post-basketball career is a masterclass in diversification and community impact. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, has interests in movie theaters, health clubs, and food service companies, often focusing on urban areas.Lionel Messi, often regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has joined the billionaire athletes club with a net worth of billion. Messi’s earnings come from his substantial soccer contracts, most recently with Inter Miami, and many endorsement deals with global brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Huawei.

4. Magic Johnson: $1.85 Billion

Schumacher’s wealth is not just from his racing salary but also from numerous endorsements and wise investments. His family continues to manage his estate and maintain the value of the Schumacher brand. The ongoing reverence for Schumacher in the motorsports world ensures that his financial legacy, like his racing legacy, will endure for years.Jordan’s wealth demonstrates the path to financial success in sports, not just as an athlete but also as a team owner, manager, and media figure. His ability to remain relevant in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, even after selling his team, speaks to his business acumen and understanding of the sport’s ecosystem.

5. Tiger Woods: $1.7 Billion

Tiriac’s involvement in sports management and tennis tournaments has kept him connected to the athletic world, while his business ventures have propelled him to the upper echelons of wealth.Woods’ influence extends beyond the golf course. His golf course design business has become increasingly significant in his portfolio, allowing him to leave a lasting impact on the sport he has dominated for so long. Woods’ ability to maintain his brand value and attract sponsors, even later in his career, speaks to his enduring appeal and business savvy.

6. LeBron James: $1 Billion

Messi’s move to Major League Soccer in the United States has opened up new marketing opportunities, potentially increasing his earning power in the North American market. His global appeal and continued excellence on the field ensure that Messi will remain among the highest-earning athletes for years, even as he approaches the latter stages of his playing career.While details about Kasprzak’s business ventures are less publicized than some of her counterparts, her continued involvement in equestrian activities suggests a deep commitment to the sport that has played a significant role in her life and wealth.

7. Michael Schumacher: $780 Million

Ion Tiriac’s path to wealth is as unique as his career trajectory. Tiriac has built an empire worth .1 billion, from a successful tennis player to a business tycoon. His diverse portfolio spans banking, real estate, and auto dealerships, showcasing his ability to succeed across various sectors.Johnson’s business philosophy extends beyond profit, emphasizing job creation and economic empowerment in underserved communities. His involvement in sports team ownership, including part ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers, keeps him connected to the athletic world. Johnson’s success story is about personal wealth accumulation and using that wealth to create opportunities for others.

8. Lionel Messi: $1 Billion

The list of the wealthiest athletes in 2025 represents a diverse group of individuals who have excelled in their respective sports and the business world. From Michael Jordan’s enduring brand power to Junior Bridgeman’s franchise empire, these athletes have shown that true financial success often comes from smart investments and business ventures beyond their athletic careers.Anna Kasprzak’s presence on this list is unique, representing the world of equestrian sports. Her wealth, estimated at .46 billion, combines her family’s business success and her achievements in dressage. Kasprzak’s story highlights how inherited wealth, personal passion, and athletic achievement can create a robust financial legacy.

9. Eddie Jordan: $600 Million

Tiriac’s success story is a testament to the power of leveraging sports fame into business opportunities. His strategic investments and entrepreneurial spirit have allowed him to multiply his earnings from tennis many times over, securing his place among the world’s wealthiest athletes.Eddie Jordan, with a net worth of 0 million, represents a different path to wealth in the world of sports. As a former Formula 1 team owner and current media personality, he has leveraged his knowledge and connections in motorsports to build his fortune.With a net worth of .7 billion, Tiger Woods has been dominant in golf and sports marketing for decades. Despite personal and professional challenges, Woods has maintained his status as one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. His earnings from tournament winnings pale compared to his endorsement deals, including long-standing partnerships with Nike, Rolex, and TaylorMade.

10. Junior Bridgeman: $600 Million

Michael Jordan’s journey from basketball superstar to business mogul is legendary. With a net worth of .5 billion in 2025, Jordan continues to dominate the financial landscape of sports long after he retired from the NBA.Their stories serve as inspiration and blueprints for current and future athletes looking to secure their financial futures. As the worlds of sports, entertainment, and business continue to intersect, we can expect to see more athletes joining the ranks of the ultra-wealthy, leveraging their fame and skills into lasting financial legacies.

Conclusion

Junior Bridgeman’s journey from NBA player to business tycoon is perhaps one of the most impressive on this list. With a net worth of 0 million, Bridgeman has far surpassed his earnings as a basketball player. His success comes primarily from his investments in the fast-food industry, where he owned hundreds of Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises.Michael Schumacher, the legendary Formula 1 driver, has a net worth of 0 million. Schumacher’s financial legacy remains strong despite his tragic skiing accident in 2013. During his racing career, Schumacher was one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with lucrative contracts from Ferrari and Mercedes.