Owing to their vast wealth, fans have often speculated which of the two superstars have amassed a greater fortune. With LeBron James making it into the billion-dollar club as the only active basketball player to have done so, here we take a look into exactly who is richer of the two – Michael Jordan or LeBron James?

Who is richer, Michael Jordan or LeBron James?

Michael Jordan is the first ever NBA player to have gained billionaire status. Jordan’s net worth stands at a towering $3 billion compared to LeBron James’ $1 billion net worth.

The difference, perhaps, is that MJ made it to the billion-dollar club about a decade after his retirement. LeBron, however, is an active NBA player and has achieved billionaire status while still playing.

MJ’s staggering spike in net worth was triggered when he sold his majority share of the Charlotte Hornets earlier last year. Michael Jordan clearly trumps LeBron James when it comes to their net worth. But how much had the two giants earned from their on-court salaries during their time in the NBA?

Michael Jordan vs LeBron James: On-court Salaries

It is almost unsettling that Michael Jordan, despite being one of the highest-paid athletes of his time, only earned about $93 million in salaries. LeBron, on the other hand, has amassed well over $400 million in salaries only throughout his NBA career.

The huge gap exists because of the difference in salary cap of the present NBA and the 90s. Nevertheless, it is clear that LeBron James has amassed more from his on-court earnings than MJ did in his era.

Michael Jordan vs LeBron James: Net Worth

In terms of net worth, Jordan is the clear winner with his $3.01 billion wealth. Most of MJ’s net worth comes from the sale of his franchise ownership of the Charlotte Hornets, and Nike’s Air Jordan brand.

Jordan’s partnership with Nike for the Jordan brand is another of his successful business partnerships. MJ is said to earn about 5% of every sale Nike’s Jordan Brand makes, and by now, he has earned over $1.3 billion in revenues only from the deal. His numerous other investments and endorsement deals continue to earn Jordan millions every year, adding to his sky-high net worth.

LeBron James, besides his stellar salary, has earned over $900 million from his business investments and brand endorsements. James has been involved in many endorsement deals with renowned companies, including Nike, Crypto, and Coca-Cola, among others.

He has various investments in different firms, including SpringHill, Blaze Pizza, and Fenway Sports, and also has an equity share at Liverpool FC, amounting to almost $90 million in value. LeBron’s previous investment in “Beats by Dre” also earned him over $50 million when Apple bought the company for $3 billion.

All in all, Michael Jordan trumps LeBron James in terms of wealth as the richer athlete. Nevertheless, both of the NBA legends have been exceptional businessmen aside from their excellence on the court.

Q. What is the net worth of Michael Jordan?

Michael Jordan has an estimated net worth of about $3 billion in 2024.

Q. What is the net worth of LeBron James?

LeBron James has an estimated net worth of about $1 million in 2024.

Q. Who is richer, LeBron James or Michael Jordan?

Michael Jordan is richer than LeBron James.