LeaderPortfolio
James
LeBron James
Rank #2693
UNITED STATESDiversifiedBasketball

LeBron James

Net Worth
$1.422B
0% (24h)
LeBron James, nicknamed "King James," is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers and is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. Born on December 30, 1984, he is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a four-time NBA champion, and a four-time NBA Finals MVP. James entered the NBA in 2003 after a celebrated high school career and has earned over $500 million from NBA contracts alone. Beyond basketball, he has built a significant business empire through endorsements, investments, and philanthropy, making him the first active NBA player to achieve billionaire status. His career is marked by exceptional longevity, versatility, and consistent excellence across multiple franchises.

How to read LeBron James's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For LeBron James, we anchor the narrative to Basketball and Basketball, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.422B alongside global rank #2693, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

LeBron Raymone James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, to Gloria Marie James, who was 16 years old at the time. James' father, Anthony McClelland, was not involved in his life. Growing up, James and his mother faced financial struggles, moving frequently within Akron. This challenging upbringing significantly influenced his later commitment to supporting youth and his hometown.

Rise to Success

James gained national attention at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, where he led his team to multiple state championships. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, he quickly became a star. He won Rookie of the Year in 2004 and led the Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals in 2007. In 2010, he joined the Miami Heat, winning his first two NBA championships in 2012 and 2013, earning MVP and Finals MVP honors. Returning to Cleveland in 2014, James led the Cavaliers to their first NBA championship in 2016. He joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, winning another title in 2020. In 2023, he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

Key Business Strategies

James has strategically built his wealth through a combination of on-court success and savvy business ventures. Key strategies include: Extensive Endorsements: Securing lucrative deals with major brands like Nike (lifetime contract), Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, AT&T, and Walmart. Strategic Investments: Investing in media, entertainment, and real estate, contributing to his diverse portfolio. Equity and Partnerships: Acquiring ownership stakes in companies and sports franchises, including Liverpool F.C. and Fenway Sports Group.

Philanthropy

James is deeply involved in philanthropy, particularly through the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF). His key initiatives include: I PROMISE School: A public elementary school in Akron, Ohio, that provides comprehensive support to at-risk students and families. I PROMISE Program: Offers resources and support, including college scholarships, career counseling, and family support. I PROMISE Village: Provides transitional housing for students and families facing homelessness or unstable living conditions.

Career Timeline

2024

Olympic Gold Medal

Won a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

2023

NBA All-Time Scoring Leader

Became the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

2020

Los Angeles Lakers Championship

Won an NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2016

Cleveland Cavaliers Championship

Led the Cavaliers to their first NBA championship.

2012

First NBA Championship

Won his first NBA championship with the Miami Heat and was named Finals MVP.

2009

NBA MVP

Won his first NBA MVP award.

2004

NBA Rookie of the Year

Awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year.

2003

NBA Draft

Drafted as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Philanthropic Impact

EducationN/A

I PROMISE School

A public school in Akron, Ohio, providing comprehensive support to at-risk students.

Education$41M+

I PROMISE Program

Offers resources, support, college scholarships, and career counseling to students.

Family SupportN/A

I PROMISE Village

Provides transitional housing for families in need.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Liverpool F.C.$0.04M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

LeBron Raymone James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, to Gloria Marie James, who was 16 years old at the time. James' father, Anthony McClelland, was not involved in his life. Growing up, James and his mother faced financial struggles, moving frequently within Akron. This challenging upbringing significantly influenced his later commitment to supporting youth and his hometown.

Rise to Success

James gained national attention at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, where he led his team to multiple state championships. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, he quickly became a star. He won Rookie of the Year in 2004 and led the Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals in 2007. In 2010, he joined the Miami Heat, winning his first two NBA championships in 2012 and 2013, earning MVP and Finals MVP honors. Returning to Cleveland in 2014, James led the Cavaliers to their first NBA championship in 2016. He joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, winning another title in 2020. In 2023, he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

Key Business Strategies

James has strategically built his wealth through a combination of on-court success and savvy business ventures. Key strategies include: Extensive Endorsements: Securing lucrative deals with major brands like Nike (lifetime contract), Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, AT&T, and Walmart. Strategic Investments: Investing in media, entertainment, and real estate, contributing to his diverse portfolio. Equity and Partnerships: Acquiring ownership stakes in companies and sports franchises, including Liverpool F.C. and Fenway Sports Group.

Philanthropy

James is deeply involved in philanthropy, particularly through the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF). His key initiatives include: I PROMISE School: A public elementary school in Akron, Ohio, that provides comprehensive support to at-risk students and families. I PROMISE Program: Offers resources and support, including college scholarships, career counseling, and family support. I PROMISE Village: Provides transitional housing for students and families facing homelessness or unstable living conditions.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for LeBron James are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.