Following Beats Sale To Apple in 2014, How Much Money Did Part Owner LeBron James Make?

LeBron James is the richest active NBA player. There is no one close to him at the moment. He has amassed over $1 billion and is steadily heading towards the $2 billion mark. He inked a historical deal with Nike as a rookie and endorsements just kept piling on. As a businessperson, his penchant for taking risks pays huge dividends. He has been an equity investor for a long time. Not settling for quick bucks, he loves to make profits as a part-owner. This partnership approach helps him solidify his net worth further. 

In another one of such moves, he invested in Beats during the most opportune moment. How much profit did this help him make?

The Beat by Dre gains by LeBron James

In 2008, LeBron James, at age 24, became the brand ambassador of iconic headphones brand Beats by Dre. Using his usual smart business acumen, he also managed a part-ownership for a couple of years. Therefore, when Apple bought the company in 2014, he was also bound to get a huge payout.

In July, Kendrick Perkins, LBJ’s former Cavaliers teammate, reminded the world of this investment. He claimed mind-boggling profits for the superstar forward.

On Runnin’ Plays: A Golden State Warriors Podcast, he stated, ”When Dr. Dre got the big contract for the Beats by Dre when they wrote him that check. LeBron James got $700 million off of it. He was a silent investor in the Beats and nobody knows this”.

This claim of LBJ making money that covers around half of his net worth is indeed astounding. If we take these numbers at face value, then this is a huge boost to his net worth. This singular investment appears taller than the rest, but there are bound to be various other economic nuances related to it.

James’ portfolio keeps reaching new heights with each day. His investments are only going to expand from here. But will his long-nurtured desire to become an NBA owner be fulfilled soon?

James’ dream of owning an NBA team

As per the current CBA, active NBA players aren’t eligible to own an NBA team. LBJ has repeatedly expressed a desire to own an NBA team, preferably in Las Vegas. He has made direct pleas to Commissioner Adam Silver. But because of the existing laws and impending media rights deal, Silver can’t entertain this thought. However, the possibility of ownership will be rife once James retires. He may straightaway pursue an ownership opportunity. 

READ MORE: LeBron James’ Son Teases “Acting Debut” With Erling Haaland as Soccer Star Joins NBA Royalty Savannah and Bronny James to “Put the League on Notice”

This possibility can also multiply if the NBA decides to expand and bring in a Las Vegas franchise. If that happens, King James can end up around the $4 billion mark before the end of the decade.

Watch This Story: “That’s All I Really Care About Right Now”: Austin Reaves Is Looking to Create a Legacy With LeBron James, Which He Could Look Back at With His Kids