As players, both Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson were instrumental in their teams’ historic runs. Magic dominated the 80s, leading the Showtime Lakers to 5 NBA championships, while MJ won 6 championships over the next decade. The two contributed to 11 championships in a span of 18 seasons, showcasing why they’re considered two of the greatest players to ever play the game. Following their success as players, they proceeded to contribute to sports with ownership and executive roles. This is where the Lakers legend took charge and went ahead on the list.

“Between his time as a player and as a team owner, Magic Johnson now has 15 championship rings.” With the LA Dodgers’ victory against the New York Yankees in the World Series, Magic extended the number of rings to 15. It all started with his previous ownership tenure with his NBA team Lakers, where he won 5. Yes, the first three during the three-peat of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal era. The latter two are in 09 and 10.

He started his executive role with the Purple and Gold in 1994 and had about 4.5% of the team’s share. In October 2010, Magic Johnson sold his shares and called the moment “bittersweet.” Even though he sold the stake in the NBA team of Los Angeles, the city had other sports teams that yielded a similar result.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend’s next win as an owner would come after 6 years, in 2016. His WNBA team, LA Sparks, won a thrilling series in the deciding Game 5, that too by one point. Later, his “beloved” team of all, the Dodgers, won the World Series in 2020, and now in 2024. In between, his MLS team, LAFC won the MLS Cup in 2022.

Unlike Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan has yet to win a championship as an owner. And even MJ tried in multiple sports, first in the NBA with the Washington Wizards and later with the Charlotte Hornets. While he had a lead over Magic initially, the Lakers legend has taken the lead and how. Nonetheless, there is hope that Jordan soon starts closing the gap.

Michael Jordan is close to enjoying the feeling like Magic Johnson

The day the Dodgers won the World Series, even Michael Jordan was happy. Well, because his 23XI star Tyler Reddick won a spot in the NASCAR Cup series. Naturally, MJ got emotional, “Yeah, baby! Good job, kid! Man, good job.” He continued with NBC Sports, “I’m proud of him. Oh man, he just let go. He just went for it, and I’m glad. We needed it. We needed it.” 

Did you know that before the NASCAR team, His Airness had another motorsport team for ten years? Michael Jordan Motorsports used to participate in the AMA Superbike Championship. Due to a huge advantage for the factory-led teams, the 6x NBA Champion tasted his victory in motorsport in 2010 and parted ways in 2013.

Unlike Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson is keen to add more teams to his repertoire. Earlier in September, the Lakers legend added the NWSL side Washington Spirits to his portfolio. He even proclaimed, “We want to win championships, so I got 14 world championships. I need 15 now.” His manifestation came true as the Dodgers added another ring to the collection. So his Washington Commanders and the newly acquired Spirts are the only teams left from his ownership to add a championship. Magic would hope that the day comes sooner rather than later.