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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 20: Former NBA player Magic Johnson attends the 29th Annual Achilles Gala at Cipriani South Street on November 20, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210316172834/GettyImages-1189058506.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 20: Former NBA player Magic Johnson attends the 29th Annual Achilles Gala at Cipriani South Street on November 20, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
While the NBA is a global brand now, it wasn’t always this way. Instead, pre-taped Finals matchups used to be the norm. However, that all changed with the arrival of Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Not only did the five-time champion revolutionize the game, but he also transformed himself into a business mogul after retiring.
Nowadays the 64-year-old is learning to cut loose. Fans enviously watched his six-week-long expedition through Europe. And while his expenses were in the millions, let’s vicariously enjoy the incredible summer Magic just had.
Magic Johnson and his impact on the NBA
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Coming in with his winning smile and a slew of mainstream attention, Johnson was instrumental in shaping the present-day landscape of the NBA. As a result, he accumulated a rather generous net worth. The growing contracts, along with tons of endorsements made him a rich and successful athlete.
However, his business acumen is what really set him apart. Today, the Los Angeles Lakers legend stands as the proud owner of a net worth of about $620 million. As a result, one luxury that he partakes in is a yearly trip around the Mediterranean on a super yacht.
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Stretching for 6 weeks, this year Johnson took a long journey from Antibes in Frances all the way to Dubrovnik in Croatia. With a slew of picturesque locations in between, the trip around the sea was a carefully curated masterpiece. Throughout, the 5-time MVP played host to a variety of guests, including friends and family.
It takes a village: friends and family on board
The first part of the voyage saw an interesting crew of members. Chief rival turned friend, Michael Jordan joined the party with his wife and model, Yvette Prieto. Also on deck was Marvel’s very own Samuel L. Jackson with his partner.
While the five-time champion provided multiple pictures throughout their time, one musical serenade caught everyone’s attention. The whole group, along with a rare appearance from the Chicago Bulls legend, was in joyous spirits as the staff at Da Paolino Ristorante in Capri, Italy sang all around them.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 12, 2023
Of course, it wasn’t just friends that Magic was catching up with. Equally as important, was the time spent with family.
For the second leg, the legend was joined by his family in Italy as he bid adieu to his friend circle. He and his wife, Cookie celebrated their time with the kids – Andre, EJ, and Elisa. However, it was more the merrier as the group was joined by daughter-in-law Lisa and grandchildren Gigi and Avery as well.
Overall, the 6-week trip saw the greatest point guard ever visit 5 countries and house 18 guests. But, as stated before, the pocket pinch wasn’t for the faint of heart.
The cost of six weeks in heaven
During his trip around Italy, an avid lover of food, Magic visited some of the best restaurants in the world, including names like San Domenico Palace in Taormina, or even super luxury hotels like the Four Seasons in Sicily. The White Lotus featured resort charges approximately $1700 as a minimum for an overnight stay.
However, Magic chose to just dine at the poolside restaurant. His choice of accommodation wasn’t a case for money, though. He had his lodgings all figured out on the Super Yacht. During the course of the journey, Magic settled base in the Phoenix 2.
The luxury yacht, which comes in at base charter prices of about $1.25 million would have cost the ex-GM of the Lakers about $7.5 million for his entire trip.
Cookie and I want to thank the amazing & unbelievable Phoenix 2 crew! You made our trip to the Mediterranean one of the best we’ve ever had! We’re both sad that our vacation is coming to an end but we’re grateful & blessed that we were able to visit new cities in France & Italy! pic.twitter.com/i2crja8D0T
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 12, 2022
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To start off, the seven-cabin beast has a 29-person crew ready at the behest of any guests that arrive. They can easily cater to a company of 12. It also includes amenities like three pools, an indoor and outdoor movie theater, jacuzzis, a gym, a piano room, a bar, as well as a salon and wellness center.
However, the fun doesn’t stop there. The guests are also treated to special nights of entertainment. Whether it be masquerade parties or an extravaganza featuring Greek gods, the onboard chef compliments each party with a luscious spread.
As he celebrates life, there are very few who’ve worked harder to earn that place. That’s why the Showtime star can splash a cool $7.5 million in less than 2 months.
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Here’s to Magic Johnson. May his trips around the globe continue, and may he continue to prosper!
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