Atlanta Hawks co-owner Grant Hill made millions during his NBA career, a familiar story for many star athletes. Yet, even with substantial earnings, life after the game can bring unique financial challenges—even for a seven-time All-Star. Realizing that he can’t rely solely on his NBA income was a tough realization for Hill. 

However, he has approached the post-game life with discipline and foresight. Hill adopted a careful, strategic approach to his finances, ensuring his wealth would continue to grow. In retirement, Hill has emerged as one of the wealthiest former NBA players, building a flourishing business empire. The financial strategies that have fueled his post-retirement success deserve to be studied.

Grant Hill never hired an agent during his career

One of the factors that helped the 2X NCAA champion amass his fortune is his astute sense of business, which allowed him to turn most of his endeavors and initiatives into a thriving portfolio that continues to grow. Hill never hired a sports agent during his career, as he couldn’t understand the need to pay a percentage of his contract money to agents. 

Instead, he hired a lawyer and made hourly payments. His first contract was negotiated by attorney Lon Babby, who had initial experience. He helped Hill secure an eight-year deal worth $45 million. It can be safe to say, that the NBA legend was right about his decision. Babby also helped him get a $93 million deal with the Orlando Magic.

Around this time, Hills’ injuries began to bother him. After Magic, the basketball star signed a two-year deal worth $3.8 million with Phoenix Suns in 2007. This time, he was better than before. In 2010, Hill took the Suns to the Western Conference Finals but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite injuries bothering him throughout his career, Hill played 19 seasons in the league and retired in 2013. 

However, he continued to enjoy off-court success as he inked deals with brands such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola’s Sprite, and more. Hill explained that he believes pro athletes are their CEOs and need lawyers. 

“They (athletes) work with lawyers, and they have attorneys that help them negotiate and vet deals for them, and to protect their interests in contracts. So, I went that route with representation,” Hill said in an interview with CNBC. 

Furthermore, he added, “Essentially, we’re CEOs of our own companies. And CEOs don’t typically hire agents and pay them a percentage. They work with lawyers, and they have attorneys that help them negotiate and vet deals for you. And to protect your interest in contracts. So, I went that route with representation.”

Playing with four teams during his 19-year career, the 2X NCAA champion earned around $140 million. Thanks to his savvy investments, he currently has a net worth of $250 million as per Celebrity Net Worth.

Grant Hill’s interest in investments

The 1994 ACC Player of the Year’s business plan began in the ’90s. He secured an $80 million shoe deal with Fila and currently has another deal with Fila that pays him $10 million per year. Not many might be aware that the former Phoenix Suns star is also an avid art collector and philanthropist who continues his work with the Grant Hill Foundation. 

The NBA legend is also involved with Boys & Girls Club of America. He has also made some real estate investments, such as multifamily units and office space buildings in Central Florida, which he learned from his parents. He has earned nearly $200 million through the projects run by his marketing and managing company, Hill Ventures.

“There’s been great fortunes that have developed through real estate, and it’s a part of allocating assets. I think it’s a safe bet, but I also think a profitable bet, compared to some of these sorts of new digital currencies that exist,” Hill said.

Apart from owning the Orlando City Soccer Club, he reportedly joined MLB’s Baltimore Orioles. The former Orlando Magic player is also the part owner of Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Almost every NBA player dreams of owning a stake in a team, and the 7x NBA All-Star too, had a similar interest. Two years after his retirement, the NBA legend bought a minority stake in the Atlanta Hawks. The ownership group led by Tony Ressler purchased the franchise for a whopping $850 million in 2015. 

Cut to the present, the franchise is valued at $3.3 billion. Hill also took on roles as a CBS and Turner Sports sports broadcaster. That doesn’t mean that he forgot basketball. He became the managing director of the U.S. men’s national basketball team.

After the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Hill was hired as the managing director of the USA Men’s National Team. Apart from his contributions to the basketball community, Hill is extremely focused on his business ventures. Through his efforts and advice, Hill inspires other young athletes to make better financial management decisions.