Many athletes have built household names and strong brands, capitalizing on corporate sponsorships to augment their on-the-field earnings to build their fortunes. The list of transformative athletes whose impact successfully transcended the diamond, field or court and into the boardroom is a short one.
This list of individuals who can claim to be successful athletes, businesspeople and good community citizens is populated by a select few with iconic names like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Roger Staubach — each of whom built successful business careers, foundations and charities that have prospered long after their playing days ended.
Staubach built and sold a multimillion-dollar real estate company, and today focuses on his family foundation and other community endeavors. Jordan parlayed his global brand, corporate sponsorships and savvy investments into majority ownership of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets — becoming the first former athlete billionaire. And Johnson, who was smart enough to study business at the feet of the late Lakers owner Jerry Buss during his playing days, built a multibillion-dollar business empire and investment fund that has given him a net worth not far behind Jordan.
LeBron James, only 30 years old, will be the next member of this exclusive list … and already, he’s not lagging too far behind the legends in his off-the-court initiatives.
We live in a hypercharged, 24/7, digitally enhanced global community — all of which suits LeBron well. Long before his return to Cleveland in 2014, LeBron had already laid the groundwork for numerous business ventures and investments, securing his future long after he retires from the game.
He has a marketing company (LRMR), a production company (SpringHill Entertainment) and a family foundation (LeBron James Family Foundation). He recently played himself in the Judd Apatow film, “Trainwreck.” And he has one of the most visible, profitable and influential brands on the planet — with corporate sponsors lining up for him to represent them.
And, before we forget, LeBron also happens to currently be the best basketball player in the world.
Some, including LeBron himself, say that leaving Cleveland a few years back was the best thing to happen to him because it provided an opportunity to mature away from the trappings of home. As a result, LeBron evolved from a talented player into a well-rounded individual and strong leader.
Beyond the on-the-court leader who is shaping the very look and feel of the Cavaliers, beyond the influential recruiter who is bringing people to Cleveland who previously wouldn’t have considered coming, it is this evolution of LeBron that is most worth exploring.
“I know what my day job is,” LeBron said last month at the red carpet event he hosted in Akron for “Trainwreck.” But that day job is only a snapshot in time — even though he’s poised to bring Cleveland a major sports championship, something the city’s heart has desired for more than 50 years.
The reality is that LeBron is much more. And, when the final chapter on his life is written, that exclusive group he already belongs to may get winnowed down to just one member: him.
Dustin Klein is publisher & vice president of operations of Smart Business. An award-winning journalist, best-selling author and rabid baseball fan, Dustin is passionate about developing and delivering relevant insight, advice and strategy to business, civic and community leaders.
