Billionaire Michael Jordan’s Investment Still Yields Meager Numbers While NBA Rival Magic Johnson Soaks in Success

Sure, we all know Michael Jordan ruled the hardwood, but his game off the court is just as impressive. Just to give you a glimpse of his entrepreneurship, he became the first athlete billionaire in 2014, raked in billions, selling his Charlotte Hornets stakes, and the Jordan brand hit $7 billion revenue earlier this year. But there’s one investment that might not exactly meet the standards of his portfolio.
In 2017, His Airness snagged a 1% ownership stake in the Miami Marlins. But how’s that investment panning out now?
Just like a business savvy Michael Jordan, there’s another MJ, Magic Johnson, only the 3rd billionaire in the NBA. In 2012, he snagged a co-ownership stake in the Los Angeles Dodgers for an eye-popping $2 billion. But here’s where it gets murkier. A recent Instagram post revealed the Dodgers rank third in MLB franchise value growth since 2021, while the Miami Marlins sit at the 21st position on the list.
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That same post revealed that from 2021, the value for Dodgers franchises has crossed the $6 billion mark with a staggering +36% growth. But on the contrary, Jordan’s Marlins saw +10% growth since 2021. So, why there is such a massive gap between these two legends’ teams’ valuation growth?
In 2024, the Dodgers proved why they are a powerhouse, snagging their 8th championship in franchise history with a nail-biting 7-6 win over the Yankees. Meanwhile, the Marlins? They were out of the playoffs again, just like last year. This season, the Dodgers posted an impressive 98-64 record, while Jordan’s Marlins limped to a disappointing 68-100. One team’s soaring to new heights, and the other? Still searching for that rhythm. And as a result, both these teams are there at their earned places.
Regardless of the difference now, Johnson is aware of the off court legacy the 6x champion has built, might as well recognize him more for it than the hardwood.
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Entreprenuer Michael Jordan had Johnson’s admiration
MJ and the Lakers legend hardly had an opportunity to face each other. They shared the court during the legendary 1992 Olympics as a part of the Dream Team and prior to that, were rivals during the iconic 1991 NBA Finals– Bulls vs Lakers. Jordan had put on a show, averaging 31.2 points, 11.4 assists, and 6.6 rebounds across five games, while Johnson with 18.6 points ppg and 8 rebounds, would go on to retire soon.
So he agrees, he did not have much time to share with Jordan, but respect, he has plenty. “I didn’t have the chance to hate Michael, but we’re good friends. I love MJ and what he stands for, for what he’s built, not only on the court but off the court. His business, so it’s great,” he admitted last year on the Dan Patrick show.
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Currently worth $3.5 billion, His Airness holds stakes in 23XI Racing, Cincoro, DraftKings, and several golf and restaurant real estate projects. “Michael’s one of the few people that have had success three times,” said Ted Leonsis, Washington Wizards co-owner, referring to MJ as a player, an owner, and his Jordan Brand empire. Maybe a few hiccups, but entrepreneur Jordan has presented his worth.