We’ve seen athletes like Lebron James open elementary schools in Akron and empowering women like Venus Williams create their own groundbreaking interior design businesses. There’s nothing stopping these athletes and we’re here for it.
Let’s take a look at these athletes’ best ventures so far!
Lebron James
Net Worth:Â $275 million
Lebron James is a true inspiration when it comes to entrepreneurship. Not only has he been a key player on the court, but he’s been a key player in the business world.
Lebron James was pivotal in progressing education for at-risk youths in the Akron area. In 2017, Lebron opened the “I Promise School” funded by the Lebron James Family Foundation. The charity additionally plans to spend $41 million to send these children to college. The school is currently enrolling third and fourth graders but will be fully operational by 2022.
In addition to this, James has been involved in a number of business ventures. Along with his partners, James owns 14 Blaze Pizza franchises. In addition to having the top NBA endorsement portfolio, James is the owner of a production company, SpringHill Entertainment, and a media company, Uninterrupted.
Recently, he’s been getting into health and wellness with his latest company, Ladder. Launched along with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ladder is a supplement brand sourced from the best ingredients from natural sources.
Steph Curry
Net Worth:Â $90 million
Steph Curry is no amateur when it comes to business. This serial investor knows a good business plan when he sees it. His investments have dabbled both inside and outside the sports realm.
Recently, he’s put his efforts into SnapTravel – a Toronto-based startup that helps customers find exclusive deals on hotels through conventional means such as SMS, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. He’s an attractive player to companies all over the world gaining sponsorships from companies like Palm and Rakuten. All this cash flow inspired Curry to form SC30, a brand that manages his brand partnerships, investments, and charity ventures.
Curry has also dipped his toes in the entertainment industry. His production company, Unanimous Media recently signed a development deal with Sony Pictures. And he made his big-screen debut in his company’s first movie – The Breakthrough.
Venus Williams
Net Worth:Â $95 million
We know Venus Williams as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, but we bet you didn’t know she’s also serving up success in the business world.
Venus has paved a path for herself as not only a 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist but a crafty interior and fashion designer. When she’s not on the court she’s ruling the board room. EleVen, Venus’ successful fashion brand, focuses on authenticity as a fashion-forward activewear brand celebrating self-expression and individuality. Venus is also the founder of V Starr Interiors – an all-female run interior design firm founded in 2002. The firm pushes boundaries creating purposeful and fierce designs.
In addition to all this, Venus and her sister Serena are the first black women to own stake in an NFL team. The two are part owners of the Miami Dolphins.
Kobe Bryant
Net Worth:Â $500 million
Kobe Bryant has presented himself as quite the go-getter lately. Since retiring in 2016, he’s gone off investing in up-and-coming businesses. During his NBA days, he was one of the highest-paid and highest endorsed athletes, but now he’s leaning towards building business relationships.
Bryant teamed up with entrepreneur Jeff Stibel to form a $100 million venture capital fund. Their fund has, as of 2016, invested in 15 technology, media, and data companies including The Players Tribune, The Alibaba Group, and more.
Bryant’s latest venture is investing in the company ringDNA – a company that uses “conversation data” powered by AI to help sales teams cultivate and manage relationships with customers. Bryant also put his faith in BodyArmour, a competitor to Gatorade, investing an impressive $6 million for a 10% stake in the company.
These athletes continue to inspire us on and off the court. Stay up to date with them and more of your fave athletes with The Shade Room!
