Why They Rank
NBA earnings exceeding $400M. Nike deal worth $300M. Early investor in Coinbase (worth $75M at IPO). Thirty Five Ventures portfolio includes Postmates, Lime, and Acorns.
The Fortune
Kevin Durant is one of the wealthiest active NBA players, with a net worth driven by both his massive NBA contracts and an exceptionally savvy investment portfolio. His NBA career earnings exceed $400 million, and his Nike deal -- signed as a 10-year extension in 2014 reportedly worth $300 million -- is one of the largest in basketball history. Durant has also endorsed Beats by Dre, YouTube TV, Coinbase, and multiple tech companies.
What distinguishes Durant financially is his venture capital activity through Thirty Five Ventures. He was an early investor in Coinbase (before its IPO), Postmates (sold to Uber for $2.65 billion), Lime scooters, and Acorns. His Coinbase stake alone was reportedly worth $75 million after the company went public. He also co-owns the MLS team Philadelphia Union and has invested in media through Boardroom, his sports business media network.
Durant's investment strategy reflects a Silicon Valley mindset rare among athletes. He has been methodical about building a portfolio of high-growth tech companies, and his returns have been substantial. His net worth of $300 million places him among the wealthiest active athletes in any sport, and his post-career trajectory suggests billionaire status is achievable.
Wealth Source
NBA salary, endorsements, venture capital, media ownership
Top Endorsements
Fun Facts
Durant's early investment in Coinbase returned an estimated 50x, making it one of the most profitable athlete investments in history.
He famously used burner Twitter accounts to defend himself against critics, which somehow made him more relatable and commercially appealing.
His Thirty Five Ventures firm has invested in over 75 companies across tech, media, and consumer sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest athlete of all time?
Michael Jordan is the richest athlete of all time with an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion. His wealth comes primarily from the Jordan Brand, the sale of the Charlotte Hornets, and decades of endorsement deals. His NBA playing salary was just $94 million -- a fraction of his total fortune.
How do athletes build wealth beyond their playing salary?
The wealthiest athletes build wealth through endorsement deals, equity stakes in companies, brand ownership, franchise ownership, venture capital, and real estate. The key insight is taking equity over flat endorsement fees whenever possible -- turning short-term fame into long-term compounding assets.
Which athletes are billionaires?
As of 2026, four athletes have confirmed billionaire status: Michael Jordan ($3.5B), Tiger Woods ($1.3B), LeBron James ($1.2B), and Magic Johnson ($1.2B). Several others are approaching the threshold, including Arnold Palmer's estate ($875M), Lionel Messi ($650M), and Michael Schumacher ($600M).
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