Why They Rank
Over $370M in NBA career salary. Jordan Brand endorsement. Honor the Gift clothing brand. First player to average a triple-double for a full season.
The Fortune
Russell Westbrook has earned over $370 million in NBA salary -- one of the highest totals in league history -- thanks to a series of supermax contracts with Oklahoma City, Houston, Washington, and the Lakers. His peak salary exceeded $47 million per year. His Jordan Brand endorsement deal, signed in 2013, has been one of the most prominent in the brand's basketball portfolio.
Westbrook's fashion sense has become a second brand in itself. His pre-game outfits regularly go viral, and he launched Honor the Gift, a clothing brand rooted in his Los Angeles upbringing and cultural identity. The brand has been carried in high-end retailers and collaborates with other fashion houses. He also appeared on the cover of GQ and multiple fashion magazines.
On the court, Westbrook became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season (2016-17), a feat he repeated three times. His intensity, athleticism, and fearlessness made him a polarizing but unmistakably compelling figure. His net worth of $170 million reflects enormous NBA earnings and a growing fashion and investment portfolio.
Wealth Source
NBA salary, Jordan Brand, fashion ventures, investments
Top Endorsements
Fun Facts
Westbrook averaged a triple-double three times, breaking Oscar Robertson's record that had stood for over 50 years.
His pre-game outfits have included everything from leather kilts to oversized glasses, making the arena tunnel a fashion runway.
Honor the Gift, his clothing brand, donates a portion of proceeds to youth education programs in Los Angeles.
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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