Why They Rank
Six NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan. $109M in career NBA salary. Famously underpaid during Bulls dynasty. Net worth eroded by financial mismanagement.
The Fortune
Scottie Pippen earned approximately $109 million in NBA salary over 17 seasons, most famously as Michael Jordan's partner on the Chicago Bulls dynasty that won six championships. Pippen was consistently underpaid during the Bulls' championship run -- his infamous seven-year, $18 million contract (signed in 1991) made him one of the most underpaid superstars in NBA history while Jordan earned $30+ million per year.
Pippen's endorsement income was modest compared to Jordan's stratospheric earnings, though his Nike deal and partnerships with Right Guard and other brands generated additional millions. Post-career, Pippen's wealth has been diminished by expensive real estate deals (his Chicago mansion sat on the market for years), a costly divorce, and financial mismanagement that is common among retired athletes.
His 2021 memoir 'Unguarded' -- in which he publicly criticized Jordan, Phil Jackson, and the narrative around the Bulls dynasty -- generated controversy and sales but also damaged his relationship with the Jordan brand ecosystem. His net worth of $20 million is far below what it should be given his career earnings and his central role in the greatest dynasty in NBA history.
Wealth Source
NBA salary, endorsements, media appearances
Top Endorsements
Fun Facts
Pippen's seven-year, $18 million contract during the Bulls dynasty made him the sixth-highest-paid player on his own team in some seasons.
He was one of 12 children from a family in Hamburg, Arkansas, and was not heavily recruited for college basketball.
His 2021 memoir created a public feud with Michael Jordan that briefly dominated sports media and generated millions in book sales.
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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