LeBron James becomes first active NBA player billionaire

• Michael Jordan is the only other basketball billionaire, per Forbes. But he hit 10 figures in 2014 — more than a decade after his retirement.

By the numbers: Off the court, James has raked in more than $900 million from endorsements, real estate ($80 million) and cash and other investments (more than $500 million), Forbes estimates. 

• On the court, he’s been paid more than $385 million by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.

How he really did it: Instead of just being a pitchman, James has structured his brand deals to give him equity.

• For example, he reportedly invested less than $1 million for a 10% stake in Blaze Pizza, and that stake (plus his cut of 18 franchise stores) is now worth roughly (and reportedly) $30 million.