Game Changers Dope #18

LEGACY BUILDERS

LeBron James: Scoring Big with His Off-Court Business Empire.

When you hear the name LeBron James, what comes to mind? A basketball icon? Undoubtedly. A philanthropist? Absolutely. But there's more to LeBron James than just his remarkable basketball prowess and his charitable endeavors. The man has quietly and steadily built an off-court business empire that has turned him into a bona fide mogul.

LeBron James, often heralded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has made a seamless transition from the basketball court to the boardroom, amassing a staggering net worth of over $1 billion. However, this journey to entrepreneurial stardom wasn't a slam dunk; it was the result of dedication, smart choices, and sage advice from none other than billionaire extraordinaire Warren Buffett.

LeBron's professional basketball career began in 2003 when he was drafted as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Over the next decade, he would earn more than $300 million in NBA salaries and endorsements. But despite the lucrative contracts and endorsements, LeBron understood that true wealth and financial security could only be achieved through prudent investment off the court. It was Warren Buffett who imparted this crucial lesson to LeBron: focus on investing to create sustainable wealth.

LeBron James, never one to shy away from a challenge, took Buffett's advice to heart and embarked on a journey that would reshape his legacy beyond basketball. Let's take a closer look at some of the key ventures that LeBron has launched to build his empire:

1. Uninterrupted Media Platform: LeBron co-founded Uninterrupted, a media platform that aims to empower athletes and give them a voice beyond sports. Uninterrupted provides a platform for athletes to share their stories and perspectives, bridging the gap between sports and culture.

2. Blaze Pizza: LeBron's investment in Blaze Pizza has been nothing short of spectacular. What started as a single pizzeria has grown into a chain with over 300 locations and a valuation of $250 million. LeBron's hands-on involvement in the business has undoubtedly contributed to its success.

3. SpringHill Production Company: LeBron is the co-founder of SpringHill, a production company focused on creating compelling and diverse content. The company has a valuation of $725 million and has been behind hit shows like "The Shop" and the critically acclaimed film "Space Jam: A New Legacy."

4. Fenway Sports Group: LeBron joined forces with Fenway Sports Group, becoming a part-owner of the group that owns iconic sports franchises like Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox. This strategic move has not only increased his net worth but also expanded his influence in the sports world.

5. Real Estate Holdings: LeBron has invested heavily in real estate, amassing a portfolio worth over $80 million. His properties include luxurious mansions and commercial real estate, showcasing his keen eye for real estate investments.

6. LRMR Ventures: Lebron James and business partner Maverick Carter’s family office are not just passive investors; they actively back startups and companies that align with their values. Some of his notable investments include Beats By Dre (headphones), Canyon Bicycles (bike manufacturer) Faze Clan (esports organization), Lobos 1707 (tequilla), and Neutral Foods (carbon-free nutrition), contributing to his ever-growing net worth.

What's truly remarkable is that, despite his immense basketball earnings, LeBron's NBA salary accounts for just $35 million of his net worth. The rest is a testament to his astute business acumen and willingness to diversify his investments.

LeBron James is not only a business titan and a basketball legend; he is also a force for positive change in communities across the United States. His commitment to philanthropy and sustainability is evident through the LeBron James Family Foundation and the "I PROMISE" School.

The LeBron James Family Foundation is on a mission to positively impact the lives of children and young adults by focusing on education and co-curricular educational initiatives. This foundation has made substantial investments in various educational programs, scholarships, and initiatives designed to provide opportunities for underprivileged youth. LeBron understands the transformative power of education and strives to create a brighter future for those who face obstacles in their educational journey.

One of the most inspiring aspects of LeBron's philanthropic efforts is the I PROMISE School in Ohio, USA. This school serves as a beacon of hope for disadvantaged youth, offering them a quality education, support services, and a nurturing environment. The I PROMISE School embodies LeBron's unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers and giving every child a chance to succeed. It's a testament to his dedication to sustainability in the form of investing in the future of young minds, ensuring that they have the tools and resources they need to thrive. Through these initiatives, LeBron James is not only building an empire of wealth but also one of compassion, equity, and sustainability that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

LeBron James has become a role model for athletes looking to leverage their fame and success into diversified business empires and investment portfolios. His journey serves as a blueprint for how to build generational wealth and ensure a prosperous future for himself and his family.

In a world where athletes are often judged solely by their on-field or on-court performance, LeBron James stands out as a shining example of what can be achieved when talent, determination, and business savvy come together. As he continues to excel both on and off the playing field, LeBron James is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the worlds of sports and business.

So, who do you think are the leading athletes both on and off the playing field? LeBron James certainly belongs at the top of that list, and his incredible journey is a testament to the limitless possibilities that exist beyond the confines of the game.

MONEY MOVES

• Flexpower is proud to announce that Antetokounmpo and his brothers Alex, Kostas, and Thanasis are investing in the company as part owners, extending their commitment to the brand they've enjoyed since Giannis first tried its original scent-free pain relief lotion back in 2016. Full story here.
• NBA All-Star Trae Young is the latest celebrity athlete to join the pickleball craze, as the newest investor in the Anheuser-Busch owned MLP team, the Atlanta Bouncers. With this partnership, Young will serve as the sole investor of the Bouncers as they enter their second season.  Full story here.
• Athlete Stock Market PredictionStrike Sees $10 Million in VC Funding. Full story here.

ATHLETE CREATORS

Meet Rich Roll, an ultra-endurance athlete, the charismatic host behind The Rich Roll Podcast. Every week, Rich takes a deep dive into the world of wellness alongside some of the most brilliant and forward-thinking individuals in the realms of health, fitness, nutrition, art, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and spirituality. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill interviews; they're intimate, profound, and often quite intense conversations.

Think of them as a weekly auditory dance – a journey that's meant to stir something within you. The goal here is to provoke your thoughts, educate your mind, inspire your spirit, and empower you to uncover, unlock, and unleash your truest and most authentic self.

WTF BRANDS

Imagine Castore and Andy Murray teaming up to create the AMC Performance Collection – it's like the dynamic duo of tennis fashion! This collection takes tennis performance clothing to a whole new level.

With high-stretch, lightweight, and quick-drying fabrics, you'll feel as comfortable as a kangaroo in a bounce house. And those specialist ergonomic panels? They're like the secret sauce that ensures you'll never miss a serve – unless, of course, you blame it on your backhand.

But wait, there's more! This collection is so versatile that it's engineered for both on and off the court. So, even when the match is over, you'll still be serving looks and performance like a tennis superstar at the post-match party.

So, if you're thinking about comfort, optimum performance, and looking good while doing it, just remember three letters: A-M-C. It stands for "All Murray's Choice" – or at least, that's what Andy tells us!

IMPACT STANDOUTS

Sarah Hanffou is quite the multi-talented individual. Originally from France, she's not only a skilled attorney based in Nice but has also donned the Olympian hat twice, representing Cameroon – her father's homeland – in table tennis. Her sights are now set on making it to the Olympics one more time, with the next summer games happening right in Paris.

In addition to her sporting and legal pursuits, Hanffou is a champion for environmental causes as an EcoAthletes Champion. She's also the visionary behind Ping Sans Frontières, a remarkable nonprofit organization that uses the game of table tennis to improve the economic, social, and environmental conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa and even beyond.

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you did, please share with friends who you think will get something out of it.