Earvin “Magic” Johnson is widely considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, but his legacy extends far beyond the hardwood. He has transformed himself from a showtime superstar into a billionaire business mogul.
In this article, you will know Magic Johnson’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Magic Johnson’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. |
| Date of Birth | August 14, 1959 |
| Age | 66 |
| Birthplace | Lansing, Michigan, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Weight | 215 lbs (98 kg) |
| Education | Michigan State University |
| Turned Pro | 1979 |
| Net Worth | ~$1.2 – $1.5 Billion |
| NBA Career Earnings | ~$40 Million (Approx. adjusted) |
| Wife | Earlitha “Cookie” Johnson |
| Instagram Profile | @magicjohnson |
Early Career
Magic Johnson grew up in Lansing, Michigan, where he earned the nickname “Magic” as a 15-year-old sophomore playing for Everett High School. He recorded a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists in a single game, prompting a local sportswriter to bestow the moniker that would stick for life.
He chose to attend Michigan State University, where he led the Spartans to the 1979 NCAA Championship, defeating Larry Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores in what remains the most-watched college basketball game ever.
This rivalry with Bird would transition to the NBA, revitalizing the league. Johnson was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979 NBA draft, marking the beginning of the “Showtime” era.
Professional Career
Magic Johnson’s impact on the NBA was immediate. In his rookie season (1979-80), he led the Lakers to an NBA championship and became the first—and only—rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award.
He famously started at center in place of the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6 of the Finals, scoring 42 points to clinch the title.
Throughout the 1980s, Johnson won five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) and three NBA MVP awards. He abruptly retired in 1991 after announcing he had contracted HIV, but returned to win the All-Star MVP award in 1992 and played for the “Dream Team” at the 1992 Olympics.
He made a brief comeback to the Lakers in 1996 before retiring for good. His ability to play all five positions and his unparalleled passing skills revolutionized the point guard position.
Wife
Magic Johnson has been married to Earlitha “Cookie” Johnson since 1991. Their relationship has withstood significant public challenges, particularly Johnson’s HIV diagnosis shortly after their wedding. Cookie has stood by his side, becoming a powerful advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness alongside him.
Together, they have two children: a son, Earvin “EJ” Johnson III (born 1992), who is a reality TV personality and fashion icon, and an adopted daughter, Elisa Johnson (adopted 1995), who is an entrepreneur.
Magic also has an eldest son, Andre Johnson (born 1981), from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell. Andre works in business management, following in his father’s footsteps.
Magic Johnson’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Magic Johnson’s estimated net worth is between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion. His massive wealth is primarily derived from his post-NBA business ventures rather than his playing salary.
Contract
Magic Johnson famously signed one of the most unique contracts in NBA history: a 25‑year, $25 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1981, which at the time was the longest and richest contract in sports.
Before that, he began on a five‑year rookie deal worth about $2.3 million total, averaging $460,000 per year, which was considered huge for a young player in 1979.
Over the course of his 13 active playing seasons (not counting brief comebacks and front‑office work), the total face value of his NBA playing contracts has been estimated in the mid‑20‑million‑dollar range, with that 25‑year agreement paying him as a franchise cornerstone long after his peak playing days.
Salary
In annual salary terms, Johnson’s pay rose into the $2–3 million range per season by the late 1980s and early 1990s, making him one of the highest‑paid players of his era even though those numbers look small compared with modern supermax deals.
Some reporting notes that, including payments tied to that long contract and a later mammoth offer the Lakers made during his attempted 1992 comeback, his total on‑court earnings approached $40 million dollars, while his business ventures and endorsements have since made him a billionaire.
Career Earnings
| Period | Estimated Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-1984 | ~$460,000 / year | Rookie Contract |
| 1984-1989 | ~$1 Million – $2.5 Million | “Lifetime” Contract Era |
| 1990-1996 | ~$2.5 Million – $3 Million | Later years & Comeback |
| Total NBA | ~$40 Million | Total Salary (Approx.) |
Career Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 906 |
| Points Per Game | 19.5 |
| Assists Per Game | 11.2 (NBA Record) |
| Rebounds Per Game | 7.2 |
| Championships | 5 |
| MVP Awards | 3 (Regular Season), 3 (Finals) |
FAQs
1. How did Magic Johnson become a billionaire?
Magic Johnson became a billionaire through his investment company, Magic Johnson Enterprises. He made shrewd investments in urban real estate, movie theaters, and Starbucks franchises, which he sold for massive profits. He also owns stakes in multiple major sports teams, including the LA Dodgers and Washington Commanders.
2. Does Magic Johnson still own the Lakers?
No, Magic Johnson sold his roughly 4.5% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010 to billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong. However, he remains a legendary figure for the franchise and served as their President of Basketball Operations from 2017 to 2019.
3. Who is Magic Johnson’s wife?
Magic Johnson is married to Cookie Johnson (Earlitha Kelly). They have been married since September 1991 and have navigated his HIV diagnosis and business career together for over three decades.
4. How many championships did Magic Johnson win?
Magic Johnson won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988).
5. What is Magic Johnson’s net worth?
Magic Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion. He is one of the few athletes to reach billionaire status, joining the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
