Famous athletes who became business tycoons

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February 14, 2020
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Famous athletes who became business tycoons

Forget the gym鈥攖he boardroom is becoming an equally important domain for an athlete. With multi-million dollar contracts being to professional athletes these days, there is more capital than ever for sports stars to invest and remain financially firm once they hang up their cleats. It wasn't long ago that a McDonald's endorsement or a Gatorade commercial was seen as the pinnacle of earning, but now athletes are finding importance in equity, starting their own businesses, and the power in franchising.

麻豆原创 compiled a list of 50 athletes who became business tycoons, using information from news reports. We chose athletes from a wide variety of sports鈥攆rom skateboarders and snowboarders to soccer stars and Super Bowl winners鈥攚ho have become just as well known for their business exploits as their athletic achievements. Many of these athletes are recognized on powerful lists like Forbes, but there are somber stories in addition to those gleaming with success. Just like any business investment, there are dizzying highs and hard-hitting lows鈥攃elebrities have long been targets of get-rich-quick schemes, so today's athletes have to be more diligent than ever in not only protecting their investments but choosing the right ones.

Fashion design, food and drink, and even golf course design are some of the more popular methods for athletes to invest their money, but there's also money to be made in interior design, beef production, and yoga. There are some expected names on here, including some of the world's most popular athletes. But do you know about the linebacker that became a sports apparel maven or the former baller turned rapper and music maven?

NASCAR, NCAA basketball, NBA, NHL, and MLB spring training make for a packed upcoming month of sports action. While we enjoy these athletes' exploits on the field, click through the slideshow and get inspired to make the most of your worth.

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Tony Hawk

Tony Hawk rose to skateboarding fame as part of the , scored an acting gig in 鈥,鈥 then launched skateboards in 1992. Hawk began making over $100,000 yearly as a teenager and is regularly reported as the world鈥檚 A successful video game added to Hawk鈥檚 legacy, which includes multiple X Games victories and a slew of innovative aerial tricks.

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Venus Williams

Venus Williams has won in prize money through a tennis career that includes seven Grand Slam championships. In 2007, Williams launched her own fashion line, , which joined her business portfolio that included an firm. In 2009, Williams became a part-owner of the NFL鈥檚 .

3 / 50
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Serena Williams

Venus Williams鈥 baby sister Serena also bought a stake in the Miami Dolphins. Serena has won a record 23 Grand Slam titles and has accumulated a net worth . In 2014, Serena launched that focuses on companies started by women and people of color.

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Nolan Ryan

After Nolan Ryan struck out 5,714 batters over his Hall of Fame career, he founded a chain of Ryan also owns cattle ranches that , a company, and the Round Rock Express minor league baseball team.

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Dwayne Johnson

Before millions of fans smelled what The Rock was cookin', Dwayne Johnson played defense for the football team. After mostly retiring from professional wrestling, The Rock became an action-movie star and is reportedly one of the ever. Johnson's creates a variety of hit TV shows and films, and recently The Rock received a signature line from .

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Cristie Kerr

Cristie Kerr won almost $20 million in earnings as a professional golfer before carving a path as a businesswoman. Kerr, who once appeared on 鈥,鈥 is a respected name in . Kerr developed a variety of as part of her own winery.

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Kobe Bryant

Two years after retiring from the NBA in 2016, Kobe Bryant won an for a short film, 鈥淒ear Basketball,鈥 released by his Granity Studios company. Bryant鈥檚 $6 million investment in BodyArmor sports drinks over a few years. Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter crash .

8 / 50
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Angel McCoughtry

A five-time WNBA All-Star, Angel McCoughtry is one of women鈥檚 basketball鈥檚 most lethal scorers. But since women鈥檚 basketball salaries have long paled compared to NBA stars, McCoughtry and others have sought out additional methods to build a nest egg. McCoughtry, 33, became a successful businesswoman by starting a chain of .

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Diamond Dallas Page

Diamond Dallas Page was once a standout basketball player before he entered the world of professional wrestling. After his in-ring career ended, Page became a dedicated yogi and started DDP Yoga. The program was featured on 鈥淪hark Tank鈥 and is particularly 鈥攚ho incur many injuries over their career鈥攂ut also everyday folk have become immersed in 鈥.鈥

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Mia Hamm

Mia Hamm, after completing one of the most storied careers in soccer history, entered the boardroom. Hamm is one owner of the soccer club and also works with FC Barcelona and A.S. Roma. The n raises funds for bone marrow transplants and to create more opportunities for girls and women in sport.

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Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe is outspoken in her advocacy for and the two-time World Cup champion carries the same message with her lifestyle brand that embraces gender-neutral design and inclusivity. Rapinoe has a multitude of endorsements, but she鈥檚 not just another celebrity shill; Forbes described Rapinoe as a 鈥.鈥

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Rob Dyrdek

Rob Dyrdek has long been one of the biggest names in extreme sports, but he reached mainstream fame in the mid-2000s with the MTV show 鈥.鈥 That led to spin-off shows, video game appearances, and Dyrdek鈥檚 own . Dyrdek also holds a variety of Guinness World Records.

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Justin Forsett

Former running back Justin Forsett made one Pro Bowl during a nine-year NFL career and now is tackling hygiene. Forsett and college teammates created , a product that acts like a disposable wipe for the body to replace having to shower multiple times a day. Forsett appeared on 鈥淪hark Tank,鈥 and although he did not leave with a deal, ShowerPill stirred enough interest to create in sales a few hours after the episode aired.

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Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer, who won seven major tournaments, and made iced tea and lemonade mixes popular, was one of golf鈥檚 smartest businessmen. Palmer helped found , around the world, and owned several across the country.

15 / 50
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Mario Lemieux

After Mario Lemieux's Hall of Fame hockey career, the six-time NHL scoring champion became a . Lemieux, who won two Stanley Cups as a player, has delivered three more to the Penguins franchise as owner. Locally, Lemieux also opened the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex and his foundation raises millions for cancer research.

16 / 50
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Derek Jeter

After retiring from baseball, former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter led an ownership group to purchase the Miami Marlins . Jeter also started The Players鈥 Tribune, a website with personal stories crafted by athletes. The Players鈥 Tribune launched in 2015 with in funding, backed by companies like Alphabet.

17 / 50
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Master P

Percy Miller (better known as Master P) was supposed to star on the . Master P eventually played for the Toronto Raptors, but his slam dunk came in the music industry. Master P founded No Limit records, which he claims sold over , and enabled Miller to fund several .

18 / 50
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Lonzo Ball

Before Lonzo Ball ever played an NBA game, he was making waves in the business world. Ball鈥檚 father, LaVar, helped create the Big Baller Brand, of which Lonzo was supposed to be the face, helping to sell expensive basketball shoes. However, Big Baller Brand eventually , proving that not all young entrepreneurs craft success stories.

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Lionel Messi

As one of the world鈥檚 most popular athletes, Lionel Messi should be a magnet for endorsements. Messi, who earned a reported in 2019 thanks to deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and other brands, has taken his name branding up a notch. Messi works with to create luxury watches that regularly sell for $30,000鈥$60,000.

20 / 50
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Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya collected a gold medal and world boxing championships, then followed his in-ring career with more success as a promoter. Established in 2002, put on some of the biggest fights over the past two decades. Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao, and Deontay Wilder are just some champs to have Golden Boy promoted fights.

21 / 50
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Maria Sharapova

For years, Maria Sharapova has been one of the top earning female athletes in the world, with Forbes reporting her 鈥溾 worth as $195 million. Sharapova, who鈥檚 won five Grand Slam titles, started Sugarpova candy company, and created looks for on and off the court.

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Michael Jordan

Although Michael Jordan hasn鈥檛 played in the NBA in almost 20 years, he remains one of the world鈥檚 most recognizable and influential athletes. Since 2010, Jordan has been the of an NBA franchise in Charlotte. Jordan also regularly finds his way into TV commercials, and the line of athletic wear remains a worldwide force.

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Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch returned to the NFL late last season, but the running back known as 鈥淏east Mode鈥 was already making gains off the field. Lynch started and as the foundation of a business 鈥渆mpire鈥 according to Ad Age. Lynch鈥檚 most savvy business move might be saving most of his NFL salary and .

24 / 50
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Shaun White

Shaun White is one of the most famous and accomplished snowboarders ever. White also designs products for , has made several big , and invests in ski resorts.

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Annika Sorenstam

Annika Sorenstam collected 10 major championships and then became a noted , putting her stamp on links across the globe. Sorenstam also opened a golf academy and .

26 / 50
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David Beckham

David Beckham owns full control of his partnerships and brands, which includes ownership of football club. Aside from lucrative deals with Adidas, Beckham launched a soccer academy and has been for clubs around the world.

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Richard Sherman

Super Bowl champion Richard Sherman still gets it done on the gridiron, but has already made several investments that should pay off after his career. Sherman invested in several locations and forged with Samsung and The Players鈥 Tribune.

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Marques Colston

Marques Colston retired a Super Bowl winner and then sought to score a touchdown in the investment game. Colston is a co-owner of the and like Enerskin, which produces compression athletic gear. Colston also owned a piece of the former indoor football team.

29 / 50
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Stephen Curry

Steph Curry basketball with rainbow three-pointers from beyond 25 feet. Curry has also displayed deft range in the business world. will create a separate athletic brand for Curry; and outside of sports, the two-time NBA most-valuable player is .

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Danica Patrick

A groundbreaking racecar driver, Danica Patrick also knows how to navigate the business world. Patrick helped create wines, owns , and started a Patrick has numerous endorsements and has been  as one of the world's most influential people.

31 / 50
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Dave Bing

Following a successful NBA career, Dave Bing started a steel company that once had revenues of . Bing also created an and was named mayor of Detroit. However, the steel and auto ventures eventually , and Detroit under Bing鈥檚 mayoral term.

32 / 50
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Baron Davis

Even when he was an NBA All-Star, Baron Davis had his sights on the entertainment industry. Davis fulfilled that vision by and documentaries and feature films. Davis has also filled his time with gaming companies and apparel.

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Drew Brees

Drew Brees is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history and is still going, but his success is not confined to the football field. Brees is a , noted philanthropist, and owns several . Brees is also a partner and executive board member of equity firm , which specializes in health and fitness franchising.

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Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant has investments in at least 25 companies, including Lime and Imperfect Foods. Durant鈥檚 is creating a variety of media, from movies to interviews. That led Forbes to describe Durant鈥檚 business moves as an 鈥.鈥

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Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson found success owning and even became an owner of the Los Angeles Lakers after winning five NBA titles with the franchise. Johnson has also been an owner of the and Los Angeles Sparks and runs that focuses on multicultural communities.

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Steve Nash

Before he morphed into a two-time MVP, Steve Nash was a soccer fiend. Nash now owns stakes in the Vancouver Whitecaps and in Spain. For almost 15 years, Nash has helped run his own .

37 / 50
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Cristiano Ronaldo

Among Cristiano Ronaldo鈥檚 current ventures: perfumes, denim, gyms, and underwear. As the first person to reach on Instagram, Ronaldo undoubtedly has mass market influence, and the soccer star has big plans for business after he retires.

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Brian Orakpo And Michael Griffin

You might not expect two NFL athletes to become cupcake honchos, but that鈥檚 exactly what Brian Orakpo and Michael Griffin have accomplished. , started by the two former Tennessee Titans, gained national recognition in a . As Griffin told ESPN: 鈥淚t's not just about investing. It's about learning where your money is going. Players' businesses often fail because they're hands-off. They just throw money at stuff. And when it does fail, you don't know why it failed."

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Roger Staubach

Roger Staubach is many things: Pro Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl Champion, and successful businessman. Staubach鈥檚 acumen includes selling his firm for $ in 2008.

40 / 50
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Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong earned millions in endorsements after winning seven Tour de France titles, but was stripped of the championships and much of his earnings after Armstrong was found . Armstrong's Livestrong Foundation also lost prestige, but he rebounded financially with an early investment in .

41 / 50
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George Foreman

Since 1994, George Foreman has helped sell tens of millions of . The Grill is actually the creation of Salton Inc., with Foreman playing the role of celebrity endorser. Regardless of official titles, the Foreman Grill is often considered .

42 / 50
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Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus won 18 major championships and has some of the world鈥檚 most esteemed golf courses. Nicklaus has authored and been the face of golf video games, helping make him of all time.

43 / 50
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Carl Banks

Carl Banks is beloved in New York for helping the Giants win two Super Bowls. After football, Banks started , which creates officially licensed apparel for the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, and college teams. GIII recently revived the Starter Jacket brand and works with Alyssa Milano鈥檚 Touch apparel for women.

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Vinnie Johnson

As a two-time NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons, Vinnie Johnson was known as 鈥淭he Microwave.鈥 But after his career, Johnson became known for selling automotive parts. supplies Ford and GM and grew from a single Detroit facility to a company with locations across the Midwest.

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John Elway

John Elway played his entire career with the Denver Broncos and led the franchise to its first two Super Bowl titles. Later, Elway entered the Broncos front office, and also owns many restaurants and car dealerships, some of which he sold to AutoNation for .

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Cal Ripken Jr.

Cal Ripken Jr. is baseball鈥檚 鈥淚ron Man,鈥 having started consecutive games. After retiring and entering the Baseball Hall of Fame, Ripken Jr. bought ownership stakes in several . Ripken Jr. also started a baseball complex and runs , a nationwide youth league.

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Kristi Yamaguchi

Kristi Yamaguchi captured the hearts of Americans with her 1992 Olympic gold medal in figure skating. Later, she wanted to outfit them in comfortable athletic wear, starting the fashion line. The clothing line later closed, but Yamaguchi鈥檚 Always Dream Foundation remains committed to promoting .

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Simone Biles

Simone Biles has four Olympic gold medals and her own line of . Biles also created a collection of and on the importance of money management.

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J. J. Watt

Before J. J. Watt became a football star, he was a . Now, Watt works in conjunction with major corporations like Reliant Energy, but his true power lies in philanthropy. Watt raised for Hurricane Harvey relief and has also donated to .

50 / 50
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LeBron James

LeBron James not only has top-selling sneakers and tons of endorsements; he is a true media mogul who understands the value of . James and friend Maverick Carter started production company before launching Uninterrupted, a media venture with backing by Warner Bros. Some of James' most notable entertainment successes include "" on HBO, helping produce a album, and starting a company with Cindy Crawford, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Lindsey Vonn.

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