Magic Johnson has crafted a master plan for excelling as a sports investor. Since stepping away from basketball for good in 1996, the Lakers icon has built an impressive empire in the sports industry, with his holdings reportedly exceeding $1 billion.
Over 13 seasons in the NBA, he guided the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships, claimed three MVP titles, and appeared in 12 All-Star games, among numerous accolades. However, it’s his accomplishments beyond basketball that have truly solidified his legacy as a legend both in sports and business.
Magic Johnson’s Real-Estate Portfolio
Since retiring from basketball, Johnson has built a powerhouse business empire. Through Magic Johnson Enterprises, he has expanded into various industries, launching ventures such as Magic Johnson Productions, a promotional company; Magic Johnson Entertainment, a film studio; and Magic Johnson Theaters, a national movie theater chain. His investments span Starbucks locations, fitness centers, fast food franchises, and major sports and fashion brands.
Beyond business, he has remained a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness through the Magic Johnson Foundation, a cause close to his heart since his diagnosis in 1991.
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While making strategic investments, Johnson has also indulged in a love for luxurious real estate, primarily in Los Angeles, where he has owned stakes in teams like the Dodgers, Sparks, and LAFC. Below is a look at some of the places he has called home over the years.
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1981: Bel Air Mansion
Just two years after being drafted by the Lakers in 1979, Johnson built a custom home in the exclusive Moraga Estates neighborhood of Bel Air. Designed with entertainment in mind, the 10,000-square-foot property featured six bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms, and standout amenities like a media room overlooking an indoor basketball court. A locker room, autographed by fellow NBA players, added a personal touch, while outdoor highlights included a pool, spa, fire pit, and built-in barbecue. Johnson lived there until 1990. While the sale price remains unknown, the home was listed for $14.5 million in 2022.
1980s: Maui Vacation Retreat
At the height of the Lakers’ Showtime era, Johnson owned a vacation home in Napili Bay, Maui, situated in the exclusive, gated Papaua Place community. The beachfront location and breathtaking ocean views made the area so synonymous with him that locals referred to it as “Magic Johnson’s Street.” Eventually, he and his wife, Cookie, decided the location was too far from their primary residence and opted to sell it in favor of a more convenient getaway.
1990: Beverly Park Estate
Ahead of his 1991 marriage to Cookie Kelly, Johnson purchased a sprawling estate in the prestigious Beverly Park neighborhood. Originally spanning 12,000 square feet, the Mediterranean-style mansion featured a tennis court, pool, outdoor lagoon, and a built-in bar and fire pit. Over time, Johnson expanded it to 14,000 square feet and increased the number of bedrooms from four to nine to accommodate his growing family. The home’s standout feature was his “man cave,” where he displayed all of his career trophies and five NBA championship rings, which he revealed in a 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey. While initially listed for $6 million in 1992 and later for nearly $8 million in 1998, the couple still appears to own the property.
2007: Orange County Beach House
By the early 2000s, Johnson and his family sought a vacation home closer to Los Angeles. While reminiscing about past getaways, Cookie suggested purchasing a property near the ocean, leading them to a $7.6 million, three-story Tuscan-style villa in Orange County. The 7,700-square-foot home boasts five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a home theater, a wine cellar, and an ocean-facing pool with private beach access. Nearly every room offers views of Catalina Island, creating a perfect escape. Cookie described the home’s decor as a balance of contemporary style and comfort, ensuring a welcoming and fun environment. The couple still owns this residence today.
2010s: Las Vegas Mansion
In recent years, Johnson has explored expanding his sports ownership portfolio, reportedly engaging in discussions to acquire a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. Long before this, he was believed to have owned a lavish Las Vegas mansion designed for entertainment. The property allegedly included a two-lane bowling alley, a basketball court, a tennis court, a racquetball court, a batting cage, an indoor and outdoor pool, a rock-climbing wall, and even an in-ground trampoline. While details about the purchase and current ownership status remain unclear, the estate was yet another example of Johnson’s taste for grandeur.
From high-profile business ventures to luxurious real estate, Magic Johnson has built a legacy that extends far beyond the basketball court. His investments and lifestyle choices continue to reflect the same level of ambition and excellence that defined his career in the NBA.
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