Serena Williams and the 9 Most Successful Entrepreneur Athletes From the sports arena to the business arena, here are 10 athletes who've built mega successful businesses both on and off the field.
By Jonathan Small •
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Some of these athletes have led squeaky-clean public lives. Others? Not so much. But controversies aside, there is one thing that can not be disputed: these superstars have been super smart when it comes to business. Here is a look at some of the most entrepreneurial-minded men and women in sports.
LeBron James
Known for: Winning NBA titles wherever he goes
Net worth: $300 million
Businesses: Uninterrupted, a social media company that connects athletes with fans. Blaze, a restaurant chain that's been called the Chipotle of pizza. Spring Hill Entertainment, a production company that recently signed a deal with Warner Bros. Signed a lifetime deal with Nike.
He said it: "You can't be afraid to fail. It's the only way you succeed -- you're not gonna succeed all the time, and I know that."
Related: 5 Lessons From LeBron James About Big Goals and Proving the Doubters Wrong
Serena Williams
Known for: Dominating her opponents to the tune of 21 Grand Slam singles titles
Net worth: $150 million
Businesses: Signature Statement clothing line for HSN. Endorsements for Nike, Chase, Beats, Delta Airlines, Gatorade, and Pepsi. Co-owner of Miami Dolphins (with sister Venus)
She said it: "The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you're very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble."
Michael Jordan
Known for: Dunking his way into the best basketball player of all time
Net worth: $1.2 billion
Businesses: Majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Pitchman for Hanes, Gatorade, Nike and other brands, earning him estimated $100 million per year.
He said it: "To be successful you have to be selfish, or else you never achieve. And once you get to your highest level, then you have to be unselfish. Stay reachable. Stay in touch. Don't isolate."
Maria Sharapova
Known for: Grand slamming to five major titles. Getting suspended two years for failing a drug test.
Net worth: $125 million
Businesses: Sugarpova, a candy line specializing in Gummi bears and chocolate
She said it: "If everything was going smoothly you would never build character."
Related: Maria Sharapova to Attend Harvard Program Amidst Doping Scandal
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Known for: Dazzling the world with five NBA championships, advocating for HIV/AIDs awareness and being a business powerhouse
Net worth: $600 million
Businesses: Magic Johnson Enterprises, an investment conglomerate valued at $1 billion. Co-owns LA Dodgers, LA Sparks and LA Football Club
He said it: "Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates."
Tony Hawk
Known for: Landing 900s on the half pipe and video game icon
Net worth: $120 million
Businesses: BirdHouse, his skateboard and apparel line. Tony Hawk Pro Skater video game franchise. Kohl's clothing line.
He said it: "Follow your passion, whatever it is. Learn everything about it."
George Foreman
Known for: Knocking out fighters in the ring and grilling steaks in the kitchen
Net worth: $250 million
Businesses: George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine (also know as the George Foreman Grill). The indoor, electrically charged grill has sold 150 million units worldwide.
He said it: "Be the nicest person anyone's ever met in business. ... People want to feel good, and feel good about their purchases. So be nice to work with. And be who you are when no one's looking."
Arnold Palmer
Known for: Putting his way into golfing superstardom and inventing that deliciously refreshing drink
Net worth: $675 million
Businesses: The Golf Channel. Bay Hill Golf Resort. Arnold Palmer Enterprises. The Arnold Palmer line of AriZona beverages
He said it: "Winning isn't everything, but wanting it is."
Tiger Woods
Known for: Teeing up 13 major golf championships
Net worth: $825 million
Businesses: Tiger Woods Design, a golf course design firm. Sol Republic Tiger Woods Headphones. The Woods Jupiter restaurant. Endorsements for Rolex, Nike, Upper Deck.
He said it: "Never listen to other people's expectations. You should live your life and live up to your own expectations."
Related: Professional Athletes: The Next Generation of Tech Entrepreneurs
Roger Staubach
Known for: Passing his way into the hall of fame for the Dallas Cowboys
Net worth: $600 million
Businesses: His real estate empire The Staubach Company sold for $640 million in 2008. Executive chairman of JLL, a global real estate advisory firm.
He said it: "There are no traffic jams along the extra mile."
