When debating about the NBA’s most iconic players, the two names that always pop up are Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal. Both inevitably fit in the legendary positions in the league, and their fans know it well. Now, when one talks about their net worth comparison, it gets pretty much difficult to just presume who earns more than whom. As for Johnson and O’Neal, both are former NBA players, and their current net worth is undoubtedly more than what they earned while playing for the big league. Magic Johnson has always been an exceptional all-time scorer, and so is his net worth. He has been involved in several other charity works and events, brand endorsements, and other businesses, which have helped him earn a notable amount. As for Shaquille O’Neal, he is a 4x NBA Champion and has earned himself the title of the Most Valuable Player three times. His net worth stands somewhat close to Magic Johnson’s. From the NBA salary cap to the contract details and brand endorsements, here is everything you need to know about the former NBA legends and their net worth in 2025.
Magic Johnson’s net worth in 2025, NBA salary, contract details and brand endorsements
As of 2025, Magic Johnson’s net worth stands at $1.5 billion (per Forbes). While playing for 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson earned a total salary of $40 million. He is one of the richest basketball players in the history of the big league. His contract details include one of the most groundbreaking contracts with the Los Angeles Lakers, which was signed by him in the year 1984, earning and averaging $1 million annually until 2009. His charity works started with his own foundation, known as the “Magic Johnson Foundation”, started in 1991, to help people suffering from AIDS, a disease that Johnson has been fighting since that very year. Apart from this, he has also been involved with various brands such as Nike, Starbucks, TJI Fridays, Sodexo, and Equitrust, which have helped him build his massive wealth beyond basketball.
Shaquille O’Neal’s net worth in 2025-26, NBA salary, contract details, and brand endorsements
Shaquille O’Neal’s net worth in 2025 stands at $500 million (per Celebrity Net Worth). Apart from this, his NBA salary includes a total of $286 to $296 million, which he has earned over his 19-season career in the NBA, and that is huge. O’Neal’s massive contract details include a seven-year $120 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, which was signed in 1996, making him one of the highest-paid players at that time.His brand endorsements include working and partnering up with high-profile brands like Papa John’s, General Insurance, and his own gummy candy brand, that is, the Shaq-a-licious candy. He has partnered with Reebok, thereby becoming its President, which has ultimately led to a significant transformation in his net worth. Also read: What is Magic Johnson’s net worth in 2025? NBA earnings, investments and more