LeBron James’ 10 greatest off-the-court achievements

Back in 2021, LeBron James made a move to join Fenway Sports Group as a partner to become one of the first black owners. In the process, James became the part owner of several organizations such as the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool F.C., RFK Racing, and New England Sports Network.

As part owner of Liverpool F.C., the organization saw plenty of success including becoming Premier League Champions during the 2019-20 season. It was the first time an NBA player won a Premier League championship. Recently, Liverpool F.C. also conquered the Carabao Cup.

9. Blaze Pizza

Fresh from winning his first NBA championship, James invested in Blaze Pizza for $1 million. Since then, the pizza chain has operated in 19 outlets in Chicago and Miami. Years later, James’ stake has grown up to at least $35 million, according to Sportskeeda.

8. Beats Electronics

Aside from his investment in Blaze Pizza, James continued to rake in huge money as a businessman after investing in Beats Electronics. Years later, Apple purchased the firm for $3 billion. After the transaction, James enjoyed a lucrative $30 million payday.

7. Lifetime endorsement deal with Nike

With LeBron James sticking with Nike throughout his decorated NBA career, it isn’t surprising that The King is sticking with the sports giant for the rest of his life. In fact, Nike rewarded James with a lifetime deal worth $1 billion.

6. Primetime Emmy Award nomination

During the same year LeBron James won a championship with the Purple and Gold, James also served as the producer to the Disney TV series Becoming. The series featured successful celebrities and athletes and how they overcame their obstacles to becoming who they are today.

For producing the series, James earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program.

5. Smashing Hollywood debut in Trainwreck

Prior to being a producer, James actually made his Hollywood film debut in 2015’s Trainwreck. Here, James acted alongside big-time Hollywood celebrities such as Amy Schumer, Brie Larson, Bill Hader and John Cena. Trainwreck grossed nearly $141 million around the world against a $35 million  budget.

4. SpringHill Company

With some experience on the big screen, James served as a founder for entertainment and production firm SpringHill Company. Some of SpringHill Company’s notable works include the hit Netflix series Adam Sandler’s Hustle, Fantasy Football, What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali and House Party.

However, its biggest production has to be LeBron James’ Space Jam: The New Legacy. The film grossed over $163 million worldwide against a $150 million budget.

3. More Than a Vote campaign

After being told to “Shut up and dribble,” James didn’t let his critics stop him from using his platform to voice out against social injustices. In fact, The King decided to serve as a founder for the More Than a Vote campaign. The campaign aims to battle voter suppression. Furthermore the move promoted ballot access for Black voters.

2. Being a great family man

While James is often both commended and hated for his achievements on the court, there’s no question that James’ behavior as a family man is often overlooked. While it’s a growing norm that common world-class athletes and celebrities engage in activities that ruin marriages and families, James has stayed dedicated as a family man in terms of being a good husband and father.

Moreover, he not only provided his family in terms of basic necessities but also found a way to be present by giving them a tremendous amount of support and love.

1. The LeBron James Family Foundation

But among LeBron James’ achievements, there’s no question that his philanthropic efforts has positively affected the community in boundaries no one can ever imagine. With the LeBron James Family Foundation, James helped open the I Promise School.

The I Promise School caters to the “at-most-risk” students by providing them free tuition, free uniforms, free transportation, free meals, etc. In addition to this, students who meet the criteria will have the benefit of attending the University of Akron with a guaranteed tuition.

In addition to the I Promise School, James also promoted a tightly knitted community with the LeBron James Family Foundation. Some of the other projects include the I Promise Institute, I Promise Program, and House Three Thirty.