What Does Magic Johnson Own? A Look At His Sports And Business Empire

Orpha White 26 Jul 2025

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a name that brings back memories of incredible basketball plays and championship wins, has truly moved past his legendary sports career. He is, to be honest, much more than just a former basketball player or a commentator you see on TV. His story shows us how someone can go from being a sports superstar to a very powerful person in the business world, inspiring so many people who dream of starting their own companies. It's really quite something to see how he built this.

You know, for a long time after he stopped playing in the NBA, many wondered what would be next for him. Well, he didn't just fade away. He picked up the ball, so to speak, in a completely different kind of arena. Magic Johnson has, in a way, turned his incredible drive and smarts into a very diverse collection of businesses and different kinds of money-making projects. These go from big buildings and land all the way to things that help people stay healthy.

So, if you've ever thought about what Earvin "Magic" Johnson does with his time these days, or perhaps where his money comes from, you're in for a pretty interesting look. This article is going to open up his world of ownership, showing you the many companies and teams he has a part in. We'll explore the history of his business journey, how his companies are set up, and some other important details about his holdings. It's quite a fascinating journey, really.

Who is Earvin "Magic" Johnson?
- Early Life and Basketball Greatness
- Personal Details and Bio Data
Magic Johnson Enterprises: The Foundation of an Empire
- A Vision for Business
- Diverse Investments and Holdings
Sports Team Ownership: A Growing Portfolio
Franchise Investments and Beyond
- National Brands Fueled by "The Magic Effect"
- Other Ventures and Influence
Frequently Asked Questions About Magic Johnson's Holdings

Who is Earvin "Magic" Johnson?

Early Life and Basketball Greatness

Earvin "Magic" Johnson is, well, an American entrepreneur and a former basketball player who became a household name. He left Michigan State University after his second year of college to go play with the Los Angeles Lakers. This was a pretty big decision, and it really set him on a path to greatness in the sport. He played for the Lakers for thirteen seasons, and during that time, he won just about every award and championship possible. It's a record that speaks for itself, really.

After he retired from the NBA in 1996, following those thirteen seasons, he didn't just disappear from the public eye. He stayed involved in the world of basketball, which makes sense given his background. But, he also started to look at other things he could do. He put a lot of effort into other forms of making money and also worked very hard as an HIV/AIDS activist. So, you know, he kept himself quite busy even after his playing days were over.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Full Name	Earvin Johnson Jr.
Nickname	Magic Johnson
Known For	Former NBA Player, Entrepreneur, Activist
Birth Year	1959
Retired from NBA	1996
Founded Magic Johnson Enterprises	1987
Honorary Degree	Doctor of Business (2015)

Magic Johnson Enterprises: The Foundation of an Empire

A Vision for Business

Magic Johnson Enterprises, or M.J.E. as it's sometimes called, is an investment company that was started by the basketball hall of famer himself. This company, founded back in 1987, is based in Beverly Hills, California. It's kind of the central point for all his business activities. Over the last three decades, he has, in a way, built a truly impressive collection of businesses through this company. It's pretty clear he had a strong vision for what he wanted to do, even while he was still playing basketball.

This company is, you know, a big reason why he's seen as such a successful businessman. It's not just about putting money into things; it's about building something that lasts. He has, apparently, become one of the richest people in the state because of these kinds of thoughtful investments he made after stepping away from the NBA. It really shows how much he understood about making smart moves, both on and off the court.

Diverse Investments and Holdings

Magic Johnson Enterprises covers a pretty wide range of different business activities. This includes things like insurance, which might seem a little surprising for a sports star, but it shows his broad approach. His portfolio of businesses and investments is quite varied, going from big real estate projects to things in the healthcare field. It's a pretty clear sign that he doesn't put all his eggs in one basket, so to speak.

You can, for example, find out what companies Magic Johnson owns, their history, how they are owned, and other important details when you look into M.J.E. This company has really allowed him to become a very influential person in the business world. He's not just a famous name; he's someone who genuinely knows how to make money and build successful ventures. It’s a remarkable transformation, honestly, from athlete to business leader.

Sports Team Ownership: A Growing Portfolio

Los Angeles Dodgers: A Grand Slam Investment

Magic Johnson first got into owning sports teams in 2012. He joined a new group that bought the Los Angeles Dodgers. This was a pretty big deal at the time, and it was a clear sign of his growing interest in the business side of sports. Their group, which included Guggenheim Baseball Management, Mark Walter, and Stan Kasten, successfully bought the Dodgers out of bankruptcy. They paid a significant amount for the team, specifically $2.15 billion, which was a huge sum, even then.

So, to be clear, yes, Magic Johnson is a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move was, in a way, a grand slam for him, marking his official entry into major league sports ownership. The Los Angeles Dodgers are an American professional baseball team, and he has been involved with them on the executive side since retiring from playing. It's a pretty strong connection he has kept with sports, just in a different role.

Washington Commanders: Expanding into the NFL

Just recently, Magic Johnson expanded his business empire even more. He became a limited partner in the NFL's Washington Commanders. This was a moment that, apparently, brought him tears of joy, showing how much it meant to him. It's a big step for him, adding a football team to his collection of sports holdings. He is, very notably, among the minority owners of the Commanders, which is a significant role.

This move makes him a part of the new ownership group for the NFL team. It further shows how serious he is about being a major player in the world of professional sports ownership. It's pretty cool to see someone who was such a legend in one sport now making big moves in others. He's definitely not afraid to take on new challenges, that's for sure.

WNBA's Sparks and MLS's LAFC: Supporting Other Leagues

Magic Johnson's sports empire isn't just about baseball and football, you know. He also has part ownership stakes in teams across four different leagues. This includes the WNBA's Sparks and the MLS's LAFC. These investments show his broader interest in sports and his desire to support different leagues. It's not just about the biggest, most popular sports; he seems to genuinely care about the growth of sports generally.

He has, in a way, become a very important figure in professional sports ownership, spreading his influence across various teams. This kind of diverse ownership really makes his portfolio stand out. He’s not just a basketball guy; he’s a sports guy, through and through, it seems.

Washington Spirit: Adding to the Mix

Lakers legend Magic Johnson has, in fact, added another team to his portfolio. He is now a partial owner of the NWSL's Washington Spirit. This further expands his reach into professional sports. It means he now has stakes in the Dodgers, Sparks, LAFC, Commanders, and the Spirit. This latest move just happened recently, so it's a fresh addition to his impressive list of team ownerships.

It's pretty clear that he has a real passion for being involved in sports, even after his playing days are over. This kind of investment also shows a belief in the growth of women's professional sports, which is, you know, a very positive thing. He's really putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to supporting different leagues and teams.

The Lakers Connection: A Lasting Bond

Now, many people often wonder, does Magic Johnson own any part of the Lakers? It's a fair question, given his deep history with the team. He is, undoubtedly, a Los Angeles Lakers legend. He played for the Lakers for thirteen seasons, and he won pretty much everything possible during that time. He has, of course, been involved with the Lakers even after his playing career ended, holding various roles.

However, the text provided does not say he currently owns any part of the Lakers. While he has been involved with them in other capacities, his ownership stakes are specifically mentioned for the Dodgers, Commanders, Sparks, LAFC, and the Washington Spirit. The current owner of the Commanders, for example, Harris, has a very large estimated net worth, according to Forbes, but that's a different team altogether. So, while his heart is clearly with the Lakers, his ownership money is in other teams, it seems.

Franchise Investments and Beyond

National Brands Fueled by "The Magic Effect"

Beyond his ownership in major sports teams, Magic Johnson has also put his money into a lot of franchise units. He owns over 100 franchise units across various chains. This is a pretty significant number, and it shows another side of his business strategy. He also holds partnership and minority stakes in other national brands. This means he has a hand in many different types of businesses that you might see every day.

It's like, he's not just buying big, famous teams; he's also investing in everyday businesses that serve communities. This kind of wide-ranging investment strategy has, in a way, been fueled by what people call "the Magic Johnson effect." It suggests that his involvement brings a certain level of trust and excitement to these brands. It's pretty smart, really, to diversify like that.

Other Ventures and Influence

Magic Johnson's business activities go beyond just sports teams and franchises. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, has a diverse portfolio that, as mentioned earlier, includes real estate and healthcare. This shows his broad interest in different sectors of the economy. He has, apparently, invested in many companies since retiring from the NBA, which helped him become one of the richest people in his state. This is, you know, a testament to his business sense.

In 2015, he even received an honorary doctor of business degree, which is a pretty cool recognition of his achievements outside of basketball. He has truly become an influential person in the business world, inspiring many aspiring entrepreneurs with his success story. It’s pretty clear he’s built something truly special, a very extensive business and investment portfolio that keeps growing. You can learn more about his financial standing on sites like Forbes, for example, to get a better sense of his overall wealth and ventures.

His story is, basically, one of continuous growth and adapting to new challenges. He didn't just rest on his basketball fame. Instead, he worked diligently to build a completely different kind of empire. It’s a pretty inspiring journey, to be honest. He has shown that a successful career in one field can definitely open doors to significant achievements in others. Learn more about his incredible journey on our site, and perhaps link to this page for more insights into his life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Magic Johnson's Holdings

Does Magic Johnson own the Los Angeles Dodgers?

Yes, he does. As mentioned earlier, Magic Johnson is a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He teamed up with Guggenheim Baseball Management, Mark Walter, and Stan Kasten in January 2012 to make a bid for the team. Their group successfully bought the Dodgers out of bankruptcy for $2.15 billion. So, he definitely has a stake in that baseball team, which was one of his first big moves into sports ownership.

How many businesses does Magic Johnson own?

Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr., as an entrepreneur, has a pretty diverse set of holdings. He has, in a way, built an impressive business empire through his company, Magic Johnson Enterprises (M.J.E.), which includes a wide range of ventures. He owns over 100 franchise units across various chains. Additionally, he holds partnership and minority stakes in many national brands. His portfolio also includes real estate and healthcare investments. So, it's not just one or two things; it's a lot of different businesses and investments, which is pretty significant.

Does Magic Johnson own the Commanders?

Yes, he does. Magic Johnson is a part of the new ownership group for the NFL team, the Washington Commanders. He became a limited partner in the team, which was a very recent and exciting development for him. Most notable among the minority owners of the Commanders is indeed Lakers legend Magic Johnson. So, he's definitely got a piece of that football team, adding to his growing list of sports team ownerships.

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