More Than Athletes: How Three Basketball Legends Turned Success Into Generational Impact

Magic Happens On and Off the Court for Earvin Johnson  

By: Mykell Mathieu 

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is one of the greatest athletes this country has ever seen. From his amateur career all the way up through the pros, Magic Johnson was great. 

Championships, MVP awards, Olympic gold medals and more. There wasn’t much that he couldn’t do and didn’t achieve as one of the top five greatest basketball players to ever play.  

Arguably one of the greatest Los Angeles Lakers of all time, Johnson played 13 seasons in the NBA and was truly showtime to watch. Though I was born after the best parts of his playing career, he remains one of my favorite athletes of all time.  

From stories from my dad (RIP) of watching him live, watching for myself with complete game footage on YouTube, and the many great documentaries I’ve seen on his career, I believe Johnson is the greatest point guard to ever live! 

But what if I told you that he has become even more magical after his illustrious basketball career? 

Johnson has truly become one of the great examples for athletes on how to be successful after their playing career. Though he isn’t on the floor anymore, showing his greatness, he still proves to be a winner. 

Johnson has won 15 championships during his career; of course, we know the one in college with Michigan State knocking off Larry Bird and Indiana  State in the NCAA Championship game, and we know the five as a Los Angeles Laker while taking the NBA to new heights. He also added nine more championships as an owner. 

He is a former part-owner of the Lakers, a founding member of Guggenheim Baseball Management, which is the managing entity of the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), and also a part-owner of the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), Los Angeles FC (MLS) the Washington Commanders (NFL), and the Washington Spirit (NWSL). 

Magic happens no matter where Johnson is. He founded Magic Johnson Enterprises in 1987.  Located in Beverly Hills, the enterprise formerly owned several Magic Johnson theaters, 24-Hour Fitness, and much more. 

His company has continually invested ownership in many lucrative businesses such as T.G.I Fridays, Sodexo, Best Buy, EquiTrust Life Insurance Co, Starbucks, and Burger King. The company offers strategic partnerships, direct investments, marketing, and speaking engagements. 

Johnson has been known for years for his investment in urban neighborhoods nationwide. His urban investments were formed in 2001 as the Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund, an alliance with Canyon Capital. The alliance has financed 31 real estate developments in 13 states and Washington, DC. 

Johnson has become one of the most beloved athletes ever due to his added success after his playing career. He isn’t a consistent face on TV, nor does he have the highest-selling sneaker, but he has become the blueprint for success after the game. 

Today, his net worth is up to $1.5 billion. Not too bad for a guy from Lansing,  Michigan. May the magic of Magic continue to rain on the rest of his journey!

From the Court to the Corner Office – Vinnie Johnson’s Lasting Legacy

By: Eric Lambkins II

When Vinnie Johnson sank the game-winning shot for the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of the 1990 NBA Finals, little did anyone know that his lasting impact would extend beyond the basketball court. 

Nicknamed “The Microwave” due to his knack for heating up and scoring when coming off the bench, Johnson’s determination and ability to perform under pressure solidified his position in Pistons’ history during the “Bad Boys” era. 

His journey from being an NBA star to becoming a figure in the industry and a generous philanthropist was extraordinary. He showcases his resilience and foresight alongside his deep connection to the vibrant city of Detroit. 

Johnson quit the NBA in 1992 after 13 seasons, with two championship wins and a strong reputation as one of the NBA’s best sixth men. Transitioning to life after the NBA left him grappling with the common question that plagues many athletes – “What now?” 

Recalling later how basketball defined his existence, Johnson decided to redefine himself. The uncertainty of retirement allowed him to explore opportunities in coaching and broadcasting as he sought a new path to forge. Detroit called to him again as an entrepreneur after embracing him during his time as a player in the city. 

In 1995, Johnson established an automotive supply company, Piston Group. Using his fame and connections from his time with the Pistons, the company started small by providing components to manufacturers. Johnson tackled business with the same fervor he did on the basketball court, delving into the industry, bringing in leaders, and focusing on creativity. “In basketball, you have to adjust, or you’ll fall behind,” Johnson explained. “The same goes for business.”

His timing was spot-on as Detroit’s automotive sector dealt with globalization and significant changes; Piston Group flourished by prioritizing quality and efficiency while keeping up with the industry shifts around them. 

The company quickly grew its operations, landing deals with major players like General Motors and Stellantis. By 2023, Piston Group proudly announced a revenue exceeding $3 billion while employing over 11,000 individuals, earning its place among the top Black-owned businesses in the United States. Johnson, the CEO and chairman, emerged as a symbol of resilience for Detroit—a city in transformation—and himself. 

Johnson’s achievements never overshadowed his dedication to the people of Detroit. He supported scholarships and youth sports programs through the Vinnie Johnson Foundation as initiatives to address poverty in the community. “I owe everything to this city, ” Johnson stated. “It’s my responsibility to pave the way for generations.” 

His contributions were acknowledged with honors from the Congressional Black Caucus and the NBA’s Community Assist Award. 

When questioned about his experiences and achievements, Johnson smiled. ” The game-winning goal in ’90 was truly special,” he said. “However, creating something with enduring value is the victory.” 

Lisa Leslie’s Second Act: Real Estate, Tech, and the Future of Athlete Wealth

By: Jackie Rae

The name Lisa Leslie, in basketball terms, means legendary. Drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks in the inaugural season in 1997, she would lead the Sparks to their first championship in 2001.

Leslie is a two-time WNBA Champion and three-time MVP winner, and she can add two World Championship golds and three Olympic golds to her list of basketball accolades. 

Although most people may think Lisa Leslie realizes solely on her broadcasting and speaking engagements, her portfolio is actually quite diverse. In March 2022, Leslie co-founded Aston Rose, a real estate firm specializing in serving athletes and entertainers.

As Eric Lambkins has mentioned, finding financial success. In fact, a 2022 report from Fox Business revealed that 78% of athletes go broke within three years of retirement. 

In the NBA, around 60% face financial trouble within five years, and according to XPro, an estimated 40% of professional soccer players go bankrupt within five years of retirement.

For most of us, it is difficult to imagine making the money even the lowest-paid athletes make just to fall below the poverty line after retirement. Leslie co-founded Aston Rose to help athletes avoid that fate. 

The company focuses on helping clients make informed investment decisions to build generational wealth. Since its inception, Aston Rose has closed over $500 million in real estate transactions across California and Florida.

She has also invested in the tech world. Leslie is a partner and brand ambassador for LootMogul, a sports metaverse gaming platform. This platform aims to enhance fan engagement by offering virtual sports arenas, interactions with celebrity athletes, and opportunities to earn NFTs and cryptocurrencies.

Leslie’s involvement underscores her interest in innovative ways to connect sports and technology.

Lisa Leslie’s post-basketball journey proves that greatness doesn’t end at the final buzzer. Whether she’s building wealth through real estate, shaping the future of tech, or mentoring the next generation of athletes, Leslie continues to lead with vision and purpose. 

Her legacy, once defined by dominance on the hardwood, now extends into boardrooms, digital platforms, and community impact—cementing her place not just as a basketball icon, but as a powerful force in business and beyond.