Athletes make millions for their time spent on the field, but it’s how they parlay that into side hustles that ensures them a comfortable retirement.
In it to win it,
The Last Night’s Game Team
1. Just because they wear uniforms doesn’t mean these athletes aren’t into fashion. (It just takes them less time to get dressed for work than most of us). Led by Megan Rapinoe, four members of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team launched a gender-neutral clothing line earlier this year called Re—inc. On the men’s side, Russell Westbrook is known for his sometimes over-the-top postgame press conference looks. He launched Honor The Gift, featuring athleisure-driven clothing as well as high-end athletic wear called Westbrook XO for Barneys. Other proud owners of a fashion-related business are Serena Williams (Serena), Tony Hawk (Birdhouse and Hawk Clothing), Venus Williams (EleVen) and Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7). FASHION MEETS FITNESS
2. These athletes have an appetite for a return on investment. Enter in pizza. Yes, everyone’s favorite dinner is also a hot investment for these NBA players. If you eat at Blaze Pizza (LeBron James), Pieology (Kevin Durant), 800* (Dwyane Wade) or order from Papa John’s (Shaq) you’re supporting the cause. FAST CASUAL FTW
3. If sports are your life, why not buy part of a team? Diversifying their assets into an NBA (National Basketball Association) team, Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals bought into the Phoenix Suns and Aaron Rodgers owns a share of the Milwaukee Bucks. It seems like everyone joined Will Ferrell in buying a stake in a soccer team. Kevin Durant, Russell Wilson and Ciara, James Harden, Oscar De La Hoya and David Beckham are all partial owners of an MLS (Major League Soccer) team. LeBron James took it to another level investing $6.5M in Premiere League team, Liverpool FC in 2011. IN IT FOR THE GATORADE
4. Even though they’re used to being in the spotlight on the court, these basketball players are behind the scenes when it comes to movies. Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Steph Curry are all involved in production and entertainment companies that have their hands in movies. You might remember Steph Curry’s most recent work as executive producer of “Jump Shot: The Movie.” (Great movie BTW). ON THE SILVER SCREEN
5. Last year, people watched 6.6 billion hours of esports videos worldwide. Jumping on that trend with their wallets in hand are celebrities from Michael Jordan to Mark Cuban to Alex Rodriguez. These esports teams are so popular that they resemble a race car driver covered in sponsor logos when they play. These players are making a ton of money, with the top three players in the world pulling in $3.16M in prize earnings last year. HOPE IT PAYS DIVIDENDS
