LeBron James becomes first active player to surpass $1 billion in career earnings

Being the country's biggest and most well-known athlete for nearly 20 years has meant huge money for LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers and "Space Jam 2" star has earned enough over his career from his salary, endorsements, and production company to put him into a new echelon for NBA players: the $1 billion club. 

According to Sportico, James is the first NBA player to surpass $1 billion in career earnings while still active. He's earned $330 million from his NBA salary and $700 million from merchandise, endorsements, his media company, and other off-the-court endeavors. While Michael Jordan has surpassed the $1 billion mark — and the $2 billion mark — he didn't get there until after his playing career ended.

Source: Liz Roscher of Yahoo Sports

ANALYSIS: Sportico added that out of all current active NBA players, Kevin Durant ($580 million) and Stephen Curry ($430 million) are the two most likely players to join LeBron James on this short list of active players surpassing $1 billion dollars in career earnings. Sportico went into further depth, saying Durant has a slight edge over Curry to join James:

"Durant, 32, is the most likely to reach $1 billion among active players. He is still owed $84 million from the Brooklyn Nets over the next two seasons and roughly $85 million from Nike through 2024, when his 10-year Swoosh deal expires. KD has largely eschewed new endorsements in recent years and focused on his investment vehicle, Thirty-Five Ventures, which has made more than 75 investments and has a couple of huge wins with Coinbase and Postmates. Elite athletes have access to opportunities typically reserved for billionaires, venture capitalists and Wall Street insiders."

While James is the first active player from a U.S. team sport to surpass $1 billion, it should be noted other athletes from different sports and countries have also reached this feat. during their playing career. According to Yahoo Sports, Golfer Tiger Woods, boxer Floyd Mayweather, tennis player Roger Federer, and soccer players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have all earned $1 billion while still active in their sports.