LeBron James Is Using $100 Million to Do Something Colin Kaepernick Would Be Proud Of
LeBron James deserves tremendous praise for utilizing his platform to make a difference in the world. As one of the world’s wealthiest athletes, he’s put his NBA fortune to good use to help change lives. And thanks to a $100 million investment, he’ll join Colin Kaepernick in giving Black voices a chance to be heard.
LeBron James has built an incredible empire as the NBA’s top star
Aside from his basketball talents, LeBron James has always displayed tremendous maturity when it comes to his money. In fact, he turned down a $10 million offer from Reebok as a teenager. Just ask Nike how that decision paid off.
Dating back to his days as a high-school prodigy, everyone knew LeBron boasted unbelievable earning potential. And since going No. 1 overall in the 2003 NBA draft, he’s more than lived up to the hype.
On the court, the 6-foot-9, 250-pounder has legitimately built a case as the NBA’s GOAT. Capable of doing whatever he wants with the ball in his hands, the four-time NBA MVP has captured three championship rings. Along the way, he’s turned in epic playoff performances, gravity-defying dunks, and of course, The Decision.
James’ prolific basketball talent has helped him become incredibly wealthy. He currently has an estimated net worth of $480 million. While his NBA contracts have played a large role in his financial success, James has built a substantial net worth through savvy investments.
Last year, he earned $32 million from his Nike deal. James smartly invested in Beats Electronics, Liverpool FC, and Blaze Pizza. Recently, though, the NBA superstar received a massive investment to launch a new business venture.
LeBron will launch a new media company to let Black voices be heard
As the face of the NBA, LeBron James has a global presence unmatched by any of his peers. He’s never been afraid to voice his opinion on controversial matters. Now, he’s giving other people a chance to speak up by launching a new media company.
On Thursday, the latest issue of Bloomberg Businessweek featured a cover story on James and business partner Maverick Carter receiving a $100 million investment for their emerging media empire. The pair will combine three existing companies to form SpringHill Company. James will serve as chairman with Carter taking on the role of CEO.
SpringHill Company will specifically “aim to give a voice to Black creators and consumers who’ve been pandered to, ignored, or underserved.”
In a released statement, James explained, “I’ve always wanted to use the platform of basketball to empower those around me. Now I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to build a company that empowers creators, consumers, and everything it touches. The SpringHill Company defines empowerment. You see it in the team we’ve built, the stories we tell, and the community our work will serve.”
His new company will feature more star power. Tennis legend Serena Williams will serve on the company’s board of directors. LeBron James’ newest venture has an incredible mission. Yet, he’s not the only athlete getting into the media game to lend a voice to those without a platform.
The NBA star isn’t the only athlete getting involved in the media industry
Like LeBron, Colin Kaepernick has utilized his star power for something much bigger than himself. In fact, he sacrificed his NFL career to stand up (ironically by kneeling down) for what he believes in. And while Kaepernick never achieved the same athletic success as LeBron, he has been active in getting involved in the media industry.
In February, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback launched Kaepernick Publishing. He announced that he will publish a memoir through the company along with Audible, Amazon’s audiobook arm.
After scoring huge donations from the CEO of Twitter and Serena Williams’ husband for his Know Your Rights Camp, Kaepernick secured a more powerful role in the media industry. On June 18, Medium announced that Kaepernick will join the company’s board of directors.
“I am excited for Kaepernick Publishing to partner with Medium to continue to elevate Black voices in the news and publishing industry. I also look forward to creating new opportunities and avenues for Black writers and creators with my new role as a Board Member,” Kaepernick said.
While Colin Kaepernick and LeBron James have vastly different lives, they both deserve praise for maximizing their influence to give Black voices a chance to be heard.
