What Businesses Does Magic Johnson Own? A Look into the Successful Business Career of the NBA Legend

Magic Johnson is not just a former basketball player and sports commentator; he is also an accomplished businessman. He has a diverse portfolio of businesses and investments, ranging from real estate to healthcare. Johnson has become an influential figure in the business world, inspiring many aspiring entrepreneurs with his success story.

What Businesses Does Magic Johnson Own?

One of the most notable businesses that Johnson owns is Magic Johnson Enterprises. This company was established to develop business ventures that concentrate on underserved urban communities. It specializes in various industries, such as film, advertising, and lifestyle brands. Johnson has also invested in tech companies, such as Jopwell and Uncharted Power, which focus on diversity and sustainability.

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Magic Johnson’s Early Life and Career

Earvin “Magic” Johnson was born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. He grew up in a family of eight and was the fourth child of Earvin Sr. and Christine Johnson. Johnson attended Everett High School in Lansing, where he played basketball and led his team to a state championship in 1977.

After graduating from high school, Johnson attended Michigan State University, where he continued to play basketball and became one of the best college basketball players of all time. In 1979, Johnson led Michigan State to an NCAA championship, and he was named the NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

In 1979, Johnson was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, and he quickly became one of the NBA’s best players. Johnson played for the Lakers for 13 seasons, during which time he won five NBA championships, three NBA MVP awards, and was named to the All-Star team 12 times. He also won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympics as a member of the Dream Team.

Throughout his NBA career, Johnson was known for his incredible passing ability, his leadership on the court, and his charisma off the court. He was a fan favorite and one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.

In addition to his basketball career, Johnson became involved in business and entrepreneurship. In 1986, he opened his first business, a movie theater in Harlem, New York. Since then, Johnson has become a successful businessman and investor, with a portfolio that includes ownership stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Sparks, and the LA Football Club, among other businesses.

Overall, Magic Johnson’s early life and career set the foundation for his later success as a businessman and sports icon. His basketball achievements and charismatic personality helped him to build a successful brand, which he has leveraged to become a successful entrepreneur and investor.

Magic Johnson Enterprises Overview

Magic Johnson is a retired professional basketball player who has built an impressive business empire through his Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE) company. MJE is focused on investing in and providing quality products and services to urban communities across America.

MJE has ventured into various industries, including sports, entertainment, hospitality, and real estate. Through his company, Magic has established himself as a leading minority businessman with a portfolio worth billions of dollars. Here’s a breakdown of the key businesses that MJE owns:

Sports

  • Magic Johnson is a former basketball player and coach. He owns a 2.3% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, which he purchased for $10 million in 1994.
  • He is also part of the ownership group of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, having purchased his stake in 2012 for an estimated $50 million.

Entertainment

  • As part of his entertainment venture, Magic Johnson co-owns music-festival organizer SLS, with a reported worth of $100 million.
  • Additionally, He has a 50% stake in ASPiRE TV, a television network specializing primarily in African-American programming.

Hospitality

  • The company has a subsidiary called Urban Coffee Opportunities, which owns several Starbucks coffee shops in urban locations across America.
  • Johnson also owns and operates over 100 Starbucks and TGI Fridays franchises with many located in urban areas.

Real Estate

  • Magic Johnson’s MJE owns a 50% stake in Canyon-Johnson Urban Funds, a real estate fund estimated to be worth $1 billion.
  • He also owns a luxury movie theater in Los Angeles, appropriately called the Magic Johnson theater, which opened in 1995.

In conclusion, Magic Johnson Enterprises has made significant strides over the years. From sports to real estate and hospitality to entertainment, Magic has diversified his business portfolio and in the process, has become an entrepreneurial icon. Through his innovative and creative ideas, Magic has proven that anything is indeed possible.

Magic Johnson Theaters and T.G.I. Fridays

One of Magic Johnson’s most notable business ventures is his involvement in the theater and restaurant industries. He has been a key player in bringing entertainment and dining options to underserved communities.

In 1994, Johnson co-founded Magic Johnson Theaters, a chain of movie theaters primarily located in urban areas. These theaters were specifically designed to cater to the African American audience by screening movies that would appeal to their interests. The theaters also provided a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for moviegoers in underserved neighborhoods. Johnson sold the chain in 2004 to Loews Cineplex Entertainment, but the theaters still operate under the Magic Johnson name.

Another successful venture that Johnson has been involved in is T.G.I. Fridays, a popular American restaurant chain. He currently owns several locations across the country, primarily in areas with large African American populations. The restaurant chain has a reputation for its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and signature drinks, and Johnson’s ownership has helped to bring this dining experience to communities that may not have had access to it otherwise.

Together, Magic Johnson Theaters and T.G.I. Fridays represent Johnson’s commitment to investing in and revitalizing urban areas. Through his business ventures, he has helped to bring entertainment and dining options to communities that were often overlooked by other entrepreneurs. Johnson’s legacy in these industries has paved the way for other African American entrepreneurs to make their mark in the business world and give back to their communities.

Business Venture Description
Magic Johnson Theaters Chain of movie theaters primarily located in urban areas, catering to the African American audience, sold in 2004 to Loews Cineplex Entertainment, but still operating under the Magic Johnson name.
T.G.I. Fridays Popular American restaurant chain owned by Magic Johnson, with several locations across the country, primarily in areas with large African American populations. Known for its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and signature drinks.

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company: Magic Johnson’s Insurance Business

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a subsidiary of Magic Johnson Enterprises and one of the businesses owned by the former NBA superstar. Johnson’s insurance company was created in 1995 to provide life insurance, annuity, and investment products to customers nationwide.

The insurance company has grown significantly over the years, with total assets under management of around $19 billion and over 500,000 policyholders. They specialize in fixed-rate annuities and life insurance policies, offering a wide variety of products to meet the needs of their clients.

One of the unique features of EquiTrust is their focus on social responsibility. They have made a commitment to invest in underserved communities, particularly in urban areas, and have aligned themselves with investment partners who share this goal. This aligns with Johnson’s overall vision for his business ventures to not only be successful but to also make a positive impact on society.

In addition to their focus on social responsibility, EquiTrust has achieved numerous industry accolades for their financial stability and customer service. They have received a rating of “A-” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, a leading rating agency for insurance companies, for over a decade. Additionally, they were awarded the “Gold Award” for “Best New Fixed Index Annuity” by the Insurance and Financial Advisors Association (IFAA) in 2018.

Overall, EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a strong and reputable player in the life insurance industry, and it is one of the many successful businesses owned by Magic Johnson. Through its commitment to social responsibility and top-notch customer service, EquiTrust continues to grow and meet the needs of its clients.

SodexoMAGIC is a company established in 2006 as a joint venture between Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE) and Sodexo USA. The company’s mission is to “create opportunity for all” by providing outstanding food and facilities management services to thousands of businesses around the country.

SodexoMAGIC operates in a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, government, and corporate services. The aim of the company is to create meaningful jobs and develop the skills of its employees to provide top-notch services to its clients.

One of the core values of SodexoMAGIC is diversity and inclusion. The company strives to promote diversity in the workplace and create a culture of respect and understanding among its employees.

As of 2021, SodexoMAGIC has over 6,000 employees working across 1,600 client sites. The company has also been recognized for its impressive growth, landing a spot on Black Enterprise’s “BE 100” list of the largest Black-owned businesses in the United States multiple times.

SodexoMAGIC is just one of the many successful ventures owned by Magic Johnson. The company’s commitment to diversity and providing opportunities for all aligns well with Johnson’s personal values. With its dedication to excellent service and employee development, SodexoMAGIC looks poised for continued success in the future.

Year Founded 2006
Industry Facilities Management
Employees Over 6,000
Client Sites 1,600+
Recognitions Black Enterprise’s BE 100 list

Accion Opportunity Fund

Accion Opportunity Fund, or AOF, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 as a response to the 1992 LA riots. Magic Johnson is a key investor in the fund, which aims to promote access to capital and opportunity for underserved entrepreneurs.

The AOF provides loans and other financial services to small business owners who may not qualify for traditional bank loans. This includes women and minority-owned businesses, startups, and businesses located in low-income communities.

According to their website, the AOF has provided over $450 million in loans to more than 19,500 businesses in the United States. They prioritize businesses that create job opportunities, specifically in low- to moderate-income communities.

In addition to financial services, the AOF also offers business coaching and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and achieve long-term success.

By investing in the AOF, Magic Johnson is supporting the growth and success of small businesses that may not have access to traditional funding sources. He is also helping to create job opportunities and strengthen underserved communities across the country.

Overall, the Accion Opportunity Fund is just one of the many ways in which Magic Johnson is making a positive impact on the business world and beyond.

Ownership in Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Sparks

Magic Johnson is a renowned name in the world of sports and entrepreneurship. He has made a name for himself as a successful entrepreneur and owns several businesses across various industries. One of the industries he’s invested heavily in is sports – particularly basketball and baseball. In this section, we’ll be looking at his ownership in Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Sparks.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Magic Johnson is one of the owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a professional baseball team. He first became involved in the team in 2012, when he partnered with Guggenheim Baseball Management to purchase the team for $2.15 billion. Johnson was brought on to be the face of the new ownership group and played a key role in securing the future of the team.

Since taking over ownership, the Dodgers have been successful on the field – reaching the playoffs almost every year and making it to the World Series twice (but losing both times). Off the field, the team has also seen significant growth in revenue and attendance, with Johnson and his partners investing heavily in improving the fan experience at the stadium.

Los Angeles Sparks

Aside from baseball, Johnson also co-owns the Los Angeles Sparks, a professional women’s basketball team that plays in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Johnson became involved in the team in 2014, when he partnered with a group of investors to purchase the Sparks from its previous owner.

Since taking over ownership, Johnson and his partners have worked to revitalize interest in the team and the league in general. They invested in marketing and promotion efforts to attract more fans to the games and improve the overall experience. In 2019, the Sparks made it to the playoffs once again, proving that Johnson’s ownership and efforts are paying off.

Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Sparks
Acquisition Johnson partnered with Guggenheim Baseball Management in 2012 Johnson partnered with other investors in 2014
Purchase $2.15 billion Undisclosed
On-field Reached the playoffs almost every year; Made it to 2 WS but lost Made it to the playoffs in 2019
Off-field Significant growth in revenue and attendance Invested in marketing and promotion efforts to attract more fans

Overall, Magic Johnson’s ownership in both the Dodgers and the Sparks has been successful. He and his partners have made significant investments in both teams and have brought success both on and off the field/court.

Magic Johnson is known not only for his successful ventures in the business world, but also for his philanthropic initiatives. The Magic Johnson Foundation, founded in 1991, focuses on empowering urban communities by supporting programs related to HIV/AIDS prevention and education, promoting academic achievement, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

One of the Foundation’s major programs is the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance and mentorship to students from underserved communities. The program has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships to date, and has helped many students pursue higher education and achieve their goals.

In addition to his foundation, Magic Johnson is also involved in other philanthropic endeavors. He has partnered with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of America, UNICEF, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation to support various causes.

Magic Johnson’s commitment to giving back to his community has not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and honors for his philanthropic work, including the NAACP President’s Award and the Jefferson Award for Public Service.

Overall, Magic Johnson’s dedication to improving the lives of others through his foundation and other initiatives is a testament to his character and the positive impact he strives to make in the world.

Program Name Focus
Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program Financial assistance and mentorship to underserved students pursuing higher education
Magic Johnson Foundation HIV/AIDS prevention and education, academic achievement, and healthy lifestyles
Boys and Girls Club of America Supporting youths from disadvantaged backgrounds
UNICEF Improving the lives of children worldwide
Make-A-Wish Foundation Fulfilling the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions

Magic Johnson’s Media Ventures

In addition to his sport and business ventures, Magic Johnson has also made a name for himself in the media industry. He has owned several media companies and made a number of high-profile investments. Here’s a brief overview of Magic Johnson’s media ventures:

  • ASPiRE Television Network: Magic Johnson founded ASPiRE in 2012 as a television network aimed at African American viewers. The network offers a mix of original and acquired programming, including movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
  • Magic Johnson Enterprises: In addition to his ownership of ASPiRE, Magic Johnson also operates Magic Johnson Enterprises, a company that invests in a wide range of industries, including media. Through this company, he has made investments in Urban Movie Channel, a subscription-based streaming service also catering to African American viewers, and TheGrio, an African American-focused news and opinion website.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: In 2012, Magic Johnson was part of a group that purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers for a then-record $2.15 billion. The Dodgers are one of the most recognizable sports franchises in the world, and the team’s value has only increased since Johnson and his partners took over.
  • Los Angeles Lakers: While the Lakers are primarily a sports team, they are also a media brand in their own right. Magic Johnson played for the Lakers during his NBA career, and he is now a minority owner of the team. In this capacity, he is involved in the team’s business operations and also serves as a spokesperson for the Lakers.

Overall, Magic Johnson’s media ventures reflect his commitment to diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. By creating platforms that cater to underrepresented groups, he has helped to bring new voices and perspectives to the forefront of the media landscape.

Thank you for the clarification. Here’s the conclusion for the article on “What businesses does Magic Johnson own?”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Magic Johnson is a successful businessman who has made a name for himself not only on the basketball court but also in the business world. He has shown a remarkable ability to spot profitable business opportunities and turn them into successful ventures. Through sheer hard work and determination, he has built an empire that spans various industries, including food service, real estate, media, and sports.

As we’ve seen throughout this article, Johnson’s business interests are vast, and he has invested in numerous businesses over the years. He has leveraged his brand, network, and business acumen to create a diverse portfolio of investments that generate impressive returns. From owning Burger King franchises to partnering with Starbucks, Magic Johnson has demonstrated excellent business acumen that has allowed him to thrive in a variety of industries.

Moreover, Johnson’s businesses are not just about generating profits. He has also been committed to investing in underserved communities, creating jobs, and empowering people through business ownership. He has partnered with several organizations to provide resources and training to individuals who aspire to launch their businesses, particularly minorities and women.

In summary, Magic Johnson is not just a legendary basketball player but also a shrewd entrepreneur and investor who has built a successful career in the business world. His businesses demonstrate that success is achievable through hard work, strategic planning, and smart investments. The enduring legacy of Magic Johnson in the business world is a testament to what is possible when you combine passion, vision, and business expertise.

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