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United States Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is a retired American basketball player and accomplished businessman, known for his leadership on the court with the Los Angeles Lakers and his significant entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures.
Magic Johnson Enterprises is an investment company founded by Basketball Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Magic Johnson, serving as a catalyst for fostering community and economic empowerment.
In 2015, Magic Johnson Enterprises and Loop Capital formed an alliance to create MJE-Loop Capital Partners. The firm raised a fund committed to investing.
Magic Johnson partnered with Amazon to support small businesses during a pandemic, praising the 'sensational' execution of the NBA bubble.
Johnson currently serves on the board of directors for Fanatics, a sports licensing company.
Johnson currently serves on the board of directors for Cameo, a company that lets celebrities sell personalized messages.
Earvin Johnson is a founding member of Guggenheim Baseball Management, managing entity of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and became part owner of the team on May 1, 2012.
Magic Johnson convinced Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz to partner with him, leading to the opening of Starbucks stores in urban areas. He was the first (and only) person to own Starbucks franchises, which otherwise doesn't do franchises.
Johnson and Earl Graves Sr. obtained a large interest in the Washington, D.C. PepsiCo bottling operation, making it the company's largest minority-owned facility in the U.S.
Magic Johnson has joined the investor group of the Washington Spirit, a move celebrated by the Washington Spirit as they welcome the icon.
Magic Johnson completed his planned acquisition for a 'majority, controlling interest' in EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, which manages $14.5 billion in annuities, life insurance and other financial products.
Magic Johnson launched Magic Johnson Records, later renamed Magic Johnson Music, and signed a joint venture with MCA in 2000, with R&B artist Avant as its first act.
Opens Magic Johnson Theaters, a nationwide chain of movie theaters.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. was born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. His early life was shaped by his parents’ strong work ethic, with his mother cleaning and his father working at General Motors and doing janitorial jobs. Johnson developed a love for basketball, practicing extensively and idolizing players like Bill Russell and Earl Monroe. At 15, he earned the nickname “Magic” after a stellar performance in high school, leading Everett High School to a state championship. Despite initial challenges with busing to a predominantly white school, Johnson embraced the experience, learning to communicate and deal with diverse groups. He led Michigan State to an NCAA championship in 1979, defeating Larry Bird’s Indiana State, and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
Johnson was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979 NBA draft, famously joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In his rookie season, he averaged 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team and as an All-Star starter. His defining moment came in the 1980 NBA Finals, where, at just 20 years old, he stepped in as center in Game 6 due to Abdul-Jabbar’s injury. Johnson delivered an extraordinary performance with 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, securing the championship and earning him the NBA Finals MVP, becoming the only rookie to do so. This marked the beginning of the Lakers’ “Showtime” era, which saw Johnson lead the team to five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) during his career. He was also named NBA Most Valuable Player three times (1987, 1989, 1990) and NBA Finals MVP three times (1980, 1982, 1987).
In 1991, Johnson announced his retirement after testing positive for HIV. Despite this, he was voted an All-Star starter in 1992 and earned the All-Star Game MVP. He also participated in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics as part of the “Dream Team,” winning a gold medal. After brief stints as a Lakers coach in 1994 and a player in 1996, Johnson retired permanently. Post-basketball, he has built a significant business empire, Magic Johnson Enterprises, investing in urban communities, co-owning multiple sports teams, and advocating for HIV/AIDS prevention. His business acumen and philanthropic efforts have solidified his legacy beyond the court.
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