David Beckham is a billionaire, worth $1 billion by our count—one of just seven living pro athletes (Jordan, Magic, Tiger, LeBron, Federer and retired Romanian tennis ace Ion Tiriac) to manage the feat.
Read more about how Beckham became a billionaire: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maneetahuja/2026/05/20/new-billionaire-david-beckham-on-his-family-team-and-legacy/?utm_source=ForbesMainFacebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ForbesMainFB
- Forbes
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| Patrice Motsepe joins $4 billion club amid mining rally and global expansion |
Motsepe’s fortune is now estimated at about $4.2 billion, placing him among the world’s top 1,000 richest individuals, according to Forbes data, and making him the fourth South African to ever reach the $4 billion milestone.
The achievement places Motsepe in a small group of African billionaires who have surpassed the $4 billion mark, including Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person; Johann Rupert, the luxury-goods billionaire behind Richemont; Nicky Oppenheimer, the former De Beers heir; Nassef Sawiris of Egypt; Mike Adenuga of Nigeria; and Abdulsamad Rabiu, the Nigerian industrialist whose fortune is anchored in cement and sugar.
Motsepe’s rise has been driven largely by his exposure to mining assets, particularly gold. He is the founder and largest shareholder of African Rainbow Minerals Ltd. (ARM), holding a 45.9% stake, and maintains an indirect interest in Harmony Gold Mining Co., South Africa’s largest gold producer.
ARM shares have risen more than 15% since the start of the year, lifting the company’s market capitalisation to roughly $3 billion and increasing the value of Motsepe’s stake to about $1.37 billion.
Harmony Gold shares have gained over 12%, taking the company’s valuation to approximately $14.4 billion and pushing the estimated value of Motsepe’s indirect holding to around $1.7 billion.
The gains have coincided with a surge in gold prices to record levels, as investors reassess monetary policy expectations and seek refuge in safe-haven assets.
Motsepe’s mining exposure is no longer confined to Africa. Through his influence at Harmony Gold, the billionaire has backed a significant expansion into Australia, marking a strategic push into copper, a metal critical to electrification and the global energy transition.
Harmony recently completed the $1 billion-plus acquisition of MAC Copper Ltd., owner of the high-grade CSA Copper Mine in New South Wales, one of Australia’s longest-running underground copper operations.
The company is also advancing the Eva Copper project in Queensland, with total development spending expected to reach up to $1.7 billion.
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| Nasser et Motsepe |
Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI), a division of entertainment company Roc Nation founded by American music mogul Jay-Z, has committed to the African football market by signing up eight promising youngsters from the continent.
While they are not the agency’s first cohort of African football players–17-year-old Cape Town City winger Emile Witbooi achieved that feat earlier this year–their latest additions indicate a global company geared for long-term investment on the African continent.
“We believe Africa is a hotbed of untapped footballing potential, and our expansion here is a natural progression of our global vision,” RNSI’s Head of Global Recruitment for Football, Nathan Campbell, said in a statement.
“Our strategy is built on deep collaboration with local partners, allowing us to understand and address the unique needs of African players, ensuring they receive the best possible support to reach their full potential.”
Founded in 2019 as Roc Nation’s sports wing, RNSI represents over 100 football players, headlined by Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Endrick, alongside Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne.
The global music personalities affiliated with Roc Nation include such names as Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and J Balvin.
Roc Nation’s concerted move into African football seemed only a matter of time. The earliest sign came in 2021 through a consultancy agreement with South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns—a partnership that continues to this day.
With Witbooi signing on in February this year, it seemed only a matter of time before more African talent followed. The scale, however, was unknown.
“Africa has been a key part of our long-term global vision at RNSI,” says Campbell in an interview with FORBES AFRICA. “We’ve always recognized the immense footballing potential that exists across the continent… the sheer volume of promising young players [in Africa] is astounding.”
Six African nations are represented in their eight-player haul, from Kaizer Chiefs striker Neo Bohloko (South Africa) and Benab FC midfielder Joseph Narbi (Ghana), to Al Nasr attacker Mamadou Diallo (Guinea) and Sibonor United winger Francis Gomez (The Gambia).
The remaining four include Ifeoluwa Olowoporoku (Nigeria), Tadiwa Chakuchichi (Zimbabwe), Siyabonga Mabena (South Africa), and Ali Umar (Ghana). All players, except the latter two (18), are between 16 and 17 years old.
“We saw the opportunity not just to identify elite talent, but to partner with local stakeholders and provide the comprehensive support these young athletes need both on and off the pitch… The African players currently on our roster are just the beginning.”
RNSI has confirmed it is currently scouring Zambia and the Ivory Coast for more talent. The opportunity opens unique commercial avenues for players previously limited by access and exposure, thus uncovering Africa’s next crop of footballing prodigies.
- Freddie Hiney, Forbes
In 2002, the Boston Celtics were purchased for $360 million. Fast forward to October 2024, and Forbes now values the franchise at a jaw-dropping $6 billion — the highest among all NBA teams!
Under this ownership, the Celtics have made four NBA Finals appearances and brought home two championships, proving that smart leadership and a winning culture go a long way.
What a journey for one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises!
#BostonCeltics #NBA #basketball
Nick Saban didn’t just retire as college football’s most decorated coach—he’s now poised to become its first billionaire, per Forbes.
Since teaming up with Joe Agresti in 2013 to launch Dream Motor Group, Saban has parlayed his name and network into a powerhouse business venture. The group now moves 20,000 high-end vehicles annually across nine dealerships and is nearing $2 billion in revenue, thanks in part to a $730 million acquisition of two Miami-area megastores. Saban, a minority partner, doesn’t run daily ops—but his name, network, and business sense have helped him cash in big.
Saban’s current playbook mirrors the one that made him a legend on the field—only now, it’s for boardrooms instead of locker rooms. Alongside Agresti and former Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Steve Cannon, he’s eyeing stakes in several pro sports teams and exploring international deals, blending business savvy with his trademark strategic mindset.
Legend on and off the football field.
Rangers are the subject of a multi-million pound takeover bid by American football side the San Francisco 49ers, it has been claimed.
Reports state that the Ibrox side are in advanced talks with potential investors over a deal that would see the $6billion NFL franchise become the largest single shareholder in the club.
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe, who is also head of 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, is said to be heading up the consortium along with another unnamed US businessman.
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| Rangers are the subject of a multi-million pound takeover bid by the San Francisco 49ers. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group) | SNS Group |
Marathe, listed by Forbes as having a personal worth of around £4.7billion, was at the forefront of the deal that saw 49ers Enterprises take ownership of Leeds United in 2023. It now appears that the group is looking to branch out into Scottish football.
A similar deal was struck last year after the Scottish FA changed its rules on dual ownership to allow Bill Foley's Black Knight consortium - who own Bournemouth - to buy a 25 per cent stake in Hibs.
Hearts are also in talks with Brighton owner Tony Bloom over a possible investment in return for a minority shareholding having already linked up with his recruitment firm Jamestown Analytics.
Rangers have fallen significantly behind Celtic both on and off the pitch in recent years with the financial gulf between the two clubs growing ever wider. Celtic, who recently posted a £43.9million pre-tax profit for the six months to December 31, 2024, broke their transfer record twice last summer while Rangers embarked on squad rebuild driven by the need to reduce the wage bill after posting a £17m loss last year.
However, if an agreement can be reached between Rangers and 49ers Enterprises before the end of the season it could open the door to a major cash injection ahead of the summer transfer window which would allow for some much-needed investment in the first-team playing squad. Rangers would also gain access to data-driven recruitment technology and new commercial opportunities in the US.
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| Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe, who is also head of San Francisco 49ers investment arm, 49ers Enterprises. | National World |
Any takeover would require shareholder approval while Rangers complex ownership structure would make any deal complicated with Dave King, the largest single shareholder, owning 13 per cent, Douglas Park 12 per cent and various other directors owning 10 per cent or less.
Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson gave his reaction to the news on the Go Radio Football Show.
"It will be interesting to see if anything comes from it," he said. "That is one thing about the new chairman and chief executive. They have to bring external investment into the club. It has been clear that has been needed. Over the coming months hopefully that is the case."
Asked if existing shareholders could be convinced to sell, Ferguson added: "Well you want what is best for the club. And if somebody is coming in and willing to pay what the shares are valued at or what they are worth then I would imagine the shareholders would do a deal. It is not just a case of coming in and buying the shares.
"These new shareholders, if that is going to be what is happening, are going to invest more money into the club. That is certainly what is needed. Look, I wouldn't get too excited about it just now but it is good to see that things are happening in the background.
"It is clear as day that there has to be fresh investment coming in. I think that is one of the biggest jobs of the new chairman and chief executive. To make sure that is the case going forward."
- Matthew Elder
Jordan and Prieto married in 2013 and share twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel
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| Michael Jordan seen out in the French sunshine with his wife Yvette Prieto on their holidays in Saint Tropez. PHOTO: BACKGRID |
NBA legend Michael Jordan is enjoying a European vacation with his wife Yvette Prieto this summer.
The 61-year-old retired athlete and Prieto, 45, were spotted holding hands during a lunch outing to the Casa Amor restaurant in Saint-Tropez on Wednesday, July 9.
The couple looked relaxed as they soaked in the hot temperatures on their French vacation. In addition to lunch, the couple enjoyed a boat ride during their beach day."
The retired Chicago Bulls star sported a black Jordan brand hat, a white t-shirt and black shorts as he smoked a cigar and walked hand-in-hand with his wife on the beach.
Prieto looked stylish in a white crochet shorts set with a hot pink bikini top and aviator sunglasses during the couple's lunch date in France.
Jordan and Prieto have been married since 2013, but the couple rarely make public appearances together. They were last seen on a red carpet in June 2023 when they attended a party at Electric Jane in Nashville to celebrate the start of NASCAR race weekend.
Prieto, a model, met the six-time NBA champion at a Miami nightclub in 2008. They share twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel, 10.
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Jordan has three older children through his first marriage to Juanita Vanoy: Jeffrey, 35, Marcus, 33, and Jasmine, 31, who are all involved in the business side of basketball and their dad's Air Jordan line.
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| Marcus Jordan, Michael jordan, Jasmine Jordan and Jeffrey Jordan. PHOTO: JEFFREY JORDAN/INSTAGRAM |
Marcus has made headlines recently for his relationship with Real Housewives of Miami star Larsa Pippen, 50, who was married to Michael's former teammate and ex-friend Scottie Pippen.
In October, Jordan reached a new financial milestone when his net worth climbed to $3 billion after selling his stake in the Charlotte Hornets a few months prior.
According to Forbes, Jordan's updated net worth puts him among the 400 wealthiest people in America. He is the first athlete to make the list, joining the likes of Mark Zuckerberg and L.A. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.
Jordan's NBA earnings totaled approximately $94 million, and an estimated $2.4 billion coming from brands like McDonalds, Nike, Hanes and Gatorade, per Forbes.
- Natasha Dye
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| Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 42 goals in 41 games in all competitions for Al Nassr this season. Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images |
Cristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes for the fourth time in his career, and Spanish golfer Jon Rahm moved up to second after his sensational switch to Saudi-backed LIV Golf.
Ronaldo became the world's highest-paid athlete after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, and Forbes said the 39-year-old's estimated total earnings were in the region of $260 million, an all-time high for a footballer.
His on-field earnings amounted to $200m, and his off-field earnings were $60m thanks to sponsorship deals where brands make use of his 629 million Instagram followers.
Ronaldo said on Wednesday that he intends to continue his football career "at a high level" despite nearly entering his 40s.
Two-time major winner Rahm joined LIV Golf in December in a big-money move that sent shock waves through the sport after media reports said the world No. 5 would be paid at least $300m.
Apart from that guarantee, Rahm has earned $218m and joins Ronaldo as the only two athletes to earn over $200m.
Third on the list is record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, who made a lucrative switch to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, helping him earn $135m.
The 36-year-old has earned $65m in on-field earnings but $70m off it thanks to deals with major sponsors such as Adidas and Apple.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is fourth at $128.2m, and although the 39-year-old American, the first NBA player to score 40,000 career points, is nearing the end of his career, he is set to have one last crack at the Olympics.
Fellow NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo ($111m) of the Milwaukee Bucks rounds out the top five, and France captain Kylian Mbappé has dropped down to sixth ($110m).
Mbappé announced he would be leaving Paris Saint-Germain after seven years in the French capital, where he became the club's leading career scorer, and the 25-year-old is expected to join Spanish giants Real Madrid in the 2024-25 season.
Former PSG star Neymar, who also moved to the Saudi Pro League, joining Al Hilal, is seventh ($108m) despite sitting out the majority of the season with a torn ACL.
French striker Karim Benzema, who also moved to Saudi Arabia, is eighth ($106m) on the list, followed by Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry ($102m).
Lamar Jackson is the only NFL player on the list, in 10th place ($100.5m), thanks to the signing bonus that was negotiated into his new Baltimore Ravens contract last year.
- Reuters
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| NBA.com |
The NBA Board of Governors approved Mark Cuban's sale of the controlling interest in the Dallas Mavericks to casino mogul Miriam Adelson and her family.
Patrick Dumont, Adelson's son-in-law and the president and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., will serve as the Mavericks' governor.
The transaction is expected to close this week, according to a news release from the league on Wednesday.
According to earlier reports, Cuban is expected to maintain control of the Mavericks' basketball operations.
