Russell Westbrook, a basketball player turned entrepreneur, played his first 11 NBA seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder and has played for five different teams since 2019. He is currently a guard for the Denver Nuggets, and over the years, he has been known for his speed, energy and passion for the game, carving out a legendary career in the history of the game.
A nine-time All-Star and the league’s MVP in 2017, Westbrook became synonymous with the triple-double, a statistical feat he achieved with consistency. However, Westbrook’s hard work has gone beyond the court. Off the court, he is a serial entrepreneur with a net worth estimated by Forbes at a staggering $375 million.
It all started during his early years in the league. While other players spent their downtime relaxing, Westbrook was busy studying the business world. He had always been fascinated by the idea of building something that would last long after his playing days were over.
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His first journey into entrepreneurship came with the launch of his clothing line, Honor the Gift. Inspired by his upbringing in Los Angeles and his love for streetwear, the brand was a tribute to his roots.
Each piece was designed with intention, blending Westbrook’s bold personality with a sense of authenticity that resonated with fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. The brand quickly gained traction, becoming a staple in the urban fashion scene.
But Westbrook didn’t stop there. He understood the importance of diversification and began investing in tech startups, real estate, and even the entertainment industry. One of his most notable ventures was his partnership with a sports technology company that developed wearable devices to help athletes optimize their performance.
Westbrook is also investing in blue collar industries like auto parts manufacturing and digital advertising. “It’s like, non-sexy is sexy for me,” he told Forbes in 2023. “I want to be a billionaire,” he said. “Sooner than later.”
Junior Bridgeman recently became one of only four players to become billionaires—Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and LeBron James are the other three. Westbrook is chasing that status.
In 2024, Westbrook was featured on Forbes’ inaugural list of the most powerful, impactful and wealthiest Black Americans. He was featured not for his basketball achievements, but for his success as an entrepreneur. The article highlighted his ability to balance his demanding NBA career with his growing business empire, a feat that few athletes had managed to pull off.
With his successes, Westbrook has been deeply committed to giving back to the community, particularly in underserved areas. Through his Why Not? Foundation, he has funded scholarships, built basketball courts, and provided resources for underprivileged youth.
