Success Story

How Nigerian-born NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon built a net worth of $300m through real estate

Nigerian-born Hakeem Olajuwon has taken his success in the basketball court to the real estate sector. In his play days, Olajuwon led his team twice to win NBA Championship while playing for the Houston Rockets. In addition to his incredible success on the court, he made 12 All-Star teams, won an MVP award, and was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and also picked up two Finals MVPs.

What is more, Olajuwon got a Hall of Fame nod and was also named to the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players list, which was chosen by former players and coaches, general managers, and media members, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

He amassed around $102 million over his almost 20 years in the NBA and unlike many sportsmen who engage in reckless expenses, Olajuwon planned his retirement. He committed a chunk of his earnings into real estate.

His approach to real estate was different from the norm. His Islamic faith did not allow him to borrow money for investment to make a profit. In other words, he only buys properties from the monies he controls. The former NBA star decided to invest in the real estate sector in Houston because they have a “home-court advantage.”

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Olajuwon specializes in buying properties in places that have growth potential and are closer to important facilities like stadiums and train stops. He reportedly bought a 41-acre property near NASA’s Johnson Space Center and developed it into a retirement community.

Some of his properties include apartments, commercial buildings, garages, and single-family homes. The Hall of Famer also owns Houston’s former World Trade Centre building as well as Houston’s former Federal Reserve Bank building which he converted into a mosque.

Olajuwon makes his money by reselling often within a year or two of purchase, thereby making double or quadruple of his money.

“I have been blessed thus far to be able to work with my own capital, which gives me the ability to decide when I want to sell as opposed to having a bank loan hanging over my head that in some cases, can force you to sell even though you may not be ready to,” Olajuwon told the New York Times.

Celebrity Net Worth reports that Olajuwon’s real estate enterprise has led to him accumulating a net worth of $300 million.

Abu Mubarik

Abu Mubarik is a journalist with years of experience in digital media. He loves football and tennis.

Recent Posts

Brazilian woman who wheeled dead uncle to bank to withdraw his money is being investigated for manslaughter

A Brazilian woman named Érika de Souza, 42, is under investigation for manslaughter after authorities…

1 hour ago

For the first time, Ghana’s Asante King displays long-lost treasure looted by British forces in 1800s

Ghana’s Asante king Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has unveiled the long-lost treasure of the kingdom…

2 hours ago

Colorado generated $113 million in Deion Sanders’ first season, here’s how

Deion Sanders is a retired American professional football and baseball player who currently coaches at…

2 hours ago

Tiger Woods to receive $100M loyalty reward from PGA Tour: report

Tiger Woods is set to receive $100 million from PGA Tour Enterprises for his loyalty,…

4 hours ago

Jalen Hurts’ $200,000 donation for ACs improves comfort for students in Philadelphia schools

Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback, has shown his affection for the community by contributing…

5 hours ago

Shaq says he spends $1K on pedicures after his mom advised him to paint his toenails: ‘I know my feet stink’

It appears Shaquille O'Neal is willing to go all the way out to pamper his…

6 hours ago

U.S. Army Major found guilty of smuggling guns to Ghana in rice barrels

A U.S. Army Major faces up to 240 months in prison after he was found…

6 hours ago

Brittney Griner reveals she contemplated suicide while in Russian jail: ‘I felt like leaving here so badly’

In her first interview about her conviction in Russia on drug smuggling charges, WNBA star…

6 hours ago

Alison Hammond sells off glamorous old-size clothes after drastic weight loss, all proceeds go to British Liver Trust

The beloved host of This Morning, Alison Hammond, is making headlines by selling off her…

1 day ago

Two female students make history in Michigan earning Boy Scouts’ highest rank: Eagle

Two high school students in Grand Rapids, Michigan, have earned a place in history. The…

1 day ago

Family and friends mourn 36-year-old firefighter who died of heart attack after being laid off

Derek Floyd, a 36-year-old Fire Department of New York probationary fireman, died of a heart…

1 day ago

4-year-old boy battling end-stage kidney disease has his dream of becoming a cop fulfilled

A 4-year-old boy fighting end-stage kidney disease lived out his dream as a cop for…

1 day ago

Meet one of the young trailblazers in Somalia’s film-making scene who was banned from watching movies as a child

Director Abshir Rageh oversees film production at Astaan, a privately held cable television network in…

1 day ago

Nigerians in high spirits as they anticipate Meghan’s royal visit after discovering she is 43% Nigerian

Nigerians are eagerly awaiting to welcome their "daughter" Meghan Markle's royal visit next month alongside…

2 days ago

Restaurant employee arrested for putting his genitals in food items

Othello Larenzo Holmes has been charged with attempted indecent assault and faces five counts of…

2 days ago