From winning championships to championing business: How Earvin “Magic” Johnson built success from the ground up

NBA Hall of Famer and member of the original Dream Team, Earvin “Magic” Johnson has become one of the most powerful and respected African American businessmen and philanthropists in the world. Having left the basketball court for the boardroom, Johnson has successfully parlayed his skills and tenacity into the business world as Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), providing high-quality products and services that focus primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved communities. Johnson made history in 2023 when he became co-owner of the NFL’s Washington Commanders. He also co-owns the  Los Angeles Dodgers of the MLB, Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club, and eSports franchise Team Liquid. The NRF is proud to kick off a national day of celebration and remembrance with an inspirational keynote about Johnson’s rise from playmaker on the court to decision maker in the boardroom of his global business empire, and his indelible entrepreneurial spirit. Johnson will share how he has partnered with major brands like Starbucks, 24 Hour Fitness, and T.G.I. Friday’s to lead a major economic push in densely populated urban communities ripe for commercial and residential development.