Back in 2011, James bought roughly two percent of Liverpool FC for about $6.5 million. The club was valued at around $325 million then, and outside of a few business circles, it didn’t draw much attention. It drew mixed reactions from WNBA fans.
That same stake looks very different in 2026. Liverpool is now valued at $4.8 billion, putting LeBron’s share close to $96 million. What once felt like a quiet side investment has turned into one of his smartest off-court plays.
Once those numbers started circulating, reactions came fast.
Some weren’t buying it.
@SussexForReform pushed back, writing, “DEI investing. He was gifted the shareholding as a publicity stunt.”
DEI investing. He was gifted the shareholding as a publicity stunt.
— SussexForReform (@SussexForReform) January 12, 2026
Others saw it as another example of LeBron staying ahead of the curve.
“The man continues to win in all areas of life. Well done,” @_Adrian posted.
@TheCrypticWolf kept it short: “Making business moves, he understands game is chess not checkers.”
The Liverpool stake is just one piece of a much bigger picture. LeBron closed out 2025 as the NBA’s second-highest-paid player behind Stephen Curry and landed sixth on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, with Cristiano Ronaldo sitting at the top.
“Trading cards just got cooler”: NBA fans react to LeBron’s latest milestone moment
Before the Lakers faced the Kings at Golden 1 Center, Topps revealed James would wear a special patch marking his 23rd NBA season. The detail tied back to his very first NBA game in 2003, which also happened in Sacramento during his debut with Cleveland.
The patch won’t stay intact for long. Pieces from the game-worn jersey are set to be turned into ultra-rare trading cards, which immediately got fans talking.
“Trading cards just got cooler,” @blockxs wrote.
Trading cards just got cooler
— BLOCKXS.COM (@blockxs) January 12, 2026
@DFreeDBZHD added, “Everyone assumes he wants the attention and the tour but what if, he just doesn’t? It’s also not too late to announce one either way. I still think he plays another year.”
@jbondwagon joked, “This is the best thing happening in Sacramento this season btw.”
Sacramento still walked away with a 124–112 win, but James finished the night with 22 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
