Carmelo Anthony‘s business game has been just as good as his signature jab step. You know Melo could score from anywhere on the court, but did you know he’s now in command of a $160 million business empire? We’re talking about a guy who pocketed over $260 million just from his 19-year NBA career – and that was only the beginning.
Anthony has emerged as a true business mogul off the court. His diverse business interests include wine, cannabis, and technology ventures. His VII(N) wine label’s partnership with Robert Mondavi and STAYME7O cannabis brand’s focus on social equity showcase his business acumen. A shrewd $500K investment in Mophie proved particularly lucrative, yielding an 800-1000% return after a $100 million sale. The 10-time NBA All-Star’s path to building his business empire reveals a calculated approach. Anthony’s success spans from tech investments to media production ventures. His story shows how athletes can leverage their professional sports success to create lasting business impact.
Carmelo Anthony’s NBA Career and Financial Foundation
Carmelo Anthony built his business empire on the foundation of his NBA career. The third overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft quickly became one of basketball’s elite scorers. His earnings on the court gave him the money he needed to venture into business. Anthony hit the ground running with the Denver Nuggets on a three-year deal worth approximately $10.4 million. His scoring ability shined right from his rookie season. This early financial success pushed Anthony to think beyond the basketball court. His marketability as a rising star started attracting endorsement deals early, and these contracts became the building blocks for his wealth strategy. Smart move for someone who understood the game extends beyond basketball.
When Anthony suited up for the New York Knicks, that’s when the serious money started rolling in. We’re talking about a five-year contract worth nearly $124 million in 2014. Before that, he secured a three-year, $65 million extension with Denver in 2006. His salary kept climbing with stops in Oklahoma City, Houston, and Portland.
Here’s the breakdown of what 19 years in the league looks like:
- Over $260 million in salary alone
- Strategic contract negotiations that maximized earning potential
- Multiple team moves that kept the money flowing
- A financial team that managed resources for future business ventures
Those numbers provided the capital for everything that came after. Without that NBA foundation, there’s no business empire.
Endorsements and sponsorship deals
Anthony’s longest partnership was with Jordan Brand, spanning most of his career. This relationship delivered multiple signature shoes and apparel collections, reportedly generating millions annually. The Jordan deal alone was probably worth more than some players’ entire contracts. His endorsement portfolio spread across different industries:
- Foot Locker
- Powerade
- Nickelodeon
Anthony’s personality made him appealing to brands looking for that authentic connection. These partnerships didn’t just generate immediate income – they provided business insights that would inform his own strategies later. The combination of NBA salaries and endorsements built Anthony’s estimated $160 million net worth. This financial foundation made his transition from athlete to entrepreneur possible. His experiences with major brands became a masterclass in business operations that he’d apply to his own ventures.
Building the Business Portfolio
Melo didn’t just stumble into the business world – he built a portfolio that shows serious strategic thinking. Each venture tells a story about an athlete who understood early that the money you make isn’t as important as what you do with it. His investment game isn’t just about throwing money around and hoping it sticks. The man has developed a real strategy, spreading his bets across multiple industries like someone who actually understands portfolio diversification. His financial moves show he’s learned from every contract negotiation and endorsement deal throughout his career.
Melo7 Tech Partners (2013–present)
Back in 2013, Anthony teamed up with Stuart Goldfarb to launch Melo7 Tech Partners. This venture capital firm wasn’t just another celebrity side hustle – they got into early-stage digital media investments when the space was still finding its legs. The company has grown an impressive portfolio that includes big names like Lyft ridesharing service and DraftKings fantasy sports platform. His smart bet of $500,000 in Mophie paid off big time. The company’s $100 million sale brought Anthony an 800-1000% return. This soaring win proved his skills as a tech investor. His firm still spots promising digital startups regularly.
Creative 7 (2021–present)
Anthony launched Creative 7 in 2021, and this one’s personal. The content production company focuses on stories that typically don’t get told – social justice issues, diverse perspectives, the kind of content that matters beyond just entertainment value. Working with major studios and streaming platforms, Creative 7 has positioned Anthony as more than just a former athlete looking for screen time. He’s become a storyteller, someone who understands that content creation is about amplifying voices that need to be heard.
STAYME7O (2023–present)
The cannabis game is crowded, but Anthony’s STAYME7O brand stands out through its partnership with Jeeter. What caught my attention was the emphasis on social equity – not just jumping into cannabis for the money, but actually caring about the communities affected by previous prohibition policies. Their premium pre-rolls and product line reflect thoughtful branding rather than quick cash grabs.
VII(N) – The Seventh Estate (2022–present)
Anthony stepped into the wine world with VII(N) in 2022. He joined forces with famous winemaker Robert Mondavi. The brand offers several varieties including Oath of Fidelity and Revision 2020. This venture stems from his love for fine wines.
We’re talking about one of the most respected names in winemaking collaborating with someone who clearly appreciates quality. Varieties like Oath of Fidelity and Revision 2020 show this isn’t just slapping a celebrity name on bottles.
Haute Time (2013–present)
Since 2013, Anthony has been involved with Haute Time magazine, and this one shows his personal interests bleeding into business. As a watch collector himself, his involvement goes beyond just investment – he brings genuine passion for high-end timepieces and luxury lifestyle content. What strikes me about Anthony’s business approach is the consistency. Every venture connects to either his personal interests or values, creating an authentic brand that extends far beyond basketball.
Isos7 Sports Investments (2023–present)
Anthony teamed up with George Barrios and Michelle Wilson to launch Isos7 Sports Investments in 2023. These aren’t small-time investments we’re talking about – they’re targeting $50 million to $100 million per investment. The fund expects to have access to approximately $750 million in capital.
What makes Isos7 different is its scope. They’re not just looking at American sports – their targets span North America, Europe, and Asia. Sports leagues, teams, ancillary businesses – basically anything that touches the sports ecosystem. The fact that Isos7 is 100% founded and led by a diverse management team shows Anthony’s commitment to representation in business leadership.
Nobody’s Pizza & The Ainsworth (2018–present)
Anthony dropped $5 million into Nobody’s Pizza and The Ainsworth back in 2018. His partner in this venture is Keith Rubenstein from Somerset Partners, and they’ve got big plans. We’re talking 20-30 locations over seven years.
The strategy here is brilliant if you think about it. Nobody’s Pizza serves thinner-crusted pies with creative toppings, while The Ainsworth operates as an upscale sports bar. Put these near sports stadiums across the country, and you’ve got a built-in customer base that Anthony knows better than most people.
Overtime Sports Media Platform
Anthony jumped into Overtime’s $23 million Series B funding round in 2019. This digital platform focuses on high-school athletes and mobile-friendly content – exactly where the next generation of sports fans are consuming media. After that funding round, Overtime hit a valuation around $100 million. The numbers tell the story of why this was a smart bet. Their videos now generate over 550 million views monthly. Anthony joined other NBA players and venture capital firms in backing this platform, recognizing early that traditional sports media was changing.
The Mophie Success Story
We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth noting again – Anthony’s $500,000 angel investment in Mophie back in 2007 remains his biggest win. When ZAGG bought the phone accessory company in 2016 for over $100 million, Anthony’s stake grew by 800-1000%. That’s a profit between $4-5 million from a single early bet.
This success established Anthony’s reputation as someone who could spot opportunities before they became obvious. It also gave him the confidence to make bigger, bolder investment moves in the years that followed.
2) Overtime
— Andrew Petcash (@AndrewPetcash) March 19, 2025
Carmelo is an early investor and board member in the sports media company.
He entered at the 2019 Series B round.
Valuation at the time: under $100M.
Overtime current valuation: $500M+. pic.twitter.com/z8x5otwPwr
1) Mophie
— Andrew Petcash (@AndrewPetcash) March 19, 2025
In 2007, Carmelo provided a $500K angel check to the phone accessory company.
Fast forward 9 years...
Apple is carrying their products, and Zagg acquires them for over $100M.
Melo cashed out up 800-1000%. pic.twitter.com/ZNzzjAQdjk
Wrapping Up Melo’s Business Game
Carmelo Anthony’s story is a perfect example for young athletes who are pursuing ventures during and after their careers. This isn’t just another athlete who got lucky with investments – this is someone who understood the assignment from day one. While other players share stories of financial tragedy when their careers are all said and done, Melo was quietly building something that would outlast his jump shot. The numbers speak for themselves, but they don’t tell the whole story. Sure, that Mophie investment was brilliant, and his tech investments show he had an eye for what was coming next. But what really stands out is how he stayed true to himself throughout the process. The wine business with Robert Mondavi, the cannabis brand focused on social equity – these aren’t random cash grabs. They reflect who he is.
The man’s $160 million net worth proves he learned from every play, good and bad. What I respect most about Anthony’s approach is the authenticity. He didn’t try to be something he wasn’t. When he got into content production with Creative 7, it was about amplifying voices that needed to be heard. When he launched STAYME7O, social equity wasn’t just marketing speak – it mattered to him. The basketball world will remember Melo for his Olympic gold medals and his 3-level scoring ability, but his business portfolio might be his most impressive legacy. He showed other athletes that the real game starts when you hang up your jersey. Anthony built significant wealth that ensures his influence extends far beyond his playing days – and that’s a masterclass worth studying.
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