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April 07, 2025

Hakeem Olajuwon Builds His Business From NBA Earnings

Jenny Jones-author-image Eda
Read Time: 2 Minutes
Hakeem Olajuwon Builds His Business From NBA Earnings

Hakeem Olajuwon is a former NBA legend. After he retired from the basketball world, he did not sit idle and made his way to building his real estate empire with zero debt. Now, he runs a business worth $300 million. 

Hakeem Olajuwon Transformation from NBA Player to Real Estate Empire

Hakeem Olajuwon does not require an in-depth introduction. Fans know him as a brilliant basketball player. After witnessing successful years in basketball, he retired respectfully in 2002 to let other young and avid basketball players thrive in the sports world. 

In his 20-year career in the basketball world, he earned several victories, including two championships and a prestigious MVP award as a player of the Houston Rockets. He was famous for being the best defender in the game, which is why fans called him “The Dream.”

Do you know what Hakeem Olajuwon did to earn a substantial income after his farewell to the basketball world? It is impressive, and you must not avoid learning it. Hakeem paid attention to investing in real estate. 

After retirement, he had savings, so he did not take loans or lend money to anyone. Resources reveal that he used the money he earned from his career—over $110 million—to build his real estate empire. You must be surprised that his investment in several properties is currently valued at $300 million. 

Hakeem Olajuwon Debt-Free Business Establishment

Not everyone knows that Hakeem Olajuwon is a Muslim and follows his religion, Islam, in building his business. It is no surprise that Islamic rules do not allow interest; that’s why Hakeem’s investment in his company differs from that of other real estate developers. 

In addition, resources reveal that Hakeem does not want loans or credit to progress his business. He often says, “I work with my own money. That way, I decide when to sell. I don’t have a bank pressuring me.”

With this approach, Hakeem Olajuwon conveys that he does proper research before investing in a property. He studies road maps and development plans, follows city guidelines, and conducts expert meetings. 

Hakeem Considers Houston For His Business

Hakeem Olajuwon's choice of picking Houston for his business works excellently to help his business grow. The news highlights that Hakeem’s basketball career was established in Houston; he thought the same with his real estate empire. For him, Houston is a city that gave him respect, honor, and dignified status. 

According to him, Olajuwon knows Houston from every aspect and understands the growth areas. Earlier in his business days, he purchased land or properties near hospitals, stadiums, or railway lines. He also owned the old Federal Reserve Bank and transformed it into a mosque. 

Even today, Hakeem does the same. He owns a retirement community near NASA, and his business model is unique. According to a local developer, Hakeem buys high and sells high. Hakeem Olajuwon's residences are in Houston and Amman. 

Hakeem’s Perspective: An Impressive Business Legacy

There is no doubt that Hakeem Olajuwon built his business to be worth $300 million without loans, endorsements, and flashy deals. His way of establishing his empire is nothing but a legacy and his journey of patience and perseverance. It gives young investors a message to keep their spirits high without being dependent on others. For your information, Hakeem Olajuwon is among the seven richest NBA players. 

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