Magic Johnson Enjoys a $140 Million Yacht Vacation That People Can Only Dream About, and He Gets to Do It in Lavish Luxury on Fadeaway World
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the NBA legend and business tycoon, is redefining luxury with his latest summer escapade aboard the PHOENIX2, a $140 million superyacht cruising through the Mediterranean. The Hall of Famer, whose net worth is estimated at $1.5 billion, has turned his annual vacation into a spectacle of opulence that has captured the attention of fans and celebrities alike, including NFL icon Tom Brady, who commented on Johnson’s Instagram post showcasing the lavish vessel. For six weeks, Johnson, his wife Cookie, and a rotating cast of celebrity friends and family have been sailing through Europe’s most picturesque destinations, proving that his post-basketball life is as legendary as his days with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The PHOENIX2, built by the renowned Lürssen Yachts, is more than just a boat—it’s a floating palace. Chartered at a reported $1.25 million per week, the yacht features seven luxurious cabins, including a two-level main suite with panoramic ocean views and a private terrace complete with a jacuzzi. With amenities like multiple pools, a state-of-the-art gym, a wellness center, a salon, and both indoor and outdoor cinema halls, the vessel is designed for ultimate comfort and indulgence. A crew of 29 ensures that up to 12 guests experience unparalleled service, from gourmet meals prepared by award-winning chefs to extravagant themed parties. Johnson’s social media posts have offered glimpses of this grandeur, including a Greek-themed toga party in the Ionian Islands, where he and his guests danced and dined under the stars.
The journey began in Antibes, France, and has taken Johnson and his entourage through iconic locales such as Capri, Sicily, and Portofino in Italy; Mykonos, Santorini, and the Corinth Canal in Greece; and Croatia and Montenegro. Along the way, they’ve dined at world-class venues like the Four Seasons Hotel in Sicily, featured in The White Lotus, and Da Paolino Ristorante in Capri, where Johnson was joined by luminaries like Michael Jordan, Samuel L. Jackson, and Judge Greg Mathis. These star-studded gatherings underscore Johnson’s ability to blend leisure with high-profile networking, a skill that has fueled his remarkable business success.
Johnson’s rise to billionaire status is a testament to his vision and discipline. His historic $25 million contract with the Lakers in the 1980s was groundbreaking, but it was just the starting point. After earning roughly $40 million during his NBA career, he transformed himself into a business mogul through savvy investments. His portfolio includes ownership stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Washington Commanders (NFL), Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), Los Angeles FC (MLS), and Washington Spirit (NWSL). Beyond sports, his ventures in real estate, urban development, and healthcare—often focused on underserved communities—have solidified his financial empire. His 60% stake in EquiTrust, a life insurance company, is a cornerstone of his wealth, which Forbes recognized when naming him a billionaire in 2023.
The PHOENIX2 vacation is not just a display of wealth but a celebration of Johnson’s journey from NBA stardom to global influence. His Instagram posts, including a video of him exercising on a treadmill with a stunning ocean backdrop, reflect a man at ease with his success. “You don’t need much motivation to workout with this beautiful backdrop!” he captioned, a sentiment echoed by fans who flooded his posts with admiration and envy. Comments ranged from “Money can buy happiness, and this is example no. 1” to playful pleas like “Lord, I’ve seen what you’ve done for others.” Even Tom Brady’s enthusiastic “Yessir” with a fire emoji highlights the yacht’s jaw-dropping allure.
While the PHOENIX2 is a temporary charter, its $7.5 million cost for six weeks is a small price for Johnson, whose business acumen ensures his wealth continues to grow. The yacht, once owned by a Turkish businessman and previously chartered by celebrities like Jay-Z and Beyoncé, is a symbol of the exclusivity Johnson commands. Yet, he remains grounded, sharing moments of family joy as his children and grandchildren joined the trip, turning the vessel into a floating family reunion.
As Johnson sails through the Mediterranean, his vacation embodies the pinnacle of luxury and success. From toga parties to fine dining with A-list friends, he’s living a life most can only dream of. Yet, his story resonates beyond the glitz, reminding us that hard work, strategic investments, and a passion for community can create a legacy that shines as brightly as the Mediterranean sun.
