LeBron James, the iconic NBA superstar, extends his influence beyond the basketball court as a notable figure in the business world.
One of his ventures includes a significant role as a part owner of Blaze Pizza, a rapidly growing fast-casual pizza chain.
LeBron’s involvement with Blaze Pizza goes beyond mere endorsement, as he actively invests in the brand’s success.
Since his initial investment in 2012, Blaze Pizza has experienced remarkable expansion, capitalizing on LeBron’s star power to enhance its market presence.
As an entrepreneur and strategic investor, LeBron James continues to leave an indelible mark on both the sports and business realms.
Does Lebron James Own Blaze Pizza?
LeBron James is a significant shareholder and founding investor in Blaze Pizza but does not own the entire business outright.
LeBron James is one of the most successful and influential athletes in the world, but he is also a savvy businessman who owns stakes in several companies.
One of them is Blaze Pizza, a fast-casual pizza chain that allows customers to customize their own pizzas with a variety of toppings and sauces.
James invested in Blaze Pizza in 2012 when it was just a small start-up with two locations in California.
He saw the potential of the concept and decided to become a part owner, an active investor, and an endorser of the brand. He also owns 19 franchise locations in Chicago and Miami.
James has been very vocal about his love for Blaze Pizza and has promoted it on his social media platforms.
He has even shared his favorite pizza combination, which consists of 16 toppings, including chicken, turkey meatballs, banana peppers, green olives, and garlic pesto sauce.
He has also appeared in several commercials for Blaze Pizza, sometimes disguised as a regular employee or customer.
James believes in the quality and freshness of the ingredients and the creativity and fun of the pizza-making process. He has said that Blaze Pizza is not just a pizza place, but a lifestyle.
According to Forbes, James’ stake in Blaze Pizza is worth an estimated $35-40 million, making it one of his most profitable investments.
He even turned down a lucrative deal with McDonald’s in 2015 to focus on Blaze Pizza, saying that he wanted to align himself with a company that he genuinely liked and believed in.
Blaze Pizza has grown rapidly since James joined the team, becoming one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the US.
It now has more than 300 locations across 41 states and five countries and plans to expand further in the future.
Who Owns Blaze Pizza Now?
Blaze Pizza is a fast-casual pizza restaurant chain that was founded in 2011 by Rick and Elise Wetzel, who are also the founders of Wetzel’s Pretzels.
The company is headquartered in Pasadena, California, and has more than 300 locations in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.
The current owner of Blaze Pizza is not a single person, but a group of investors and partners who share the equity and profits of the company.
One of the most prominent and influential partners is LeBron James, the basketball superstar and four-time NBA champion.
James invested $1 million in Blaze Pizza in 2012 when the company had only two locations. Since then, his stake in the company has grown to $40 million, and he owns 19 franchise locations.
James is also the spokesman and endorser of Blaze Pizza, and he often promotes the brand on his social media platforms.
Another key partner of Blaze Pizza is Beto Guajardo, who became the president and CEO of the company in January 2023.
Guajardo has over 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, and he previously worked as the president of Focus Brands, the parent company of Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, and other franchises.
Guajardo oversees the strategic direction and growth of Blaze Pizza, and he works closely with the founders, Rick and Elise Wetzel, who are still involved in the company’s operations and innovation.
Blaze Pizza is a successful and popular pizza chain that has a diverse and talented team of owners, partners, and employees.
The company is known for its high-quality ingredients, customizable pizzas, and fast service. Blaze Pizza aims to be the leader in the fast-casual pizza segment and to expand its presence and reach in the global market.
What Company Does Lebron James Own?
LeBron James has strategically diversified his portfolio beyond basketball, making a significant impact in various industries.
Here’s a more detailed exploration of the companies he owns or is associated with:
Blaze Pizza
In 2012, LeBron James made a strategic investment in Blaze Pizza, a fast-casual pizza chain. Beyond being a financial investor, James actively owns 19 franchise locations, contributing to the brand’s success.
His stake in the pizza chain is estimated to be worth $40 million. LeBron’s hands-on approach extends beyond the boardroom, as he has been involved in promotional efforts, adding a personal touch to the growth of Blaze Pizza.
SpringHill Entertainment
LeBron James co-founded SpringHill Entertainment with Maverick Carter, positioning the company as a major player in the media and entertainment industry.
The diverse content produced by SpringHill, including the film “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” starring James, showcases his influence in shaping popular culture.
The company’s valuation at $725 million reflects the successful intersection of sports and entertainment under James’ entrepreneurial vision.
Uninterrupted
Uninterrupted, a digital media platform co-founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, provides a unique space for athletes and celebrities to share original content. .
One of its standout productions is “The Shop,” a talk show hosted by LeBron James. This platform offers an intimate and unfiltered view into the lives of high-profile individuals, adding a layer of authenticity to James’ media ventures.
Ladder
LeBron James extended his influence into the health and wellness sector by co-founding Ladder with notable figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cindy Crawford, and Lindsey Vonn.
Ladder’s product line includes supplements and protein powders, aligning with James’ commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The collaboration with well-known personalities emphasizes the company’s dedication to delivering products that resonate with a broader audience.
Fenway Sports Group
In a historic move in 2021, LeBron James and Maverick Carter became partners in the Fenway Sports Group, marking them as the first Black owners in the company’s history.
This partnership expands James’ sports ventures beyond basketball, connecting him with iconic teams such as the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC.
The move not only solidifies James’ business acumen but also contributes to diversifying ownership in the sports industry.
In addition to these companies, LeBron James also has lucrative endorsement deals with well-known brands such as Nike, PepsiCo, AT&T, and more.
LeBron James is recognized as the first active NBA player to achieve billionaire status, with a reported net worth of $1 billion.
Lebron Pizza Chain
LeBron James is one of the most successful basketball players of all time, but he is also a savvy businessman who has invested in various ventures.
One of his most profitable investments is Blaze Pizza, a fast-casual pizza chain that he co-owns with his business partners Maverick Carter and Paul Wachter.
James and his partners invested about $1 million in Blaze Pizza in 2012 when the chain had only two locations in Southern California.
Since then, Blaze Pizza has grown to more than 300 locations across the US and Canada and has become the fastest-growing restaurant chain in history.
Blaze Pizza is not a typical pizza chain. It offers customers the opportunity to customize their own pizzas with a variety of toppings, sauces, cheeses, and crusts.
The pizzas are then cooked in a high-temperature brick oven in less than three minutes. The concept is similar to Chipotle or Subway but for pizza.
Customers can also choose from a menu of signature pizzas, salads, desserts, and drinks. Blaze Pizza aims to provide a fresh, fast, and affordable alternative to traditional pizza delivery or frozen pizza.
James has been instrumental in the success of Blaze Pizza. He not only invested in the company but also became its brand ambassador and spokesperson.
He has appeared in several commercials and social media posts for Blaze Pizza, promoting its products and values.
He has also opened several franchises in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, as well as in Miami and Chicago.
James has used his influence and popularity to attract more customers and fans to Blaze Pizza and to create a loyal and passionate community around the brand.
James has also benefited from his involvement with Blaze Pizza. According to sources, his stake in the company is now worth $35 million to $40 million, including endorsement payments.
This means that he has earned more than 35 times his initial investment in less than a decade. James has also gained more control and ownership over his business ventures, as opposed to being just an endorser for other brands.
For example, he decided to end his partnership with McDonald’s in 2015, despite having three years and $14 million left on his contract, in order to focus on Blaze Pizza.
He said that he believed in the potential of Blaze Pizza and that he wanted to be more involved in the decision-making and creative process of the company.
In conclusion, LeBron James and Blaze Pizza are a perfect match. They both share a vision of excellence, innovation, and growth. They both have a strong work ethic, a competitive spirit, and a passion for what they do.
They both have a loyal and engaged fan base and a positive impact on their communities. LeBron James and Blaze Pizza have proven that they are not only leaders in their respective fields, but also partners in success.
FAQS
When did LeBron James invest in Blaze Pizza?
LeBron James, along with business partners Maverick Carter and Paul Wachter, invested in Blaze Pizza in 2012 when the chain had only two locations in Southern California.
How many Blaze Pizza locations are there currently?
Blaze Pizza has expanded significantly since LeBron James’ investment, with more than 300 locations across the United States and Canada, making it the fastest-growing restaurant chain in history.
How does Blaze Pizza’s customization concept work?
Blaze Pizza offers customers the chance to customize their own pizzas by choosing from a variety of toppings, sauces, cheeses, and crusts.
The pizzas are then quickly cooked in a high-temperature brick oven in under three minutes.
What role does LeBron James play in Blaze Pizza’s success?
LeBron James is not only an investor but also a brand ambassador and spokesperson for Blaze Pizza.
His influence, promotion efforts, and strategic franchise openings have played a crucial role in the chain’s success.
Why did LeBron James choose Blaze Pizza over other endorsement deals?
Despite having contractual commitments with other brands, LeBron James decided to end his partnership with McDonald’s in 2015 to focus on Blaze Pizza.
He believed in the potential of Blaze Pizza and desired more involvement in the decision-making and creative processes of the company.
Wrap Up
LeBron James is not just a basketball legend; he’s a shrewd entrepreneur who co-owns Blaze Pizza, a venture that has exceeded expectations.
Investing around $1 million in 2012, James, alongside Maverick Carter and Paul Wachter, turned a small pizza chain into an unprecedented success story.
His hands-on approach, from investment to becoming the brand’s face, has significantly contributed to Blaze Pizza’s rapid expansion, with over 300 locations.
James’ stake, now valued between $35-40 million, showcases a remarkable return on investment, reinforcing his strategic business acumen.
Blaze Pizza stands as a testament to James’ ability to not only dominate on the court but also in the business arena.
