CONGRATULATIONS: Magic Johnson Named One of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports… Read More….

CONGRATULATIONS: Magic Johnson Named One of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports… Read More….

Michigan State basketball icon and global NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson has earned yet another honor befitting a man whose influence stretches far beyond hardwood courts. TIME Magazine has officially named Johnson one of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports, placing him among the athletes, executives, innovators, and trailblazers shaping the modern sports world.

It is a recognition that feels both timely and timeless. Long before corporate success, ownership stakes, and groundbreaking philanthropic work, Magic Johnson captivated the world with his incomparable smile and dazzling playmaking at Michigan State. He didn’t just help the Spartans win — he turned the NCAA Tournament into a national spectacle. His iconic clash with Larry Bird in the 1979 championship reshaped college basketball’s place in American culture.

Then came the NBA, where Magic transformed the Los Angeles Lakers into a dynasty and the league into a global entertainment powerhouse. His style was more than athleticism — it was joy, genius, and showmanship all woven into one. He redefined the point guard position, won five NBA championships, captured multiple MVP awards, and became one of the sport’s most recognizable and beloved figures.

But it’s what came after basketball that truly cements him as one of the most influential people in sports — and in society.

Johnson’s impact off the court has become a blueprint for athletes aspiring to leverage their platform for greater change. Through Magic Johnson Enterprises, he has built a business empire that champions underserved communities. From urban development to entertainment, from real estate to technology investments, Johnson has consistently positioned himself as a leader determined to create opportunity where it is most needed.

He is not simply a businessman — he is a symbol of Black entrepreneurship, empowerment, and resilience.

Magic’s role as a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, Washington Commanders, and Los Angeles Football Club further highlights his influence in shaping modern sports culture. His presence in ownership suites fuels ongoing conversations about diversity, representation, and leadership at the highest levels of American sport.

TIME’s recognition also acknowledges Johnson’s enduring advocacy for public health. His openness about living with HIV, beginning in 1991, shattered stigma and transformed the national conversation. Today, he continues to use his voice, visibility, and resources to support awareness, prevention, and care initiatives across the world.

From East Lansing to Los Angeles, from NBA star to global icon, Magic Johnson has never stopped evolving — and never stopped smiling while doing it. His charisma and character remain as powerful as his no-look passes once were.

As TIME 100 honors him among the most influential figures in sports today, one truth stands clear: Some legends play the game. Others change the world. Magic Johnson has always done both — and done it with the grace, joy, and unwavering optimism that inspired generations.

For Michigan State fans, for the NBA, and for millions around the globe, Magic’s influence isn’t just history. It’s still growing.