Born in Sombor, Serbia, on February 19, 1995, Jokic’s passion for basketball was evident from a young age. He made his Serbian league debut with Mega Basket as a teenager and quickly became the league’s MVP, according to his NBA bio. His journey took him to the NBA, where he joined the Denver Nuggets in 2015. He quickly made a name for himself as one of the most talented centres to ever play the game.

Jokic’s sporting achievements are as impressive as his 211cm frame. He won a silver medal with Serbia at the 2016 Summer Olympics and an NBA championship with the Nuggets in 2023. He has two regular-season MVP awards and one Finals MVP, and is a five-time NBA All-Star.

With such accolades, it’s no surprise that Jokic’s value soared. In 2018, he signed a five-year contract extension worth around US$147 million, Forbes reports. A year later, he ranked as the 89th richest athlete globally.

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According to ESPN, Jokic’s salary will increase each year, from US$42 million in the 2023-2024 season to over US$54 million in the 2027-2028 season.

Occasionally, the NBA giant’s been hit by fines for talking back at officials or pushing someone. In May 2023, he was fined US$25,000 for hitting Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia with an elbow while trying to get the ball, reported CBS News.

He was also removed from a game against the Chicago Bulls in December 2023, but didn’t get into detail regarding his discussion with the referee. “I like my money, so I’m not going to say whatever,” he said about the incident, per Sports Illustrated.

As a global icon, Jokic has nabbed sponsorship deals with major brands. He has partnered with Western Union, Serbian fruit brandy Somborac, trading card company Panini, and Chinese sports giant 361°.

He signed the multi-year deal with 361° in late 2023, which will see him wear and develop shoes for the brand. “We’ve already been working together to bring my first signature shoe to life,” Jokić said, per Boardroom Sports, the sports arm of media company Boardroom.

But how else does the basketball superstar make his fortune – and what does he splurge it on?

Nikola Jokic’s growing stable of horses

Jokić’s passion for basketball is rivalled only by his love for horses. Sports news website The Athletic reported that the star owns more than half a dozen horses, and he told ESPN that he is continuously adding to his collection.

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He told The Denver Post that 2023 was a great year for his stable. “My horses [are] everywhere – I have them in France, Italy, Serbia. They’re all winning races, so I’m happy.”

His father Branislav once recounted to the Associated Press how he had to persuade his son to be “a basketball player first and a great horseman later”.

His property investments

According to architecture website Archute, Jokic owns a US$2.4 million home believed to be near Coors Field baseball stadium in Denver. The property reportedly boasts six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and a spacious garden with a pool.

Jokic has also reportedly bought five plots of land in Serbia to build a massive family home.

He develops basketball in his home country, Serbia

Jokic maintains a strong connection with his home country and has taken part in projects to develop basketball in Serbia. KK Joker, a football team in Jokic’s hometown, is now reportedly run by Jokic’s father Branislav, while his brothers have taken on roles such as general manager or board member. The name is considered an homage to the NBA MVP.

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His flashy cars and watches

Jokic’s garages across the globe are filled with luxury cars. Serbian daily newspaper Telegraf reported in 2022 that he was spotted in a Mercedes Brabus G63 AMG, worth an estimated US$274,000. In 2017, he was seen in a GMC Yukon valued at around US$63,500.