Soccer/Football

Magic Johnson claims 18th championship ring – but refuses to count another two in his haul

Mar 28, 2026 - 14:30

One of the greatest basketball players of all time claimed another ring on Friday.

But for Magic Johnson, this one didn’t come from the court.

Earvin 'Magic' Johnson celebrates with the Los Angeles Dodgers after defeating the New York Yankees in Game Five of the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium on October 30, 2024 in New York City. The Dodgers defeated the Yankees 7-6. — Magic Johnson added to his accolades on Friday with another championship ring

Instead, it was won on the newly sponsored field at Dodger Stadium.

Since stepping away from the NBA, Johnson has built an impressive business empire.

He founded his own investment company, and also owns stakes in multiple sports teams — like the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The NBA icon became a part owner of the baseball team in 2012, has watched them recently win three World Series titles in five-years.

On Friday evening, the Dodgers hosted the Arizona Diamondbacks, and before the game, they were given their rings from beating the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025.

Los Angeles Lakers legend Johnson celebrated the moment by posting on X, and announced he was about to collect another ring — the 18th by his own count.

Magic Johnson shares why he doesn’t count two rings in impressive haul

“Today is a very special day for me, as I will be receiving my 18th championship ring tonight at Dodger Stadium,” he wrote.

“We will celebrate out back-to-back World Series Championships at ring night – I’m so excited.”

Johnson then broke down where his 18 rings were won — and why he doesn’t count two of them.

“I currently have (1) Everett High School State Championship, (1) Michigan State NCAA Championship, (11) Lakers Championships – (5) as a player, (5) as a co-owner and (1) as an executive,” he wrote.

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses with Magic Johnson prior to an opening day baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26, 2026. — Magic Johsnon claimed his third ring from the Dodgers in a ceremony on Friday night

Earvin Magic Johnson #32, Shooting Guard and Power Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on 11th January 1991 at the Great Western Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Lakers won the game 105 - 93. — Magic Johnson did not include the two-rings he won as co-owner of Team Liquid

“(1) LAFC Major League Soccer Championship, (1) LA Sparks WNBA Championship, and (3) World Series Championships with the Dodgers.

“I actually have a total of (20) lol, but I didn’t include my (2) E-Sports Championships as co-owner of Team Liquid.”

Through his investment in aXiomatic gaming, Johnson is a part of the ownership group that acquired a controlling interest in Team Liquid in 2016.

Team Liquid is known as one of the most successful and valuable esports teams in the world, competing in League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS:GO.

If he wanted to count those rings in his impressive haul, no one would blame him.

Johnson’s best wishes to Michigan State fall short as Connecticut advance

Even on a night centered around baseball, Johnson still had college basketball on his mind.

Jeremy Fears Jr. #1 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the first half against the UConn Huskies in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. — Despite an epic comeback attempt, the Spartans were eliminated by UConn

Before his NBA days, Johnson played two seasons for Michigan-State, in which he averaged 17.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game, and was selected to the 1978-79 All-American team for his performance in his final season.

He entered the 1979 draft, and was selected first overall. He went on to spend his entire 13-year career with the Lakers.

Magic’s connection to Michigan State is evidently still strong, and he made sure to show his support ahead of their Sweet 16 clash against the Connecticut Huskies.

“I want to wish my Spartans the best of luck as they take on UConn in the NCAA Tournament today! I’ll be watching from Dodger Stadium,” Johnson tweeted.

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Unfortunately for the Spartans, despite an epic comeback attempt, their March Madness run is over, as they would be defeated 67-63 by the Huskies.

Michigan trailed by 19 points in the first-half and eight at half time, before battling back to take a 45-44 lead with 10 minutes remaining.

Jeremy Fears Jr. hit two free throws to trim the Huskies’ lead to 63-62 with 32 seconds remaining, but UConn hit all four of its free throws down the stretch to claim the victory.

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