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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ink, ideology, and a billion-dollar empire: The J.K. Rowling story
The magical business of words Live Events Beyond Harry Potter Philanthropy, politics and privacy (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel If outrage were a Horcrux, J.K. Rowling has faced seven. Yet none have managed to destroy the legacy she built with seven books, eight films, and a world that refuses to stop believing. With a wand of iron will and a fortune guarded by dark magic, the architect of Hogwarts is once again a billionaire, proving one thing: her magic doesn't fade under the Forbes' Billionaires List 2025 , the British author has reclaimed her spot with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. She is one of only five female billionaires who are self-made, and she is the first author to reach a billion-dollar status, according to Forbes , which included her as a billionaire for the first time in their 2004 rich Harry Potter series may be aimed at young readers, but the books deal with serious themes: death, trauma, sacrifice, and the abuse of power. That willingness to explore darkness in fiction mirrors aspects of her public persona. In recent years, Rowling has been in the spotlight not just for her stories but for her outspoken political views, especially on gender and sex-based of Rowling's wealth comes from her strict control of the Harry Potter brand. She owns the intellectual property rights and licenses them through her own company, The Blair Partnership. That control means she gets a cut from every merchandise, adaptation, or theme park ticket sold under the Harry Potter franchise has sold over 600 million books in 85 languages, and the original eight films brought in $7.7 billion at the box office. The Wizarding World now includes theme park attractions at Universal Studios in Orlando, Hollywood, and Japan, and the stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which continues to play in major 2023, the Hogwarts Legacy video game grossed over $1.1 billion, making it one of the year's best-selling games. Rowling doesn't directly profit from the game, but she still earns through licensing fees as the creator of the HBO's streaming platform Max is rebooting the Harry Potter series into a decade-long television project. Rowling will serve as an executive producer and retains creative control, ensuring her vision continues to shape the Potter is the foundation of her fortune, Rowling has also found success beyond the wizarding world. Under the pen name Robert Galbraith, she writes the Cormoran Strike crime novels with a loyal readership and a BBC TV also founded Pottermore, a digital hub for Harry Potter fans that has evolved into Wizarding World Digital. The platform offers games, quizzes, eBooks, and immersive content and helps maintain fan engagement and brand her wealth, Rowling is not often seen in celebrity circles. She lives a private life in Scotland and rarely appears in the media. However, she is active in philanthropy. She has donated hundreds of millions to charities, including her foundation, Lumos, which works to end the institutionalisation of children comments, often posted on X, have drawn criticism from trans rights groups, activists, and even the stars of the Harry Potter films like Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. Rowling, however, has refused to be silenced. She continues to engage in public debates, asserting her views on women's rights and freedom of speech. While the backlash led to calls for boycotts, it did little to dent her philanthropy is one reason she reportedly fell off Forbes' billionaire list years ago. But with the success of her expanding franchise, she has returned quietly.J.K. Rowling's story is a rare one. Few writers achieve even a fraction of her success. Even fewer manage to retain ownership of their work, guide its expansion, and withstand public scrutiny the way she has.
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Highest-paid athletes of African descent in 2025
Four players of African descent made the top 50 list of Forbes' Highest-Paid-Athletes. Giannis Antetokounmpo - 13th place Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Nigerian/Greek star of the Milwaukee Bucks, is the highest-ranked athlete of African ancestry on Forbes' 2025 list, coming in at 13th with $94.4 million in earnings. His on-court NBA salary and performance bonuses accounted for $49.9 million, while off-court activities, including sponsorships, investments, and media endeavors, brought in $45 million. Giannis's ability to blend elite-level play with business collaborations has propelled him to the ranks of the world's wealthiest sportsmen. Kylian Mbappé - 16th place Kylian Mbappé, the French football prodigy with Cameroonian roots, is ranked 16th with a total earnings of $90 million. His on-field contract and incentives contributed $70 million to his total earnings, making him one of the highest-paid football players in the world. His off-field earnings totaled $20 million, owing to a portfolio of sponsorships and commercial deals that reflect his global celebrity status. Joel Embiid – 36th place NBA center Joel Embiid, another world-class athlete of Cameroonian descent, ranks 36th on the list, with a total earnings of $60.4 million in 2025. The majority of his earnings ($40.4 million) came from his salary and performance bonuses with the Philadelphia 76ers. He also earned $10 million off the court through endorsements and other commercial activities. Embiid's worth to the NBA and worldwide businesses is growing. Sadio Mané - 48th place Senegalese footballer Sadio Mané earned $54 million in 2025, ranking him 48th overall. His on-field earnings were considerable, totaling $50 million, most likely indicating a lucrative deal in a top-tier league. He also made $4 million in sponsorships and commercial deals, solidifying his status as one of Africa's most successful footballers both on and off the field. These four athletes demonstrate the growing global relevance of African talent in sports, not just via their abilities, but also by their enormous market worth and commercial appeal.
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Highest highest-paid athletes of African descent in 2025
Four players of African descent made the top 50 list of Forbes' Highest-Paid-Athletes. Giannis Antetokounmpo - 13th place Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Nigerian/Greek star of the Milwaukee Bucks, is the highest-ranked athlete of African ancestry on Forbes' 2025 list, coming in at 13th with $94.4 million in earnings. His on-court NBA salary and performance bonuses accounted for $49.9 million, while off-court activities, including sponsorships, investments, and media endeavors, brought in $45 million. Giannis's ability to blend elite-level play with business collaborations has propelled him to the ranks of the world's wealthiest sportsmen. Kylian Mbappé - 16th place Kylian Mbappé, the French football prodigy with Cameroonian roots, is ranked 16th with a total earnings of $90 million. His on-field contract and incentives contributed $70 million to his total earnings, making him one of the highest-paid football players in the world. His off-field earnings totaled $20 million, owing to a portfolio of sponsorships and commercial deals that reflect his global celebrity status. Joel Embiid – 36th place NBA center Joel Embiid, another world-class athlete of Cameroonian descent, ranks 36th on the list, with a total earnings of $60.4 million in 2025. The majority of his earnings ($40.4 million) came from his salary and performance bonuses with the Philadelphia 76ers. He also earned $10 million off the court through endorsements and other commercial activities. Embiid's worth to the NBA and worldwide businesses is growing. Sadio Mané - 48th place Senegalese footballer Sadio Mané earned $54 million in 2025, ranking him 48th overall. His on-field earnings were considerable, totaling $50 million, most likely indicating a lucrative deal in a top-tier league. He also made $4 million in sponsorships and commercial deals, solidifying his status as one of Africa's most successful footballers both on and off the field. These four athletes demonstrate the growing global relevance of African talent in sports, not just via their abilities, but also by their enormous market worth and commercial appeal.
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Forbes 2025 Under 30 Summit To Be Held In Columbus, Ohio Featuring 3-Time Olympic Medalist Suni Lee, Vivek Ramaswamy and More
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Forbes hosted a special press event to officially announce the 2025 Forbes Under 30 Summit, in partnership with JobsOhio, and to unveil the Forbes 30 Under 30 Local Columbus List. The 2025 Under 30 Summit, taking place in Columbus from September 28-October 1, 2025, will convene the world's top young leaders, founders and creators for four days of connecting, learning, teaching and building. 'We're bringing it home to the capital of Ohio for the 2025 Forbes Under 30 Summit, our third and biggest year yet in the state as we spotlight the entrepreneurial momentum building in the Columbus area,' said Steven Bertoni, Assistant Managing Editor at Forbes. 'With a vibrant sense of community and innovation, we're proud to spotlight the city of Columbus' brightest entrepreneurs and game-changers leading the way in their industries.' Confirmed speakers for the 2025 Forbes Under 30 Summit include: Vivek Ramaswamy, Entrepreneur, Author, 2024 Presidential Candidate, and 2026 Candidate for Governor of Ohio Suni Lee, 3-Time Olympic Medalist Allison Ellsworth, Cofounder, Poppi Jeni Britton, Founder & CEO, Floura and Founder, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams May Habib, Founder & CEO, Writer With additional names being announced soon. The event will kick off on Sunday, September 28, with Forbes' signature Under 30 Summit concert, with performances to be announced soon. Attendees will hear from A-list speakers, access exclusive networking opportunities, participate in industry focused excursions and experiences across Columbus, and join in on a day of giving back to the Columbus community. 'This Summit is more than a moment,' said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. 'It's a reflection of what is possible in a place like Columbus, where partnership powers progress, inclusion fuels innovation, and tomorrow's leaders are already making moves today.' Today's press conference convened 30 Under 30 Local Columbus list makers, key city and state officials and partners. Ohio State University football safety Caleb Downs, who was recently named to the 30 Under 30 Local Columbus list, spoke in a fireside chat with Forbes' Steve Bertoni about his selection to the Under 30 list and his connection to the great state of Ohio. The first-ever 30 Under 30 Local Columbus list, which launched today, spotlights young entrepreneurs in cities across the local Columbus region. This year's 30 Under 30 Columbus list includes OSU Buckeyes football safety Caleb Downs, National Champion OSU football players Emeka Egbuka and William Howard, former OSU Women's Basketball Player Cotie McMahon, Olympic Medal-winning swimmer Hunter Armstrong and many more. "Columbus has a vibrant and growing entrepreneur and business community that continues to thrive,' said J.P. Nauseef, President & CEO of JobsOhio. 'This year's Forbes 30 Under 30 Local List showcases a wide range of the incredible talent that draws so many young people to Columbus. We look forward to welcoming them and the thousands of attendees later this fall." To curate the list, Forbes worked closely with local industry leaders for their expert recommendations. Candidates were then thoroughly vetted by Forbes and a panel of independent, expert judges on a variety of factors including but not limited to funding, revenue, social impact, scale, inventiveness and potential. Those who appear on the final 30 Under 30 Local List are still eligible for future Forbes lists, including the Forbes 30 Under 30 U.S. list. For the 30 Under 30 Local Columbus List and more, visit: here For additional information or to attend the Forbes Under 30 Summit in September, visit: Forbes Under 30 Summit. To join the conversation on social, follow #Under30Summit. JobsOhio is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 Under 30 Summit. Pratt Industries is the Supporting Sponsor.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
JD Vance Just Issued A Huge Bitcoin Prediction After $2 Trillion Price Rally
Bitcoin is hovering just under its all-time high of $112,000 per bitcoin after soaring over the last month (with Elon Musk quietly confirming what could be a bitcoin price game-changer is happening 'soon'). Front-run Donald Trump, the White House and Wall Street by subscribing now to Forbes' CryptoAsset & Blockchain Advisor where you can "uncover blockchain blockbusters poised for 1,000% plus gains!" The bitcoin price has rocketed around 50% since plummeting to April lows of $75,000, pushed on by fears of a growing U.S. dollar 'crisis" and catapulting bitcoin to a $2 trillion market capitalization. Now, as another big company follows Michael Saylor's Strategy in buying bitcoin, U.S. vice president JD Vance has predicted the number of Americans who own bitcoin is about to double to 100 million. Sign up now for the free CryptoCodex—A daily five-minute newsletter for traders, investors and the crypto-curious that will get you up to date and keep you ahead of the bitcoin and crypto market bull run 'Fifty million Americans own bitcoin. I think it's gonna be 100 million before too long," Vance said, speaking at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas. Vance added that he still holds a "fair amount of bitcoin today" and that bitcoin will be a strategically important asset for the U.S. over the next decade as it faces off with China. "The People's Republic of China doesn't like bitcoin. Well, we should be asking ourselves, why is that," Vance said in comments reported by Reuters. Sign up now for CryptoCodex—A free, daily newsletter for the crypto-curious 'Why is our biggest adversary such an opponent of bitcoin, and if the communist Republic of China is leaning away from bitcoin, then maybe the United States ought to be leaning into bitcoin.' Vance hailed U.S. president Donald Trump, who announced he would create a U.S. strategic reserve if elected president at last year's bitcoin conference in Nashville, as crypto's long-awaited 'champion.' "Crypto is a hedge against bad policy making from Washington, no matter what party is in control," Vance said in comments reported by Axios. "I'm here today to say loud and clear with president Trump, crypto finally has a champion and an ally in the White House."
