🏀 OFFICIAL: Magic Johnson Named One of TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports — A Spartan, A Legend, A Global Force
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN — He dazzled the world with no-look passes, turned Showtime into a dynasty, and redefined leadership both on and off the court. Now, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Michigan State basketball legend and NBA Hall of Famer, has earned yet another monumental honor: he’s been officially named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports by TIME 100 Magazine.
The announcement, made during TIME’s annual Sports Influence Summit in New York City, sent ripples of admiration throughout the sports world—and ignited a celebration in East Lansing that could be heard from the Breslin Center to the steps of the State Capitol.
🌟 A Legend Beyond the Game
“Magic Johnson didn’t just change how basketball is played—he changed what it means to be a sports icon,” wrote TIME senior editor Clarissa DuPont. “From his roots at Michigan State to the global impact he has today, his influence is immeasurable, enduring, and deeply human.”
Magic’s inclusion on the list reflects a unique blend of athletic greatness, business leadership, and humanitarian impact. He joins a global elite of athletes, executives, and change-makers shaping the future of sports, including names like Serena Williams, Kylian Mbappé, and LeBron James.
🏀 The Spartan Spark
Before Magic was an NBA Finals MVP or the face of the Lakers dynasty, he was a kid from Lansing, Michigan—dribbling in high school gyms, dreaming big. At Michigan State University, Johnson led the Spartans to the 1979 NCAA Championship, defeating Indiana State in what became the most-watched college basketball game in history—a showdown with Larry Bird that birthed one of sports’ greatest rivalries.
“Magic put MSU on the map,” said current Spartans head coach Tom Izzo. “But more than that, he carried the spirit of this university into everything he touched. Every win, every smile, every business venture—he’s always been one of us.”
💼 Impact Off the Court
Beyond basketball, Magic has built a business empire focused on urban development, minority entrepreneurship, and community health access. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, has invested in Starbucks franchises in underserved areas, launched technology hubs in inner cities, and recently partnered with the NBA to expand international youth academies.
He’s also served as a voice for HIV/AIDS awareness since publicly announcing his diagnosis in 1991—a moment that transformed public understanding of the disease.
TIME credits Johnson’s “multi-dimensional legacy,” noting that few figures have so seamlessly moved between sports, business, advocacy, and cultural influence.
📣 The Reaction
Social media erupted with tributes from across generations.
LeBron James posted:
> “Paved the way for all of us. True legend. Congrats, Magic!”
MSU President Alicia Mendez declared a campus-wide “Magic Day” to celebrate the honor. The Spartan Marching Band even performed a halftime tribute set to Johnson’s most iconic career moments.
✨ Final Word
From East Lansing to Los Angeles, from the court to the boardroom, Magic Johnson’s legacy continues to grow. This TIME 100 honor doesn’t just recognize what he’s done—it acknowledges what he still inspires.
He is, in every sense, a legend. A leader. A light.
And now—officially one of the most influential people in sports.
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