Maybe Next Year

A record 221 American billionaires didn’t make The Forbes 400 this year. Here are four who are still too poor but on their way up.

A record 221 American billionaires didn’t make The Forbes 400.

Michael Jordan $1.9 BIL CHARLOTTE HORNETS,

ENDORSEMENTS

His Airness’ kingdom covers the hardwood—he owns the NBA’s Hornets—packages of Hanes underwear (complete with Jordan trading cards inside), restaurants, Gatorade and, of course, sneakers. The

kicks alone generate $3 billion in annual sales.

Safra Catz $1.1 BIL

ORACLE

Catz sits alone atop Oracle after her co-CEO, Mark Hurd, took a leave in September. She’s the rare hired hand to

become a billionaire, and she has been richly rewarded by Oracle: In fiscal 2018 her compensation package totaled

more than $108 million.

Jay-Z $1 BIL

MUSIC

“Generational wealth, that’s the key,” Jay-Z rapped in 2017’s “Legacy.” “My parents ain’t have s–t, so that shift started with me.” His fortune includes

his ownership of Armand de Brignac champagne, worth $310 million, and a $70 million art

collection.

Tom Steyer $1.6 BIL

HEDGE FUNDS

Will America elect another billionaire as president? Steyer

sure hopes so. He made his money partly by investing in fossil fuels, but that hasn’t

stopped him from making climate change a major campaign issue. Another dose of irony: Steyer, who donated $123 million

to Democrats in 2018, is also a vocal proponent of reducing the influence of the wealthy in politics.