Spotlight on Forbes' list of highest-earning dead celebrities 2025
Forbes say the entertainers continue to generate millions through catalog deals, merchandising, and revived entertainment projects.
Since Forbes began tracking the world’s highest-earning celebrity estates in 2001, late American Pop icon Michael Jackson has consistently dominated the rankings, pulling far ahead of his peers. His catalogue, stage productions, and forthcoming biopic have kept his legacy financially powerful across nearly every entertainment medium.
This year’s list also features several newcomers who joined the ranks. As Forbes notes, these celebrities continue generating extraordinary revenue long after their passing. Here’s how the top-earning estates stack up over the past year:
Michael Jackson — $105 Million
A landmark 2024 deal saw the Jackson estate sell half of the pop icon’s master recordings and publishing rights to Sony for $600 million. As part of the agreement, the estate secured an increased share of worldwide royalties on the remaining catalogue, ensuring Jackson maintains one of the world’s most lucrative music portfolios.
Meanwhile, MJ: The Musical expanded to five global productions, and Michael Jackson ONE in Las Vegas surpassed 5,000 performances at Mandalay Bay, with its run extended through 2030. Anticipation is also building for Michael, the upcoming film starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar, set for release in April 2026.
The Notorious B.I.G. — $80 Million
Merchandise and cultural demand remain strong for Christopher George Latore Wallace, known as The Notorious B.I.G., who was murdered at just 24. Earlier this year, Primary Wave Music acquired 50% of Biggie’s catalog, publishing, and NIL (name, image, and likeness) rights.
The agreement closed shortly before the death of his mother, Voletta Wallace, who had overseen his posthumous releases, including two albums and a 2009 biopic.
Miles Davis — $21 Million
As the jazz legend approaches what would have been his 100th birthday, Reservoir Media purchased 90% of the Davis estate and plans a major revival of his legacy. Centennial concerts are scheduled nationwide, including at New York’s Lincoln Center, and actor Damson Idris has signed on to portray Davis in an upcoming biopic.
Bob Marley — $13 Million
Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay launched Bob Marley Hope Road in June, staging 29 shows a week and projected to generate millions for the Marley estate.
Though most of Marley’s masters are owned by Universal Music Group, the estate has built a vast merchandising empire. From audio equipment and coffee to fragrances, home goods, apparel, and cannabis products, Marley’s name and image remain globally influential.
Elvis Presley — $17 Million
A strange identity-theft scheme last summer briefly threatened to auction off Graceland, but the plot was thwarted, leaving Elvis’s iconic Memphis home safely under the control of his granddaughter Riley Keough. Presley’s family owns 15% of Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), which manages Graceland’s tourism operations and licensing programs. The remaining stake is held by Authentic Brands Group, which also manages the estates of Muhammad Ali and Marilyn Monroe.
Kobe Bryant — $10 Million
Kobe Bryant’s legacy continues to grow on and off the court. Nike reported that the late star’s performance footwear nearly quadrupled revenue over the past year.
After renewing its long-term agreement with Bryant’s family in 2022, Nike is set to release more than a dozen new products in 2025 under the Kobe sub-brand, reflecting strong and enduring global demand.