Jackson’s latest posthumous fortune comes largely from a landmark deal between his estate and Sony Music, which acquired a 50 percent stake in his master recordings and publishing catalog for a staggering $600 million.
Since his death in 2009, the King of Pop’s estate has generated over $3.5 billion, making him the most financially successful celebrity in death. His ongoing ventures in music, theater, and film continue to drive impressive returns.
His Broadway production, MJ: The Musical, has grossed nearly $300 million worldwide, while Michael Jackson ONE, the long-running Las Vegas tribute show, surpassed 5,000 performances this year.
Trailing Jackson on Forbes’ 2025 list is beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss, whose estate earned $85 million, buoyed by continued strong book sales and high-value Netflix licensing deals. Founding Pink Floyd members Richard Wright and Syd Barrett followed closely with $81 million each, thanks to Sony’s $400 million acquisition of the band’s music catalog.
Other legendary artists—including Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley—collectively generated $541 million in posthumous revenue over the past year, underscoring the enduring profitability of music catalog ownership.
Jackson’s legacy, however, remains in a league of its own. Beyond music, his estate continues to expand into new creative territories, with an upcoming biographical film titled Michael, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, set for release in April 2026.
Industry observers predict the biopic will reignite global fascination with Jackson’s artistry and likely spark another wave of commercial success for the late superstar’s estate—proving once more that the King of Pop’s reign is far from over.