Although he may be best known for his contributions on the basketball court, Chris Webber’s ambition in business and philanthropy expands past the confines of a gym. Webber has created, organized and implemented businesses in the music, sports apparel and sports marketing industries. He owns a development company, Maktub LLC, focusing on redevelopment efforts in Chicago and his hometown of Detroit, Mich. He launched his Web site, (Note: You will be leaving Fittv.com by clicking on the following link) www.chriswebber.com, in August 2005. He also owns a small, yet significant, collection of African-American artifacts and documents. Detailed information about the collection is available on www.chriswebber.com.
In January 2006, Webber announced his partnership with Dudum Sports & Entertainment to open 10 family-themed restaurants called "Center Court." The first is scheduled to open in Sacramento, with Las Vegas, Phoenix, New York, New Jersey and Los Angeles to follow.
Webber’s drive to succeed dates back to his unprecedented three state high school basketball titles, consecutive NCAA Final Four appearances and selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. Webber’s focus is not only to be the best, but also the first. He was the first player in history to make the NCAA All-Tournament Team as a freshman and sophomore, the first college sophomore since Magic Johnson (1979) to be drafted No. 1, and the first NBA rookie to score more than 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 blocks and 75 steals.
When Webber re-signed a multiyear deal with the Sacramento Kings in 2001, he became the second highest paid player in NBA history with a contract valued at $123 million. Past endorsements include Coca-Cola, EA Sports, Sony Playstation, ESPN the Magazine, Fila, Nike, Pepsi, Carl’s Jr., THQ Wireless, New Era and numerous promotions for the NBA.
Webber's nickname "C-Webb" is a brand unto itself and recognized across the country. Known for his unforgettable smile, humor and eloquent speeches, Webber has been named to the NBA All-Interview Team three times, featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated twice, and appeared on such shows and networks as NYPD Blue, The Late Show With David Letterman, The Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live, MTV, BET, History Channel, Discovery Channel, NYT Magazine, Nickelodeon, Jim Rome, FoxSports Beyond the Glory and ESPN’s Sexiest Athletes. Most recently, Webber was named No. 27 on Sports Illustrated’s "Fortune 50 List," i.e., the top 50 athletes in sports based on annual income.
