Michael Jackson built a massive business empire over the course of his career, which is now valued at around $2 billion. However, the financial picture was very different two decades ago at the time of his death, when he was reportedly in debt by nearly half a billion dollars. While he was preparing to return to the music scene with his This Is It concert tour at London’s O2 Arena, he passed away too soon.

Following his death, co-executors John Branca and John McClain managed his estate, boosting it through major deals and licensing agreements. But it is worth taking a look at all the earnings and deals that reshaped his estate and who will inherit in the future.

Although Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, his estate has continued to grow steadily over the years. He has frequently been named by Forbes as one of the highest-paid deceased celebrities, with annual earnings exceeding $100 million. The Broadway hit MJ: The Musical has grossed nearly $85 million in ticket sales, massively boosting the estate’s value. 

Similarly, the Michael Jackson ONE show in Las Vegas had added more to his estate. With the estate also involved in the upcoming biopic Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, set for release in April 2026, the number is expected to increase in the future. 

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However, there was one deal in particular that proved crucial in reshaping Jackson’s estate.

Back in 2024, Sony Music Group made one of the biggest deals ever to secure a musician’s music assets. They purchased half of Michael Jackson’s publishing and recorded masters catalog. As per sources, those assets are valued at over $1.2 billion. 

As many may recall, Jackson’s estate previously owned Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which held the rights to an extensive catalog. In 2016, Sony paid $750 million to acquire the remaining 50% stake in Sony/ATV. Then, in 2018, it paid another $287.5 million to the Michael Jackson estate for its share in EMI Music Publishing. This further boosted the estate. 

As for the inheritance of Jackson’s estate, it is passed to his family, in accordance with his will.

After Michael Jackson’s passing, his estate was carefully divided, with 40% going equally to his children, Prince Michael Jackson, Paris Jackson, and Bigi Jackson, while another 20% was set aside for children’s charities. And the remaining 40% was to support his mother, Katherine Jackson, during her lifetime.

Over the years, she has reportedly received around $55 million. And her share will eventually be passed on to Jackson's children, giving them the majority of the estate. And considering how the estate is involved in other initiatives, the number will further rise. 

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