With his death, NBA legend Kobe Bryant leaves behind not just one of the most indelible legacies in the history of basketball but also an impressive fortune. In this for more info on his net worth, career, investments, and achievements in life.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Kobe Bryant’s net worth, categorized by various income sources and assets:
| Category | Amount (Estimated) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Career Earnings | $328 million | Total salary earned during his 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. |
| Endorsements | $350 million | Partnerships with Nike, Adidas, McDonald’s, Sprite, Lenovo, and others. |
| BodyArmor Investment | $400 million | Coca-Cola acquisition increased the value of Kobe’s $6 million investment. |
| Bryant Stibel Ventures | $100 million (est.) | Investments in tech and media companies like Alibaba and Dell. |
| Real Estate Holdings | $20 million | Properties in Newport Coast and other areas. |
| Granity Studios | $10 million (est.) | Profits from books, podcasts, and the Oscar-winning Dear Basketball. |
| Additional Ventures | $20 million (est.) | Revenue from various investments and creative projects. |
| Posthumous Legacy | $100+ million (future potential) | Ongoing royalties, merchandise, and business ventures managed by his estate. |
Table of Contents
How Much Was Kobe Bryant Worth?
At the time of his death in January 2020, his net worth was estimated at about $600 million. He amassed his fortune from his successful basketball career, great investments, endorsement contracts and business ventures.
How Much Is Kobe Bryant Worth to Date?
If Kobe had still been alive, his fortune would probably have grown like a weed. His investments, most notably in BodyArmor and other enterprises, were likely headed toward delivering big returns. For instance, when Coke bought BodyArmor in 2021, it gave Kobe’s stake a valuation bump, a testament to his business savviness.
Early Life
His father, Joe Bryant, played in the NBA. Former NBA player Kobe Bryant was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 23, 1978. Kobe learned that at an early age—he spent part of his childhood in Italy while his father played professional basketball there. His love for basketball took root in high school at Lower Merion High School, where he became a national star.
The Career of Kobe Bryant, in All Its Glory
Kobe came straight out of high school to the NBA in 1996, when he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets before they traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe became a legend over his 20 seasons with the Lakers:
- 5 NBA Championships
- 18 All-Star selections
- 2 NBA Finals MVP awards
- League MVP (2008)
- Bryant retired in 2016 after scoring an unforgettable 60 points in his last game.
Career Earnings
Kobe earned a jaw-dropping $328 million in salary alone during his 20-year NBA tenure. That, combined with his endorsements, made him one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
Kobe Bryant’s Salary
Kobe’s highest salary in the N.B.A. came in 2013-2014, when he was paid $30.5 million, making him the highest-paid player in the league at that time.
BodyArmor Investment
Perhaps Kobe’s best-known financial play was his $6 million investment in BodyArmor in 2014, which gave him a 10% stake. That move paid big dividends when Coca-Cola bought a majority interest in BodyArmor in 2021, valuing Kobe’s original investment at more than $400 million.
NBA Earnings vs. Outside Ventures
Although Kobe earned millions on the court, his schedule off the court illustrated his entrepreneurial prowess. During his lifetime, Kobe made nearly as much off endorsements and investments as he did from his salary in the NBA.
Bryant Stibel
Kobe co-founded Bryant Stibel, a venture capital firm with Jeff Stibel, in 2013. The company focused on the tech, media and data end of the spectrum, where it made sound investments in such companies as Dell, Alibaba and The Honest Company.
Additional Ventures
Kobe also explored creative endeavors such as:
Granity Studios: A multimedia content publishing company focused on books, podcasts, and films.
“Dear Basketball”: A 2018 Academy Award-winning animated short film
Personal Life
He married Vanessa Laine in 2001, and he had four daughters with her: Natalia, Gianna, Bianka and Capri. Kobe and Vanessa had certainly faced their fair share of ups and downs, but their focus was always on family and charity.
Tragic Death
On Jan. 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. The loss sent shockwaves through the world and created a void in the worlds of sports and beyond.
Real Estate
Kobe and Vanessa owned multiple luxury properties, including an expansive mansion in Newport Coast, Calif., that is valued at an estimated $6.1 million. Kobe’s net worth was also bolstered by their portfolio of real estate assets.
FAQs
Q1: How much money did Kobe Bryant earn during his life?
Kobe would go on to earn $680 million through salary, endorsements, and investments.
Q2: What has been the most rewarding investment by Kobe?
Perhaps his riskiest and most profitable business decision has been his investment in BodyArmor; his $6 million stake in the sports drink was recently worth more than $400 million.
