Kobe Bryant, a multifaceted figure, was known not only for his legendary basketball career but also for his ventures as a producer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. Before his untimely passing, Kobe Bryant had accumulated an impressive net worth of $600 million. Tragically, Kobe’s life was cut short on January 26, 2020, when he died in a helicopter crash, a devastating loss to both his family and the world of sports.
As one of the highest-paid athletes, Kobe’s wealth was not limited to his NBA salary. His financial legacy was also significantly shaped by endorsement deals and smart investments. His earnings from the NBA, along with lucrative partnerships with major brands, allowed him to amass hundreds of millions of dollars. One of his most successful business moves was his investment in the sports drink company BodyArmour. At the time of his passing, the stake he held in BodyArmour was valued at $200 million, a result of an incredibly fruitful decision. Just six years before, he had paid only $6 million for that same stake. In 2021, Coca-Cola acquired BodyArmour in a $5.6 billion deal, a monumental success for the company and an affirmation of Kobe’s savvy investment skills.
Kobe Bryant’s Net Worth Today
To fully comprehend Kobe’s financial standing today, we must consider his involvement with BodyArmour. When Kobe passed away, his net worth stood at $600 million, which included the $200 million value from his stake in BodyArmour. Fast forward to October 2021 when Coca-Cola took full control of BodyArmour in a $5.6 billion acquisition. By then, Kobe’s estate’s stake had been reduced to just 5%. This transaction led to his estate earning $400 million before taxes. After taxes, the estate received around $270 million, leading to a net worth of approximately $670 million. This modest increase reflects a substantial $200 million rise in the value of BodyArmour, while also accounting for tax deductions. In a hypothetical scenario where Kobe had been alive during this deal, his net worth would likely have crossed the $700 million mark by the beginning of 2022, combining gains from various deals and ventures.
Key Financial Milestones in Kobe’s Career
- Kobe earned a total of $328 million in NBA salary.
- He accumulated approximately $350 million through endorsement deals.
- In 2014, he invested $6 million in BodyArmour.
- By August 2018, that investment was worth $200 million.
- In 2021, his estate sold that stake for $400 million.
Kobe’s Early Life
Kobe Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into a basketball family. His father, Joe Bryant, played for the Philadelphia 76ers. During a restaurant visit, his parents saw “Kobe” on a menu and named him after the famous Japanese beef. At six, Joe retired from the NBA, and the family moved to Italy where Kobe became fluent in Italian and played basketball in U.S. summer leagues.
Eventually, the family returned to Philadelphia, where Kobe attended Lower Merion High School. He led the team to its first state championship in 53 years and earned honors like Gatorade’s National Player of the Year. Despite scholarship offers, Kobe chose to enter the NBA draft, becoming the youngest player ever drafted.
NBA Career and Rise to Fame
Kobe Bryant’s journey to the NBA was remarkable. He was initially drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 but was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a pre-arranged deal. At just 17 years old, Kobe needed his parents to co-sign his rookie contract. His first contract with the Lakers was a three-year deal worth $3.5 million. By the age of 18, he became the youngest starter in NBA history, and in his third year, he truly started to shine. His growth as a player was rapid, and he started every game that season.
Kobe’s breakthrough year led to a $70 million, six-year contract extension. In 1999, under the guidance of coach Phil Jackson, Kobe and the Lakers achieved remarkable success, winning five NBA championships together, including a three-peat from 2000 to 2002.
Kobe Bryant’s Salary and Earnings
Kobe’s NBA career saw him earn over $328 million in salary alone, with several notable contracts. In 2010, he signed a three-year extension worth $90 million. Three years later, he signed another extension for two years worth $48.5 million. In his final season, Kobe earned a $25 million salary.
In addition to his salary, Kobe amassed around $350 million from endorsements throughout his career, bringing his total earnings to $680 million. Some of his major endorsements included Nike, Sprite, McDonald’s, Turkish Airlines, Lenovo, and Hublot. His popularity in China led to several endorsement deals with local companies like Alibaba, Sina.com, and Mercedes-Benz.
Kobe’s first endorsement deal came with Adidas, which signed him before his rookie season for $48 million over six years. Though his endorsements took a hit in 2003 due to sexual assault allegations, Nike remained loyal and signed him to a four-year, $10 million-per-year deal.
BodyArmour Investment
One of Kobe’s most lucrative business moves was his investment in the sports drink company BodyArmour. In 2014, Kobe purchased a 10% equity stake in the company for $6 million. Over the next few years, the company’s value soared. By 2018, when Coca-Cola purchased a 15% stake in BodyArmour, the company was valued at $2 billion, meaning Kobe’s investment was worth $200 million on paper before taxes. Eventually, Coca-Cola acquired the remaining 70% of BodyArmour in 2021 for $5.6 billion. At that point, Kobe’s estate earned a windfall of $400 million, though his direct stake had reduced to just 5%.
Other Ventures and Achievements
Beyond basketball, Kobe’s ventures were varied and successful. He won gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics, further cementing his legacy. In 2018, he won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for his work on Dear Basketball, showcasing his artistic and creative abilities.
In 2016, Kobe and business partner Jeff Stibel launched Bryant-Stibel, a venture capital firm with $100 million in funding. They aimed to invest in companies in the technology, media, and data industries. Over time, their investments expanded, including notable companies like The Players Tribune, LegalZoom, Juicero, and Scopely. By 2019, the fund had grown to an impressive $2 billion.
Kobe Bryant’s life came to a tragic and sudden end on January 26, 2020, when he died in a helicopter crash at the age of 41. His daughter Gianna, 13 years old, was also among the victims of the crash, which shook the world. Despite his passing, Kobe’s impact on the basketball world and beyond remains undeniable, with his legacy continuing to inspire generations.
