Kobe Bryant was an American professional basketball player, producer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. At the time of his death in January 2020, Kobe Bryant had a net worth of $600 million. Let’s take a closer look at how he accumulated his wealth and how his net worth has continued to grow posthumously.
Early Life and NBA Career
Kobe Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He quickly rose to fame as a basketball player, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to be drafted at the age of 17. Bryant spent his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, earning numerous accolades and championships.
During his NBA career, Kobe Bryant earned over $328 million in salary alone. He also had lucrative endorsement deals with global brands such as Nike, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Mercedes-Benz. His popularity in China enabled him to sign lucrative Chinese-specific endorsement deals as well.
Kobe Bryant’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death
At the time of his death, Forbes estimated Kobe Bryant’s net worth at around $600 million. This figure included his earnings from salary, endorsements, and business investments.
One of his notable investments was in the sports drink BodyArmor. In 2014, Kobe purchased a 10% equity stake in the company for $6 million. When Coca-Cola acquired 100% ownership of BodyArmor in 2021, the Bryant estate’s equity had been reduced to 5%. The sale of BodyArmor netted the estate a $400 million windfall.
Posthumous Growth of Kobe Bryant’s Net Worth
Even after his death, Kobe Bryant’s net worth continues to grow. Nike plans to relaunch his shoe line, and he is back on the cover of 2K’s NBA game. These endorsements and licensing deals contribute to the ongoing growth of his estate.
Additionally, the Bryant estate continues to benefit from his business investments. The Bryant Stibel venture capital firm, which Kobe co-founded with Jeff Stibel, has stakes in various tech and media companies. The firm’s value has grown to $2 billion, further adding to the Bryant estate’s wealth.
Vanessa Bryant’s Inheritance and Lawsuit Settlement
Following Kobe Bryant’s death, his widow Vanessa Bryant inherited a significant portion of his wealth. As the executor of the Bryant estate, Vanessa has control over the assets and investments.
In addition to her inheritance, Vanessa recently made headlines for winning a multimillion-dollar settlement in her lawsuit against Los Angeles County. The lawsuit was filed over the inappropriate handling and photo-taking by emergency responders at the scene of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe and their daughter Gianna. The settlement further adds to Vanessa’s net worth.
Conclusion
Kobe Bryant’s net worth at the time of his death was $600 million. Through his successful NBA career, endorsement deals, and business investments, he accumulated significant wealth. Even after his passing, his net worth continues to grow through posthumous endorsements, investments, and legal settlements. Vanessa Bryant, as the executor of the Bryant estate, is responsible for managing and growing the family’s wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was Kobe Bryant’s net worth at the time of his death?
Kobe Bryant’s net worth at the time of his death was $600 million.
2. How did Kobe Bryant accumulate his wealth?
Kobe Bryant accumulated his wealth through his NBA career, endorsement deals with global brands, and business investments.
3. What was Kobe Bryant’s most significant business investment?
Kobe Bryant’s most significant business investment was in the sports drink BodyArmor. His initial investment of $6 million grew to a $400 million windfall when Coca-Cola acquired 100% ownership of the company.
4. How has Kobe Bryant’s net worth grown posthumously?
Kobe Bryant’s net worth continues to grow posthumously through endorsements, licensing deals, and the growth of his business investments, such as the Bryant Stibel venture capital firm.
5. What was the recent lawsuit settlement involving Vanessa Bryant?
Vanessa Bryant recently won a multimillion-dollar settlement in her lawsuit against Los Angeles County over the inappropriate handling and photo-taking by emergency responders at the scene of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe and their daughter Gianna.