Larry Bird Net Worth in 2024 – Age, Height, Spouse, and Bio
Larry Bird’s net worth is estimated to be $75 million. He’s a legendary basketball player known for his incredible skills and competitiveness. Born in 1956 in West Baden Springs, Indiana, Larry played for the Boston Celtics from 1979 to 1992 and earned three NBA championships.
After retiring from playing, he became a successful coach and executive in the NBA. His impact on the game is still felt today. With numerous awards and honors, including being named an NBA All-Star multiple times, Larry Bird remains one of basketball’s greatest icons. Understanding his net worth gives fans insight into how he built his wealth through hard work and dedication both on and off the court.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Larry Bird’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $75 million as of 2024. His wealth comes from various sources, primarily his successful basketball career and endorsements.
NBA Salary
Bird earned a large part of his income from playing in the NBA. He played for the Boston Celtics from the 1979-80 season to the 1991-92 season, collecting a total of $24,070,000 in salary during his impressive 13-year career. His rookie contract was groundbreaking; he signed a five-year deal worth $3.25 million, making him the highest-paid rookie in sports history at that time. In his final season, Bird’s salary peaked at an impressive $7,070,000.
Endorsements
Bird also made significant money through endorsements with major brands. He worked with companies like Heinz, Coca-Cola, and Nike, among others. These deals helped boost his net worth beyond what he earned on the court. Other notable brands he endorsed include General Electric, McDonald’s, and Chevrolet.
Investments
Apart from basketball and endorsements, Bird invested in real estate properties which added to his financial strength. Owning valuable properties has increased his overall wealth over time.
With these diverse sources of income, Larry Bird remains one of basketball’s legendary figures both on and off the court.
Wiki Biography
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Larry Joe Bird |
Birth Date | December 7, 1956 |
Birth Place | West Baden Springs, Indiana |
Family Background | Son of Georgia and Claude Joseph “Joe” Bird; has four brothers and one sister. |
High School | Springs Valley High School, Class of 1974. Averaged 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists as a senior. |
College Education | Indiana State University |
Professional Team | Boston Celtics (1979-1992) |
NBA Draft Year | Selected in the sixth overall pick of the 1978 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. |
Rookie Contract Details | Signed a five-year contract worth $3.25 million in 1979, making him the highest-paid rookie at that time. |
This table summarizes key facts about Larry Bird’s life and career. He is known for his outstanding skills on the basketball court and significant contributions to his teams throughout his decades-long involvement in sports.
Early Life and Education
Larry Bird was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. His parents are Georgia and Claude Joseph “Joe” Bird. Joe Bird served as a veteran in the Korean War. Larry grew up with four brothers and a sister.
During Larry’s childhood, life wasn’t easy. His mother worked two jobs to support the family after his parents divorced when he was in high school. Sadly, his father died by suicide about a year later. This tough time pushed Larry to focus on basketball as a way to cope with his problems.
He attended Springs Valley High School, where he became an outstanding basketball player. As a senior, he averaged an impressive 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He made history at his school by becoming its all-time scoring leader.
Professional Journey and Career Highlights
Larry Bird’s professional journey in basketball showcases his determination and skill. He began in high school, where he averaged 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists per game during his senior year at Springs Valley High School. His performance set the stage for a successful college career.
Bird attended Indiana State University. He led the Sycamores to the NCAA Championship game in 1979, gaining national attention. After college, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics as the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft but chose to complete his final season at Indiana State first.
His time with the Celtics spanned from the 1979-80 season to the 1991-92 season—a total of 13 years. During this period, he achieved many milestones:
- Bird signed a five-year contract worth $3.25 million, becoming one of sports’ highest-paid rookies.
- He earned a total salary of approximately $24 million over his NBA career.
- His peak salary reached around $7 million during his last playing season.
In addition to financial success, Bird won three NBA championships and made numerous All-Star teams throughout his career. Notable accolades include being named NBA MVP three times consecutively from 1984 to 1986.
After retiring due to a back injury, Bird shifted into coaching and executive roles within the NBA. This transition allowed him to remain involved with basketball while influencing new players.
Bird’s legacy extends beyond just playing; it includes shaping future generations of athletes through both competition and leadership roles.
Age, Weight, Height, and Physical Attributes
Larry Bird was born on December 7, 1956, making him 67 years old as of 2024. He stands 6 feet 9 inches tall (or 206 centimeters) and during his playing career, he weighed around 220 pounds (approximately 100 kilograms). These physical attributes contributed to his success on the basketball court.
Bird’s height gave him an advantage in scoring and rebounding, while his weight allowed him to hold his ground against other players. His combination of size and skill helped him become one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Spouse and Relationship Status
Larry Bird is married to Dinah Mattingly. They tied the knot in 1989. Dinah has been a significant part of Bird’s life, supporting him throughout his basketball career and beyond.
The couple tends to keep their personal life private. However, they are known to share a strong bond and maintain a close family relationship. Together, they have adopted two children, contributing to their loving family environment.
Bird’s dedication on the court extends into his home life as well. His commitment to family mirrors the teamwork he displayed while playing for the Boston Celtics. This connection emphasizes how important relationships are both on and off the court.
Social Media Profiles
Larry Bird, a legendary basketball player, has a significant presence on social media. These platforms allow fans to connect with him and stay updated on his life and career. Below is a table showcasing Larry Bird’s popular social media profiles.
Platform | Username/Link |
---|---|
@LarryBird | |
@larrybird33 | |
Larry Bird Official |
This information reflects how Larry Bird engages with his fans online through various platforms. Each profile serves as a space for sharing memories from his playing days and updates about his current activities.
Conclusion
Larry Bird’s impressive net worth of $75 million reflects not just his success on the basketball court but also his acumen off it. From his groundbreaking rookie contract to lucrative endorsements and wise investments in real estate, he’s proven to be a savvy businessman. His post-retirement roles in coaching and management further solidified his influence within the NBA.
Bird’s journey from humble beginnings to basketball legend is a testament to hard work and determination. As he continues to engage with fans through social media, his legacy remains alive, inspiring future generations both as an athlete and a role model. Larry Bird will always be remembered as one of basketball’s greats, embodying excellence in every aspect of his life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Larry Bird’s estimated net worth in 2024?
Larry Bird’s estimated net worth in 2024 is around $75 million, a result of his successful basketball career and various endorsements.
How long did Larry Bird play for the Boston Celtics?
Larry Bird played for the Boston Celtics for 13 years, from 1979 to 1992, during which he became one of the NBA’s greatest players.
How many NBA championships did Larry Bird win?
Larry Bird won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics during his illustrious career.
What was Larry Bird’s highest salary season?
Larry Bird’s salary peaked at $7,070,000 during the 1991-92 NBA season before he retired due to a back injury.
Who were some of Larry Bird’s major endorsement partners?
Bird has had significant endorsements with brands like Heinz, Coca-Cola, Nike, General Electric, McDonald’s, and Chevrolet.
Where did Larry Bird go to college?
Larry Bird attended Indiana State University, where he led his team to the NCAA Championship game in 1979.
What are some personal details about Larry Bird?
Born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, Larry stands 6 feet 9 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. He has been married to Dinah Mattingly since 1989.
Does Larry Bird have social media presence?
Yes! Larry Bird has an active social media presence with approximately 500k followers on Facebook and around 250k on Twitter and Instagram combined.