Larry Bird’s Net Worth: A Look at His Career Earnings, Salary, and Life

Larry Bird, the legendary basketball icon, is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent on the court but also for his successful transition into coaching and front-office roles. This comprehensive article delves into Larry Bird’s net worth, career earnings, early life, college career, professional basketball achievements, and his ventures after retirement. Discover the journey of a basketball titan, exploring the facets that shaped his legacy.

Table of Contents

What Is Larry Bird’s Net Worth?

Larry Bird’s net worth is estimated to be $75 million. This substantial figure is a testament to his successful career as a professional basketball player, coach, and executive. Bird’s exceptional skills and achievements, including multiple NBA championships and MVP awards, have not only cemented his place in basketball history but also significantly contributed to his financial success. His transition into coaching and front-office roles further diversified his income streams, solidifying his wealth.

Salary & Career Earnings

During his illustrious NBA career, Larry Bird earned a total of $26 million in salary. The following is a detailed breakdown of his annual earnings:

• 1979-80: $650,000
• 1980-81: $650,000
• 1981-82: $650,000
• 1982-83: $650,000
• 1983-84: $650,000
• 1984-85: $1,800,000
• 1985-86: $1,800,000
• 1987-88: $1,800,000
• 1988-89: $1,800,000
• 1989-90: $2,750,000
• 1990-91: $1,500,000
• 1991-92: $7,070,000
• 1992-93: $2,300,000

Based on these figures, Bird’s estimated career earnings over his 13 seasons amount to $24,070,000. However, this doesn’t include earnings from endorsements, investments, coaching, or executive roles, which substantially increased his overall net worth.

Early Life

Larry Joe Bird was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. He grew up in the nearby town of French Lick. His parents were Georgia and Claude Joseph “Joe” Bird. His father, a Korean War veteran, and his mother worked tirelessly to support Larry and his siblings. Despite facing financial hardships and the early loss of his father, Bird channeled his energy into basketball, using it as an escape from his family’s struggles. His dedication and talent were evident from a young age, culminating in a stellar high school career at Springs Valley High School, where he averaged 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.

College Career

Initially, Bird attended Indiana University in 1974 but left after less than a month. He later enrolled at Northwood Institute before finding his collegiate home at Indiana State University in 1975. At Indiana State, Bird’s exceptional skills flourished. He led the Indiana State Sycamores to their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 1979, where they faced Michigan State in the championship game. Although they lost the game, it became the most-watched college basketball game at the time. Bird’s performance at Indiana State earned him numerous accolades, including the Naismith College Player of the Year Award. He graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in physical education, averaging an outstanding 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

Professional Basketball Career

The Boston Celtics drafted Larry Bird with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. He chose to stay at Indiana State for his senior year before joining the Celtics. Negotiations for his contract were intense, but eventually, Bird signed a five-year, $3.25 million contract, becoming the highest-paid rookie in sports history at the time. His arrival significantly boosted the Celtics, improving their win total by 32 games. Bird’s debut season was marked by outstanding performance, averaging 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, earning him the Rookie of the Year award. His exceptional shooting accuracy led to him being one of the few players to join the 50-40-90 club. He was a 12-time All-Star and won three NBA championships (1981, 1984, 1986). Throughout his career, his rivalry with Magic Johnson, beginning in college and extending into their professional careers, captivated fans and enriched the sport. He continued playing for the Celtics until his retirement in 1992, though recurring back issues later plagued him. His career highlights also include winning three consecutive MVP Awards.

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Coaching and Business Career

After retiring as a player, Bird remained with the Boston Celtics, taking on a role as a special assistant in their front office from 1992 to 1997. In 1997, he transitioned to coaching, leading the Indiana Pacers. During his tenure as coach, he led the Pacers to a 58-24 record in the 1997-1998 season and was awarded the NBA Coach of the Year. He adhered to his three-year coaching commitment, stepping down after the 2000 season. In 2003, Bird returned to the Pacers, this time as the president of basketball operations. His leadership was recognized in the 2011-2012 season when he received the Executive of the Year award. This made him the only person in NBA history to win the MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year awards. He briefly stepped away in 2012 but returned as the president of basketball operations in 2013, remaining in the role until 2017 and continuing with the team in an advisory capacity.

Personal Life

Larry Bird’s personal life includes two marriages. He married Janet Condra in 1975, but they separated within a year. They had a daughter, Corrie, in 1977. Bird later married Dinah Mattingly in 1989, and together, they have adopted children, Conner and Mariah.