Larry Bird Net Worth In 2024? Here’s the Answer

Photo of author

By Dory Larrabee Zayas

Larry Bird is one of the most iconic and celebrated figures in basketball history. With his supreme shooting touch, court vision, rebounding, and leadership, Bird established himself as a versatile threat who could take over games on both ends of the floor. His spectacular career with the Boston Celtics, laden with championships and MVPs, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players ever. In this article we talk about Larry Bird Net Worth In 2024.

After transitioning into coaching and front office roles post-retirement, Bird demonstrated his basketball brilliance translated off the court as well. Thanks to his decorated playing and executive careers spanning over three decades, Bird has amassed an impressive net worth of $75 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Early Life and College Career in Indiana

Larry Joe Bird was born in 1956 in West Baden Springs, Indiana and grew up in the nearby small town of French Lick. His parents, Claude and Georgia Bird, divorced when Larry was in high school. The family struggled financially as Georgia worked two jobs to provide for Larry and his five siblings.

Basketball became Bird’s escape from his turbulent home life. He starred for Springs Valley High School, averaging 30+ points and 20+ rebounds per game as a senior and earning a basketball scholarship to Indiana University. However, Bird dropped out after just 24 days and later enrolled at Indiana State University in 1975.

At Indiana State, Bird elevated the Sycamores to new heights. He guided them to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 1979, including a run to the National Championship game. Though they lost, Bird cemented himself as college basketball’s biggest star, sweeping the major Player of the Year awards and averaging 30 points and 13 rebounds per game for his college career.

Joining the Boston Celtics and Building a Legendary Career

The Boston Celtics selected Bird 6th overall in the 1978 NBA Draft. However, Bird finished his senior year at Indiana State before finally joining Boston in 1979. His addition revitalized the Celtics, improving their record by 32 wins as Bird averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists as a rookie. He earned All-Star and Rookie of the Year honors while leading Boston to the Conference Finals.

It was just the start of a spectacular career. Bird went on to win three consecutive MVP Awards and two Finals MVPs while leading the Celtics to three NBA titles (1981, 1984 and 1986). He made the All-NBA First Team nine straight years from 1980 to 1988 and became the first member of the elite 50-40-90 club in 1987 (50% field goals, 40% 3-pointers, 90% free throws).

When Bird retired in 1992, he left as one of basketball’s most decorated champions. His career per-game numbers were astounding: 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, 6.3 assists on 49.6% shooting along with 1.7 steals and 0.8 blocks. Bird led the league three times in free throw percentage and once in 3-point percentage. He also finished in the top-10 in MVP voting in each of his 13 seasons.

Post-Playing Career in Coaching and Management

After retirement, Bird rejoined the Celtics as a special assistant from 1992-1997. He then became head coach of the Indiana Pacers in 1997. True to form, Bird soared in his new role by leading Indiana to a 58-24 record and Coach of the Year honors in 1997-98. The Pacers won consecutive division titles under Bird before he stepped down in 2000.

In 2003, Bird assumed role as President of Basketball Operations for the Pacers. He excelled again, rebuilding Indiana into a title contender that reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2004 and pushed the eventual champion Miami Heat to six games in the 2013 conference finals. Bird was honored as the NBA’s Executive of the Year for the 2011-12 season.

Between stints with Indiana, Bird also served a year as coach of the Indiana Fever from 2000-01. The Fever qualified for their first-ever WNBA Playoffs that year.

Thanks to his overwhelmingly successful career wearing all hats in the sport, Bird became the only person in NBA history to be named MVP, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year. Today, he continues to work with the Pacers organization in an advisory role as he enters his late 60s.

Larry Bird’s Lasting Legacy and $75 Million Net Worth

In addition to championship rings, MVPs and prestige as a player and executive, Bird’s dazzling career has netted him earnings over $75 million per celebrity net worth estimates. The vast majority stems from salary over his 13-year playing career.

In 1979, Bird signed a then-record $3.25 million 5-year contract with Boston as a rookie. His final one-year deal before retiring was over $7 million for the 1991-92 season. Combined with endorsement deals from major brands like Hanes, Bird earned over $15 million during his time as a player even in a era that paid a fraction of the salaries seen in the NBA now.

Bird’s coaching and executive tenures have provided further lucrative opportunities as well. His stint coaching Indiana likely earned him over $5 million in just three years. In his various front office roles, most recently as President of Basketball Operations, Bird has likely made over $10 million more.

When accounting for finances accumulated before his death, Bird’s father Joe also left Larry an additional inheritance believed to be several million dollars. Investments and business partnerships have added to the bottom line over the years too.

Now 67 years old and retired from his playing and executive days, the NBA icon spends time with family, plays golf recreationally and has involved himself in some broadcasting. Thanks to his basketball brilliance transforming every team he joined, Bird continues reaping the financial rewards as well with an estimated net worth crossing $75 million.

From French Lick to Boston to Indianapolis, Larry Bird’s legacy as an all-time great player, coach and executive will live on forever in basketball lore. So too will his substantial wealth accumulated over an unforgettable career in the sport he changed forever. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Larry Bird Net Worth In 2024? Here’s the Answer” article.

Leave a Comment