Kaylah Walton
On January 26, we remember the five-year anniversary of the heartbreaking loss of Kobe Bryant. This legendary figure of the Los Angeles Lakers is celebrated for his dedication and remarkable performances in the NBA, and he also left behind a substantial fortune, now overseen by his wife, Vanessa Bryant.
Tragically, Kobe and his eldest daughter, Gianna, were killed in a helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of seven others. This incident sent shockwaves through the NBA community and prompted numerous figures from various sectors to offer their condolences and honors to the five-time NBA champion.
Kobe’s two-decade career was entirely spent with the Lakers. He began his professional journey in 1996 with a rookie contract worth $3.5 million over three years, culminating in a final contract extension valued at $48.5 million for two seasons.
Net Worth of Kobe Bryant
Throughout his time with the Lakers, Bryant earned over $328 million, as reported by Spotrac. Taking into account his endorsement deals, Forbes estimated that his net worth at the time of his passing stood at $770 million.
Contrastingly, more current estimates from sources such as Celebrity Net Worth, Essentially Sports, and even Forbes now suggest that Kobe’s net worth was around $600 million. He wisely placed his wealth into a trust, naming his wife, Vanessa, as the sole beneficiary.
The trust is structured to allow Vanessa access to funds to support their family, which includes their daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. Following Vanessa’s passing, the remaining assets will be inherited by Natalia and Bianka. Unfortunately, due to Kobe’s sudden death, Capri was not included specifically in the trust.
Additional Earnings of Kobe Bryant
During his career and even post-retirement, the “Black Mamba” secured endorsement deals with numerous high-profile brands, including Coca-Cola, Hublot, Turkish Airlines, Nike, Panini, and the video game Guitar Hero. In 2016, he partnered with Jeff Stibel to create a $100 million venture capital fund, aimed at investing in technology and media industries.
Kobe Bryant’s sudden passing reverberated throughout the sports community. Nevertheless, his forward-thinking approach and planning enabled him to ensure financial security for his loved ones.
