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What Is NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Net Worth?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has also authored numerous books, covering topics ranging from his playing career to issues like black history and rights.

BY VALLARI VAIDYA

UPDATED DEC 20, 2023

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reacts on the court after LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers passed Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Abdul-Jabbar's career total of 38,387 points against the Oklahoma City Thund

Name	Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Net Worth	$25 million
Gender	Male
DOB	Apr 16, 1947
Age	76 years
Nationality	American
Profession	Basketball player, actor, author, coach, producer

What Is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Net Worth?

Legendary basketball player, 19-time all-star, and six-time NBA MVP, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has amassed a $25 million net worth in a career lasting 21 years on the court and a lot more off it. He held the record of the highest score in a season ever, until it was broken by LeBron James in February 2023. His skills at scoring were so good right from high-school that the collegiate committee for basketball rules banned dunking before he got into university, as they were afraid he could score at will. He ruled the court between the 70s and the 80s, and was named one of the 50 greatest NBA players of all time in 1996.

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What are Kareen Abdul-Jabbar's sources of income?

Although Abdul-Jabbar's stint in the NBA remained his main source of income, he started appearing in movies during the peak of his career. He starred as a co-pilot in the 1980 comedy "Airplane!", and around the same time, he also became an author with his autobiography. He also went on to write books on different aspects of life as an African American, and a mystery series focusing on Sherlock Holmes' older brother Mycroft.

Karim Abdul-Jabbar's salary

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was originally drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969 for $1.4 million. After winning the championship in 1971, he officially adopted his Islamic name, and in 1974, he requested a transfer. He then went on to play for LA Lakers, and his salary peaked at $3 million a year during his career.

NBA Rookie of the Year

On February 21, 1970, Abdul-Jabbar showcased his talent by scoring an impressive 51 points in a 140–127 victory over the SuperSonics. This stellar performance catapulted him into instant stardom. He not only ranked second in the league in scoring with an average of 28.8 points per game but also secured the third position in rebounding with 14.5 rebounds per game. These achievements led to Abdul-Jabbar being honored with the title of NBA Rookie of the Year.

The Day Kareem Abdul Jabbar Met Bruce Lee

After the basketball season, Abdul-Jabbar visited Lee as he aimed to gain more weight. He thought he needed an additional 30 pounds to be competitive against larger professional basketball players, such as Wilt Chamberlain. Lee put him on a specialized diet and attempted to persuade him to regularly lift weights, but these efforts were unsuccessful.

Kareem Abdul Jabbar's Endorsements

Throughout his playing career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar secured endorsement deals with prominent brands such as Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Quaker Oats. Even after retiring from professional basketball, he continued his involvement in business ventures, collaborating with companies like Kareem’s Skyhook Water and Toyota.

Kareem has maintained his status as a sought-after speaker and influencer, using his endorsements to champion social justice, education, and health initiatives. His post-retirement endeavors showcase a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the basketball court.

Image Source: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,Impact award recipient, on stage during 2023 Apollo Spring Benefit at The Apollo Theater / Shahar Azran/Getty images

Real estate and other assets

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Hawaiian home in Kauai, was built in 1986 to accommodate his impressive height of 7'2". The main house covered 5,912 square feet, with a carriage house and pavilion next to a large custom-built pool. In 2013, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar listed the property for $5.9 million, eventually selling it in 2015 for $4.8 million. Subsequently, Will and Jada Smith, who owned a neighboring property, acquired Kareem's former home to create an opulent 7-acre estate.

Social media following

Instagram	1.1 Million
Facebook	1.2 Million
Twitter	2.1 Million

Image Source: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar speaks during a press conference prior to the game/ Harry How/Getty Images

Personal life

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, originally named Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., was born on April 16, 1947, in New York City. His early prowess in basketball was fueled by his exceptional size, and he was able to dunk the basketball by the age of 12.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has authored numerous books, covering topics ranging from his playing career to issues like black history and rights. Jabbar converted to Islam while he was still at UCLA. He married Habiba Abdul-Jabbar and had three children with her before their divorce in 1978. He also has two other children from different relationships.

Awards and recognition

His time with the Bucks included NBA Champion status, NBA Finals MVP, three NBA Most Valuable Player awards, and two scoring championships. In 1975, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where he added five more NBA championships, more Finals MVP awards, and three additional NBA Most Valuable Player titles to his name. He made 19 NBA All-Star Team appearances and was selected for the All-NBA First Team 10 times, leaving an enduring legacy in the sport before retiring in 1989.