What is Celtics Legend, Larry Bird’s Net Worth?

Larry Bird is estimated to have earned nearly $26 million from just his NBA salary.

UPDATED DEC 26, 2023

Larry Bird shoots a free throw during a game | Getty Images

Name	Larry Bird
Net worth	$75 million
Salary	N/A
Annual income	N/A
Sources of income	Basketball
DOB	7 December 1956
Age	66 years
Gender	Male
Nationality	American
Profession	Retired basketball player, coach

What is Larry Bird's net worth?

American professional basketball legend and business executive, Larry Bird has an estimated net worth of $75 million as of May, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Bird known for his exceptional basketball intelligence, precision shooting, and tenacious work ethic, won several accolades, including three NBA Championships with the Boston Celtics, two NBA Finals MVP titles, and three consecutive NBA MVP awards. He was also a 12-time All-Star and one of the few players to join the prestigious 50-40-90 club.

Larry Bird holds up his trophy, after winning the 1986 Three Point Contest | Getty Images | Photo by Jim Zerschling

After retirement, Bird became head coach of the Indiana Pacers, and he still works with the team serving as a consultant.

Swished to success: Larry Bird's career, winnings in basketball

Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, and his father was a veteran of the Korean War. He grew up with his four brothers and a sister. Bird was raised in the nearby town of French Lick, where his mother worked two jobs to support the family and his parents divorced when he was in high school. A year after the divorce, Bird's father committed suicide.

Bird reportedly turned to basketball to escape from his family troubles and he quickly became the star player of Springs Valley High School, as he averaged 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists as a senior.

He then received a basketball scholarship from Indiana University in 1974, but he dropped out after less than a month on campus. He then attended Northwood Institute (now Northwood University) after returning to French Lick.

Bird had a successful college basketball career with the Indiana State Sycamores, Bird led the team to the NCAA tournament for the first time in the school's history in 1979. Bird graduated from college in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in physical education and in his college basketball career, he averaged 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He also won the Naismith College Player of the Year Award and several other accolades.

Larry Bird, a superstar forward for Indiana State University, was the Boston Celtics' 1st round pick (6th overall) in the 1978 NBA draft | Getty Images

Bird was picked by the Boston Celtics in the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA. Bird opted to finish out his final season at Indiana State. After drawn-out negotiations, Bird signed a five-year, $3.25 million contract with the Celtics, becoming the highest-paid rookie in sports history at the time.

Bird's signing led to the NBA changing the rules regarding the draft eligibility of players. The new rule, now known as the Bird Collegiate Rule, prevents teams from drafting players before they are ready to sign. Bird finished his rookie season with averages of 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. His outstanding performance got him a spot on the All-Star Team, and he was also named Rookie of the Year.

Larry Bird #33 of the Boston Celtics shoots over James Worthy #42 and Magic Johnson #32 | Getty Images | Photo by Focus on Sport

Bird went on to become the third player in NBA history to win three consecutive MVP Awards. He was also selected to 12 NBA All-Star teams, and he won three NBA championships (1981, 1984, 1986). Bird became the first player in NBA history to shoot 50% or better on field goals, 40% on three-pointers, and 90% on free throws in a single NBA season.

However, throughout his career, Bird was often plagued by recurring back issues. He played for the Celtics until his retirement in 1992.

Despite that, the forward nicknamed The Great White Hope made it to the legendary American Dream Team for the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Although Bird's playing time was limited, the team also took the gold and Bird retired from the sport after the Olympics.

Work after retirement

After his retirement, he took up different positions like, head coach, president, and executive, and remained in touch with the business world of basketball. For his work, he earned the title of NBA Executive of the Year after the 2011-2012 season, to become the only man in NBA history to win all three awards of NBA MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.

Larry Bird's earnings

Bird's major source of income was from his contracts during his playing years. Larry Bird is estimated to have earned nearly $26 million from just his salary during his NBA career. Bird signed one of his first major contracts in 1989 for $2.75 million. His next major paycheck came for the year 1991-92, of a whopping $7 million as he signed with the Boston Celtics, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Larry Bird dribbles the ball during the 1987 NBA Finals | Getty Images | Photo by Focus on Sport

Other ventures

After retiring from basketball as a player, Bird remained with the Celtics as a special assistant from 1992 to 1997. He then became the coach for the Indiana Pacers. He led the team to a 58-24 record in the 1997-1998 season and was named the NBA Coach of the Year. Bird resigned from his position as head coach after the end of the 2000 season, but was hired back in 2003, as their president of basketball operations.

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson at the 2019 NBA Awards | Getty Images | Photo by Michael Kovac

He then left the Pacers in 2012 and returned a year later to his position as president of basketball operations. He remained in that capacity in 2017, then served as an advisor till 2022. After a break of nearly a year, Bird returned to the Pacers as a consultant.

Real estate and other assets

In 2019, Bird listed his Tudor-style mansion in Indianapolis for a whopping $4.6 million as per NESN. The 10,000-square-foot home was custom-built in 2002 for Bird and his wife, Dinah with five bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms. It includes amenities like a tennis court, pool, billiard room, wine cellar, pub, and a theatre.

Personal life

Bird’s first marriage was with Janet Condra in 1975. The two separated within a year of marriage before reconciling briefly in 1977 when they had their daughter, Corrie. Later, they ultimately separated permanently, and in 1989 Bird married Dinah Mattingly. The two adopted children, Conner and Mariah have been together ever since.

Dinah Bird, Larry Bird, and Mariah Bird entering the "Late Show With David Letterman" taping | Getty Images | Photo by Ray Tamarra

As for philanthropy, Larry Bird serves as an honorary Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Bird has further supported other organizations like Charita Bulls which supports educational, recreational, and social programs to enhance the life of Chicago's youth.

In a 2014 interview, Bird claimed, "All of my donations are sort of made under the table," "I don't require publicity. I'm not doing anything to gain attention. Though I do care. and that matters the most," as per an Indianapolis Monthly report.