What Is Larry Bird's Net Worth, Salary, and Career Earnings?
Larry Bird is a retired American professional basketball player and business executive who has a net worth of $75 million. Renowned for his basketball intelligence, precision shooting, and tenacious work ethic, Bird was an invaluable asset on both offense and defense.
His career is filled with accolades, including three NBA Championships (1981, 1984, 1986), two NBA Finals MVP titles, and three consecutive NBA MVP awards from 1984 to 1986. He was a 12-time All-Star and remains one of the few players to join the prestigious 50-40-90 club, showcasing his outstanding shooting efficiency.
Bird's fame extended beyond his playing career, as he transitioned into coaching and front-office roles, notably with the Indiana Pacers. His legendary rivalry with Magic Johnson, which began in college and carried into their professional careers, further elevated his status as an iconic sports figure.
Salary & Career Earnings
During his NBA career, Larry Bird earned $26 million in salary:
- 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
Estimated Earnings (13 seasons): $24,070,000
Early Life
Larry Joe Bird was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. He is the son of Georgia and Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird. His father was a veteran of the Korean War, and he has four brothers and a sister. Raised in the town of French Lick, Bird’s mother worked two jobs to support him and his siblings. His parents divorced during his high school years, and his father died by suicide a year later. Basketball became Larry's refuge from his family's troubles. In high school, he averaged 31 points, 21 rebounds, and four assists per game as a senior.
College Career
Bird received a basketball scholarship from Indiana University in 1974 but left after less than a month. He then attended Northwood Institute before enrolling at Indiana State University in 1975. He enjoyed a successful college basketball career, leading the Indiana State Sycamores to their first NCAA tournament in school history in 1979. The championship game against Michigan State garnered the highest-ever television rating for a college basketball game at that time. Bird graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in physical education, averaging 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game during his college career. He won numerous awards, including the Naismith College Player of the Year Award.
Professional Basketball Career
Selected by the Boston Celtics as the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft, Bird didn’t join immediately, choosing to complete his final season at Indiana State. After protracted negotiations, Bird signed a five-year, $3.25 million contract with the Celtics, making him the highest-paid rookie in sports history at the time. This contract led to the creation of the Bird Collegiate Rule, altering NBA draft eligibility rules.
Bird's arrival improved the Celtics’ win total by 32 games. In his debut game, he led the team to a 114-106 victory over the Houston Rockets with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Bird finished his rookie season averaging 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, earning All-Star selection and the Rookie of the Year title.
Bird played for the Celtics until 1992, securing his place in NBA history with three consecutive MVP Awards, 12 All-Star selections, and three NBA championships. He was the first player to shoot 50% or better on field goals, 40% on three-pointers, and 90% on free throws in a single season. However, recurring back issues plagued him in his later years.
Getty
Coaching and Business Career
After retiring as a player, Bird remained with the Celtics as a special assistant from 1992 to 1997. In 1997, he became the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, leading them to a 58-24 record in the 1997-1998 season and earning NBA Coach of the Year honors. Bird led the Pacers to Central Division titles in 1999 and 2000 before leaving his coaching role as promised after three years.
Bird returned to the Pacers in 2003 as president of basketball operations, becoming the only person in NBA history to win MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year awards. Though he briefly parted with the Pacers in 2012, he resumed his role in 2013 until stepping down again in 2017. He remains with the team in an advisory capacity.
Personal Life
Bird married Janet Condra in 1975, and they had a daughter, Corrie, in 1977, though they ultimately separated. In 1989, Larry married Dinah Mattingly, and the couple shares two adopted children, Conner and Mariah.
