Larry Bird, often referred to as “Larry Legend” for his on-court heroics, is not only a towering figure in the world of basketball but also a masterful navigator of life after the NBA. From his modest beginnings in French Lick, Indiana, to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Bird has transitioned seamlessly into successful business ventures and significant community involvement. His journey from a small-town kid with big dreams to a celebrated sports icon and savvy entrepreneur exemplifies how tenacity, vision, and skill can shape not just a career but also a substantial financial legacy. This article delves into how Larry Bird amassed his wealth, exploring his earnings during and after his illustrious NBA career, his business acumen, and his ongoing influence both on and off the court.
Early Life and Challenges
Larry Bird’s early life in the small town of French Lick, Indiana, laid the foundation for his rugged determination and work ethic. Growing up in a financially struggling family, Bird faced numerous challenges that fortified his resolve and fueled his ambition. From practicing for hours on a makeshift basketball hoop to handling personal adversities, his early experiences taught him the value of perseverance and hard work. These hardships not only shaped his character but also prepared him for the pressures of collegiate and professional basketball, ultimately defining his path to NBA stardom and beyond.
Larry Bird’s Career Stats At a Glance
- Seasons: 13 Games
- Played: 897
- Minutes per Game (MPG): 38.4
- Points per Game (PPG): 24.3
- Rebounds per Game (RPG): 10.0
- Assists per Game (APG): 6.3
- Steals per Game (SPG): 1.7
- Blocks per Game (BPG): 0.8
- Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 49.6
- Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 37.6
- Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 88.6
Birth and Primary Life
This man emerged in the world on Dec 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. Famous NBA player Oscar Robertson was also born in Indiana. The full name of Larry Bird is Larry Joe Bird. He is one of four brothers and one sister. The father of Larry Bird was a military person who fought in the Korean War.
The early life of Larry Bird was not full of sweat. He lost his father in his early life. His father committed suicide after the separation from his mother. However, his mother continued the life struggle. He was raised in the city of the French Lick, where his mother earned their livelihood. In his school life, he engaged in basketball play and became the school star of the basketball play. During his school career, he secured an average of 31 points, 21 rebounds, and four assists as a senior.
| Total Net Worth: | $75 Million |
| Salary Earned: | $26 Million |
| Source of Income: | Basketball player & Coach, Athlete, Business, Media |
| Birth: | Dec 7, 1956, in Florida, USA |
| Mother: | Georgia Bird |
| Father: | Claude Joseph Bird |
| Siblings: | Ally Elaine Smith |
| Position: | Small Forward/Power Forward |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Ethnicity: | Caucasian |
| Hair Color: | Blonde |
| Eye Color: | Grey |
| Horoscope: | Sagittarius |
| Wife/Girlfriend: | Dinah Mattingly, Janet Condra (Separated) |
| College Education: | Indiana State University |
| Nationality: | American |
| Achievements: | NBA Executive of the Year, NBA Most Valuable Player Award, All-NBA Team, NBA Rookie of the Year Award, John R. Wooden Award, Oscar Robertson Trophy, Adolph Rupp Trophy, NABC Player of the Year, UPI Player of the Year |
| Height: | 6 ft 9 inches |
| Weight: | 100 kg |
| Current Age: | 66 years |
Larry Bird College Life
At the first of his university career, he was a drop-out student at Indiana University as he could not cope with the university. After the drop-out, he moved to his old city, French Lick, where he grew up. The university career of Larry Bird began with the Indiana State Sycamores in 1975. During the play for the university, he favored the university with several achievements. He led the team to the NCAA tournament in 1979. His team played in the championship in 1979 against Michigan State. The game was remarkable as it earned the highest television rating. Unfortunately, in the game, his team lost. In his university career, he secured an average of 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Among the achievements of his college career, the notable award is the Naismith College Player of the Year Award.
Professional Journey
From 1979 to 1992, for a long-term season, he played for the Boston Celtics. He favored his team to achieve dignity and honor.
The journey of basketball career of Larry Bird began with the Boston Celtics. He took the first step into the arena of NBA basketball in 1979. In the 1978 NBA draft, the Boston Celtics selected him as the sixth overall pick. But at the time, he was not detached from the university of Indiana State. He could not join the Boston Celtics in 1978. He started the journey with his team signing the $3.25 million contract that was the highest-paid Rookie in the history of the sport at that time in the next year.
View this post on Instagram
After joining Larry Bird, the total performance of the team was changed by his magical play of his. With his impressive performance, Boston Celtic won 32 matches. With his magic, the team won 114-106 over the Houston Rockets, and he recorded 14 points, ten rebounds, and five assists per game. In his total rookie year, he secured averages of 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. For his outstanding performance in his Rookie year, he achieved the All-Star Team. His name was inducted to the Rookie of the year. Till the last of his career, he was with the Bastion Celtic which is the first and last team of his professional career.
During his tenure with the Boston Celtics, he won the NBA championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986, respectively. In the history of NBA basketball in a single NBA season, as a first man, he recorded a shoot of 50% or better on field goals, 40% on three-pointers, and 90% on free throws.
Larry Bird Retirement Age & Year
After switching off of his career’s light, he engaged himself in the coach-ship. But he did not cut ties with his team Boston Celtics. He joined the team this time not as a player but as a coachman. He was appointed as coach assistant. Later, in 1997 he joined the Indiana Pacers as a coach. During his coach-ship in the 1997-98 season, his team faced success.
The 2011-12 season was another golden time of his life. This season, he was honored with the NBA Executive of the Year. In the history of the NBA, he is the first man to win three awards. Head the Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year in the same seasons.
Achievement
The house of success of Larry Bird is designed with several achievements, recognitions, and awards. He was not only honored but also honored by his team. In the history of NBA basketball play, he is the third player who won three consecutive MVP Awards. For 12 times, he won the NBA All-Star teams.
Personal life
He started his conjugal life with Janet Condra in 1975. But after one year, they were separated. They again reconciled and had a daughter Corrie in 1977. But they were separated permanently. The next conjugal life, Larry Bird, was started with Inah Mattingly in 1989. Their family adopted two children, Conner and Mariah.
Larry Bird’s Salary Earning
Larry Bird played his entire NBA career with the Boston Celtics from 1979 to 1992. Here’s a breakdown of his estimated salary earnings per season:
| Season | Total Earning |
| 1979-1980 | $0.65 Million |
| 1980-1981 | $0.67 Million |
| 1981-1982 | $0.7 Million |
| 1982-1983 | $0.73 Million |
| 1983-1984 | $0.76 Million |
| 1984-1985 | $0.8 Million |
| 1985-1986 | $0.85 Million |
| 1986-1987 | $1.8 Million |
| 1987-1988 | $1.9 Million |
| 1988-1989 | $2 Million |
| 1989-1990 | $2.1 Million |
| 1990-1991 | $2.2 Million |
| 1991-1992 | $2.3 Million |
Larry Bird’s Height and age
He is one of the taller men in the basketball arena. The height of this man is 6 ft 9 inches. The age of this man is 66 years.
Related article: If you are a fan of the Big Dipper-Wilt Chamberlain, you can check his net worth
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Larry Bird has significantly impacted his community through various philanthropic efforts. Beyond his basketball legacy, he has contributed to numerous charities and organizations, focusing on improving life in his native Indiana and beyond. His involvement ranges from substantial donations to children’s groups to funding educational scholarships. Bird’s commitment to giving back also includes support for health initiatives and sports programs that provide opportunities for youth. His charitable work extends his influence off the court, cementing his status not only as a sports icon but also as a dedicated philanthropist.
Business Ventures and Investments
After retiring from professional basketball, Larry Bird transitioned into a successful entrepreneur, engaging in several business ventures and investments. His keen sense of business has led him to various industries, including real estate and restaurant ownership. Bird has leveraged his fame and knowledge to build a diverse investment portfolio, which includes partnerships in sports-related businesses and tech startups. His strategic decisions in the business world have helped to bolster his financial portfolio, providing a solid foundation for his wealth accumulation post-NBA.
Post-NBA Career
Following his illustrious NBA career, Larry Bird didn’t step away from the basketball world; instead, he transitioned to roles that influenced the game from a different perspective. He served as a coach and then as an executive for the Indiana Pacers, where his leadership helped reshape the team into a championship contender. His tenure in management has been marked by astute decisions and a profound understanding of the game, earning him executive of the year honors multiple times. Bird’s post-NBA career highlights his enduring commitment to basketball and his ability to succeed in various roles within the sport.
Larry Bird Net Worth [Updated in 2025]
The net worth of this rich man is $75 Million. During his professional career, he earned a $26 million salary.
Over the past five years, Rick C. Nees has written hundreds of NBA players' biographies, some of which have already been published in famous newspapers. He previously worked as- Commentator, Basketball Analyst, Basketball Player, Newspaper Sports Editor, Radio sports presenter. Rick grew up watching basketball leagues. He was a state-level high school basketball player who followed all NBA events since he was a child.
