Larry Bird Net Worth 2026: Age 69, Wife, Kids & Career

Want to know how much basketball legend Larry Bird is worth today? The NBA Hall of Famer has built an impressive fortune of $75 million through his incredible playing career, coaching success, and smart business moves. But there’s so much more to Larry’s story than just his bank account.

Let’s dive into everything about Larry Bird – from his humble beginnings in French Lick, Indiana, to becoming one of the greatest basketball players ever, and what he’s doing now at age 69.

Quick Facts About Larry Bird

What Is Larry Bird Net Worth in 2026?

As of 2026, Larry Bird net worth stands at approximately $75 million. This impressive wealth comes from multiple income streams built over four decades in basketball.

Unlike many modern NBA stars who earn hundreds of millions from contracts alone, Larry played in an era when salaries were much lower. Despite this, he’s grown his fortune through smart career moves, endorsement deals, executive roles, and business investments.

The Boston Celtics legend earned $24 million during his 13-year playing career. His highest single-season salary was $7.07 million in the 1991-92 season – making him the first team sports athlete to earn over $6 million per year.

But Larry’s wealth story doesn’t end with his playing days. His coaching and executive positions, endorsement partnerships, and business ventures have all contributed significantly to his current net worth.

Larry Bird Biography: The Early Years

Childhood in French Lick, Indiana

Larry Joe Bird was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. He grew up in the nearby small town of French Lick, a community of less than 2,000 people. Life wasn’t easy for young Larry.

His father, Claude Joseph “Joe” Bird, was a Korean War veteran who struggled with personal demons. His mother, Georgia Bird, worked two jobs to support Larry and his five siblings. The family faced constant financial hardship.

Tragedy struck when Larry was in high school – his parents divorced, and his father died by suicide about a year later. These difficult experiences shaped Larry into the tough, determined person he would become.

Basketball became Larry’s escape. He spent countless hours shooting hoops, developing the skills that would eventually make him a legend.

High School Basketball Star

At Springs Valley High School, Larry Bird was unstoppable. As a senior, he averaged an incredible 31 points and 21 rebounds per game, plus 4 assists. College scouts took notice of this tall, skilled player from small-town Indiana.

College Education: Indiana State University

Larry’s college journey had a rocky start. He initially accepted a basketball scholarship to Indiana University in 1974. But the big campus overwhelmed him, and he dropped out after less than a month.

He returned home to French Lick, working municipal jobs and attending Northwood Institute briefly. In 1975, Larry enrolled at Indiana State University in Terre Haute – a decision that changed his life.

At Indiana State, Larry Bird became a college basketball sensation. He led the Indiana State Sycamores to the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history in 1979. The championship game against Michigan State (featuring Magic Johnson) remains the highest-rated college basketball game in television history.

Larry graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. His college career stats were phenomenal: 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He won the Naismith College Player of the Year Award and set the stage for his NBA career.

Professional Basketball Career with Boston Celtics

NBA Draft and Historic Rookie Contract (1978-1979)

The Boston Celtics selected Larry Bird with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. But Larry didn’t join immediately – he chose to finish his senior year at Indiana State.

This decision led to intense contract negotiations. The Celtics initially refused to pay Larry more than other roster players. His agent, Bob Woolf, threatened that Larry would simply enter the 1979 draft instead.

Finally, they reached an agreement: a five-year, $3.25 million contract. This made Larry Bird the highest-paid rookie in sports history at that time. The NBA later changed its draft rules (now called the “Bird Collegiate Rule”) to prevent similar situations.

Championship Glory (1981-1986)

Larry Bird transformed the Boston Celtics overnight. In the 1978-79 season before Larry joined, the Celtics won just 29 games. In his rookie season (1979-80), they won 61 games – an incredible 32-game improvement.

Larry’s rookie stats were impressive:

• 21.3 points per game
• 10.4 rebounds per game
• 4.5 assists per game
• 1.7 steals per game

He was named NBA Rookie of the Year and selected to the All-Star team.

The championships followed:

• 1981 – First NBA Championship
• 1984 – Second Championship, Finals MVP
• 1986 – Third Championship, Finals MVP

Individual Awards and Records

Larry Bird’s trophy case is legendary:

NBA MVP Awards:

• 1984 NBA MVP
• 1985 NBA MVP
• 1986 NBA MVP

He became only the third player in NBA history to win three consecutive MVP awards.

All-Star Selections:

• 12-time NBA All-Star
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1982)

Other Achievements:

• 10-time All-NBA First Team
• Three-time NBA Three-Point Contest champion
• Member of the 50-40-90 club (50% field goals, 40% three-pointers, 90% free throws in a single season)
• Named to NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
• Named to NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team

The Magic Johnson Rivalry

Larry Bird’s rivalry with Magic Johnson defined an era of basketball. It started in that famous 1979 NCAA championship game and continued throughout their NBA careers.

Bird’s Celtics and Magic’s Lakers met three times in the NBA Finals (1984, 1985, 1987). Their contrasting styles – Larry’s precision and basketball IQ versus Magic’s flash and showmanship – captivated fans worldwide.

Off the court, the two became close friends. They even co-authored a book together called “When the Game Was Ours,” giving fans insight into their legendary rivalry and friendship.

Career Statistics

Over his 13-year career, Larry Bird compiled incredible numbers:

• Games played: 897
• Points: 21,791 (24.3 per game)
• Rebounds: 8,974 (10.0 per game)
• Assists: 5,695 (6.3 per game)
• Field goal percentage: 49.6%
• Three-point percentage: 37.6%
• Free throw percentage: 88.6%

Retirement (1992)

Back problems plagued Larry in his later playing years. He often had to lie on the floor during timeouts to ease the pain. Despite these challenges, he continued performing at an elite level.

On August 18, 1992, Larry Bird announced his retirement from professional basketball. He was 35 years old and left as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Larry Bird Career Earnings Breakdown

NBA Salary Year-by-Year

Here’s exactly how much Larry Bird earned during each season with the Boston Celtics:

In 1988, during recovery from foot surgery, Larry negotiated an unprecedented contract extension. To keep the Celtics within salary cap restrictions, he agreed to take most of the money in his final season – explaining the huge jump to $7 million in 1991-92.

Endorsement Deals and Sponsorships

Larry Bird was highly marketable, even in an era when athlete endorsements were smaller than today.

Converse Partnership: Larry signed a multi-year deal with Converse early in his career instead of Nike or Adidas. While he never got his own signature shoe line, several Converse models he wore became iconic and associated with him.

Current Endorsements (2026):

• FootLocker
• Heinz Corporation
• AT&T

While exact figures aren’t public, estimates suggest Larry earns around $1 million annually from endorsement deals, even in retirement.

Coaching Salary (1997-2000)

After his playing career, Larry Bird became head coach of the Indiana Pacers in 1997. He announced from the start that he would only coach for three years.

True to his word, Larry coached exactly three seasons:

• 1997-98: Led Pacers to 58-24 record, named NBA Coach of the Year
• 1998-99: Central Division title
• 1999-2000: Led team to NBA Finals (lost to Lakers)

While his exact coaching salary wasn’t disclosed, NBA head coaches at that time typically earned $2-4 million per season. Larry likely made around $8-10 million total from coaching.

Executive Compensation (2003-2017)

In 2003, the Indiana Pacers hired Larry Bird as President of Basketball Operations. This marked another chapter in his basketball career.

Key achievements as executive:

• Named NBA Executive of the Year (2012)
• Only person to win NBA MVP, Coach of the Year, AND Executive of the Year
• Briefly stepped down in 2012 due to health concerns
• Returned in 2013
• Stepped down again in 2017, staying in advisory role

NBA executives at this level typically earn $2-5 million annually. Over his 12+ years in the role (with a brief gap), Larry likely earned $25-40 million from executive compensation.

Life After Basketball: What’s Larry Doing Now?

Current Role with Indiana Pacers

At age 69, Larry Bird remains connected to basketball through an advisory role with the Indiana Pacers. He’s not involved in day-to-day operations but provides wisdom and guidance when needed.

Business Ventures

Larry Bird owns the Larry Bird Ford Lincoln dealership in Indiana. This car dealership provides ongoing passive income and keeps him connected to his home state.

He’s also made smart real estate investments (more on this below) that contribute to his wealth.

Media Appearances

Larry has appeared in several entertainment projects:

Movies:

• Blue Chips (1994) – playing himself
• Space Jam (1996) – alongside Michael Jordan
• Celtic Pride (1996) – playing himself

Commercials:

• McDonald’s
• FootLocker
• AT&T
• Dr. J commercials
• Various other brands

Video Games:

• One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird
• Jordan vs. Bird: One on One
• NBA Jam (revamped version)
• NBA 2K12 (cover athlete)

Books:

• “When the Game Was Ours” (co-authored with Magic Johnson)

Larry Bird Age and Physical Stats

How Old Is Larry Bird in 2026?

Larry Bird is 69 years old as of 2026. He was born on December 7, 1956, which means he’ll turn 70 in December 2026.

Despite chronic back issues from his playing days, Larry maintains an active lifestyle and stays engaged with basketball through his advisory role.

Height and Physical Measurements

• Height: 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters)
• Weight during playing career: 220 pounds (100 kg)
• Position: Small forward / Power forward
• Shooting hand: Right
• Wingspan: Approximately 7 feet

Larry’s combination of height, shooting ability, and basketball IQ made him virtually unstoppable in his prime.

Larry Bird’s Personal Life and Family

Marriages and Relationships

First Marriage: Janet Condra Larry married his high school sweetheart, Janet Condra, in 1975. The marriage was brief, lasting less than a year before they separated. They briefly reconciled and had a daughter, Corrie, in 1977, but ultimately divorced permanently.

Current Marriage: Dinah Mattingly In 1989, Larry married Dinah Mattingly. Their marriage has lasted over 35 years and remains strong in 2026. Dinah prefers to stay out of the spotlight, maintaining privacy despite being married to a basketball legend.

Children and Family Life

Larry Bird has three children:

Corrie Bird (born 1977)

• Daughter from first marriage to Janet Condra
• Larry’s relationship with Corrie was strained for years due to the divorce
• They’ve since reconciled and maintain contact

Conner Bird (adopted)

• Adopted son with Dinah Mattingly
• Has faced some legal troubles in adulthood

Mariah Bird (adopted)

• Adopted daughter with Dinah Mattingly
• Stays out of public eye
• Works in event management and sports marketing

Current Residence

Larry Bird owns a stunning mansion in Naples, Florida, valued at approximately $5 million. The custom home features:

• 6,007 square feet of living space
• 4 bedrooms
• 6 bathrooms
• Gourmet kitchen
• State-of-the-art home theater
• Infinity pool
• 4-car garage

Before this, Larry owned a massive estate in Washington Township, Indianapolis, which he listed for sale in 2019 for $2.4 million. That property included 10,232 square feet on 1.5 acres with 5 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, tennis court, pool, and wine cellar.

Larry Bird’s Real Estate and Lifestyle

Property Investments

Larry has shown smart real estate sense throughout his life:

Indianapolis Mansion (Former):

• Purchased in 2003 for $2.35 million
• 10,232 square feet
• 5 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms
• Tennis court and pool
• Listed in 2019 for $2.4 million

Naples, Florida Estate (Current):

• Worth approximately $5 million
• Primary residence
• Luxury waterfront property
• Perfect retirement location

These properties alone represent $7+ million in real estate assets.

Car Collection

Larry Bird owns a Ford Lincoln dealership, so it’s no surprise he has nice vehicles. Known cars in his collection include:

• Ford F-150 truck (multiple models)
• Luxury sedans from his dealership inventory

As a dealership owner, Larry has access to any Ford or Lincoln vehicle he wants, though he tends to prefer practical trucks over flashy sports cars.

Charitable Work and Philanthropy

Despite his tough on-court persona, Larry Bird has a generous heart:

Primary Causes:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Honorary Director)
  • Personal connection due to father’s suicide
  • Active fundraising and awareness campaigns
• CharitaBulls Foundation
  • Supports various charitable causes
• Depression and Grief Support Programs
  • Mental health awareness
  • Suicide prevention education

Larry prefers quiet philanthropy, often making donations without seeking publicity. His charitable giving likely amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

Larry Bird’s Education Background

High School Education

Larry attended Springs Valley High School in French Lick, Indiana. While basketball dominated his time, he maintained adequate grades to be eligible for college scholarships.

College Education

Indiana University (1974):

• Attended briefly on basketball scholarship
• Dropped out after less than one month
• Couldn’t adjust to large campus environment

Northwood Institute:

• Attended briefly after leaving IU
• No degree obtained

Indiana State University (1975-1979):

• Enrolled in 1975
• Played for Indiana State Sycamores
• Graduated in 1979
• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Physical Education
• College stats: 30.3 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 4.6 APG
• Led team to 1979 NCAA Championship game

Larry’s college education proved valuable beyond basketball, giving him knowledge that helped in his coaching and executive careers.

Larry Bird’s Legacy and Impact on Basketball

Hall of Fame Induction

Larry Bird was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998, his first year of eligibility. This honor recognized his incredible contributions to basketball.

Impact on the NBA

Larry Bird’s influence on basketball extends far beyond his personal achievements:

Saved the NBA: Along with Magic Johnson, Larry is credited with reviving the NBA in the 1980s. Their rivalry brought unprecedented television ratings and fan interest.

Three-Point Revolution: Larry was one of the first big men to regularly shoot three-pointers effectively, helping revolutionize how the game is played.

Basketball IQ: His cerebral approach to the game influenced how teams think about basketball intelligence versus pure athleticism.

Trash Talk: Larry’s legendary trash-talking added personality to the NBA and became part of basketball culture.

Recognition and Honors

• NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team (1996)
• NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team (2021)
• Jersey #33 retired by Boston Celtics
• Jersey #33 retired by Indiana State University
• Named one of the greatest NBA players of all time by countless publications

How Larry Bird Compares to Modern NBA Stars

Net Worth Comparison

While $75 million is impressive, modern NBA stars earn much more:

• LeBron James: Over $1 billion
• Michael Jordan: Over $3 billion
• Kevin Durant: Over $300 million
• Stephen Curry: Over $160 million

Larry played in an era of smaller contracts, but his wealth is still substantial and well-managed.

Salary Era Differences

Consider this: Larry’s highest salary was $7.07 million in 1991-92. Today’s stars earn that in a few games:

• Stephen Curry earns over $50 million per season
• LeBron James has earned over $40 million per season

Adjusted for inflation, Larry’s career earnings would be worth approximately $50-60 million in 2026 dollars – still far less than one year for top current players.

Despite lower salaries, Larry’s smart business decisions and continued earning through executive roles have kept his net worth competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Bird

How much is Larry Bird worth in 2026?

Larry Bird’s net worth in 2026 is approximately $75 million. This includes his NBA career earnings, coaching and executive salaries, endorsements, business ventures, and real estate investments.

How old is Larry Bird?

Larry Bird is 69 years old in 2026. He was born on December 7, 1956, and will turn 70 in December 2026.

How tall is Larry Bird?

Larry Bird stands 6 feet 9 inches tall (2.06 meters). His height, combined with his shooting ability and basketball IQ, made him one of the most versatile players in NBA history.

Is Larry Bird still married?

Yes, Larry Bird has been married to Dinah Mattingly since 1989. They’ve been together for over 35 years and have two adopted children together.

How many children does Larry Bird have?

Larry Bird has three children: Corrie Bird (from his first marriage), and adopted children Conner Bird and Mariah Bird (with current wife Dinah Mattingly).

How many NBA championships did Larry Bird win?

Larry Bird won 3 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics in 1981, 1984, and 1986. He was named Finals MVP in 1984 and 1986.

What is Larry Bird doing now in 2026?

At age 69, Larry Bird serves in an advisory role with the Indiana Pacers. He also owns a Ford Lincoln dealership in Indiana and manages his real estate investments while enjoying retirement in Naples, Florida.

Did Larry Bird go to college?

Yes, Larry Bird graduated from Indiana State University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He led the team to the 1979 NCAA championship game.

Who was better: Larry Bird or Magic Johnson?

This remains one of basketball’s greatest debates. Larry won 3 championships and 3 MVP awards. Magic won 5 championships and 3 MVP awards. Most experts consider them equals who elevated each other’s games through their rivalry.

What was Larry Bird’s highest salary?

Larry Bird’s highest single-season salary was $7,070,000 in the 1991-92 season. This made him the first team sports athlete to earn over $6 million per year. His total career NBA earnings were $24,070,000.

Conclusion

Larry Bird’s journey from a small-town Indiana kid to NBA legend to successful executive is truly inspirational. With a net worth of $75 million at age 69, he’s proof that smart career decisions and business sense matter as much as athletic talent.

Born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, Larry overcame family tragedy and financial hardship to become one of basketball’s greatest players. His 13-year career with the Boston Celtics produced 3 championships, 3 MVP awards, and countless memorable moments.

Standing 6’9″ tall, Larry revolutionized the small forward position with his shooting, passing, and basketball IQ. His rivalry with Magic Johnson saved the NBA and created an era of basketball that fans still discuss today.