Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Net worth $30 million
- Birthday April 16, 1947
- Status -
- Country United States
- Source(-s) of wealth Author, Basketball Player
How much is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Worth? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Net Worth in 2026
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth is estimated at $30 million as of October 2026. Abdul-Jabbar is a six-time NBA MVP and six-time champion who held the league’s career scoring record for almost 40 years. The wealth comes from 20 NBA seasons of salary, which was modest by today’s standards, together with writing, film and media work and the memorabilia he sold in 2019.
| Net worth | $30 million (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Estimated annual income | Not public. Writing, speaking and licensing |
| Born | 16 April 1947, Harlem, New York City (age 79) |
| Country | United States |
| Known for | Six NBA MVP awards, the skyhook, the Lakers’ Showtime era, Airplane |
| Main income sources | Past NBA salary, writing, speaking, film and television, memorabilia |
How much is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar worth in 2026?
We estimate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth at about $30 million. It is an estimate. NBA pay in his era was small next to current deals, so a player of his rank ends up well below modern stars. We sit above the lowest public figures, which are around $20 million.
The contract trail is clear. In 1969 he chose the Milwaukee Bucks’ offer of about 1.4 million dollars over a higher New York Nets bid. In 1983 he signed a two-year, 3 million dollar deal with the Lakers, then one-year extensions at 2 million dollars in 1984 and 1985. Across 20 seasons that adds up to a playing salary in the low tens of millions. The 2019 sale of his championship rings and other items through Goldin Auctions raised about 2.9 million dollars, but proceeds went mainly to his Skyhook Foundation, so it does not add to the total. What lifts the number is the work after basketball: acting, writing and speaking, which we estimate at a mid six-figure to low seven-figure sum in a good year.
How Kareem Abdul-Jabbar built it
- Played 20 NBA seasons. He won six MVPs and six titles, with a 1983 Lakers deal of two years and $3 million.
- Chose the team that fit. In 1969 he picked the Bucks' offer of about $1.4 million over a higher Nets bid.
- Worked after basketball. Acting, writing and speaking added income after his playing days.
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Get the Alux appKareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2026: what they have been working on
- 2019: Auctioned 234 lots, including four championship rings, for roughly 2.9 million dollars, with most proceeds going to his Skyhook Foundation.
- 2023: Saw his career scoring record broken after holding it since 5 April 1984.
- 2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, one of three NBA anniversary teams he made.
- 2005 to 2011: Worked as a special assistant coach with the Lakers, which included the 2009 and 2010 titles.
How Kareem Abdul-Jabbar makes money
- NBA salary: About 20 seasons of pay from 1969 to 1989, with contracts such as 3 million dollars over two years in 1983.
- Film and television: Parts in Game of Death in 1972 and Airplane in 1980, plus later television cameos.
- Writing and speaking: Books, columns and paid talks. Amounts are not public.
- Memorabilia: The 2019 auction raised about 2.9 million dollars, mostly donated.
- Coaching: Assistant coach roles with the Lakers and a USBL title with the Oklahoma Storm in 2002.
What Kareem Abdul-Jabbar teaches (and what to take from it)
Abdul-Jabbar has written many essays and books, and we do not paraphrase them. These lessons come from how his career has been built.
Master one unstoppable move
His skyhook was so hard to block that it carried him to 38,387 career points. This week, pick a single skill in your work and drill it until it is automatic.
Play the long season
He played 20 seasons and won a Finals MVP at 38. Plan for a decade, not a quarter. Schedule the one routine that protects your long-term energy, such as sleep or exercise, and keep it for seven days.
Choose the right deal over the biggest one
He turned down a higher offer from the Nets and picked Milwaukee, where he won a title in his second year. Before a decision this week, list the three things other than money that matter.
Build a second voice
He wrote and acted while still playing. Start a small public outlet, such as a post a week, to build a skill outside your day job.
Career timeline
- 1947: Born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. in Harlem.
- 1967 to 1969: Wins three straight NCAA titles at UCLA.
- 1969: Drafted first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.
- 1971: Wins his first MVP and an NBA title, and begins using the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
- 1975: Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
- 1984: Breaks Wilt Chamberlain’s career scoring record.
- 1980 to 1988: Wins five NBA titles with the Lakers.
- 1989: Retires with 38,387 points.
- 2019: Auctions his memorabilia.
Early life and background
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on 16 April 1947 in Harlem and moved at age three to the Dyckman Street projects in Upper Manhattan. At Power Memorial Academy he led his team to a 79 and 2 record and scored 2,067 points.
He played at UCLA from 1966 to 1969, going 30 and 0 in 1967 and winning three straight national titles. The NCAA banned the dunk after his first varsity season.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar net worth FAQ
What is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth is estimated at $30 million as of October 2026. It is our estimate, and public figures start around $20 million.
How does Kareem Abdul-Jabbar make money?
Through writing, speaking, film and television work, and licensing. His NBA salary was the largest source in the past.
How old is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
He was born on 16 April 1947, so he is 79.
What is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar known for?
He is known for six NBA MVP awards, six championships, the skyhook shot and his part in the film Airplane
How much did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar make from his memorabilia auction?
The 2019 auction raised about 2.9 million dollars, most of it for his Skyhook Foundation.
How is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth estimated?
We add up his documented NBA contracts, then add estimates for writing, acting and speaking. It is an approximation.
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How we estimate net worth
Our estimates are based on public reporting, company valuations, and deal and earnings figures all compiled in an internal valuation model. They are approximate, and figures change over time as new information emerges.
Last updated: October 2026.