Kyrie Irving, an Australian-American professional basketball player, has built an impressive net worth of $90 million as of 2025, with an annual salary of $37 million. Known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, clutch performances, and a career marked by both brilliance and controversy, Irving’s journey in the NBA is a blend of triumphs, setbacks, and resilience. From winning an NBA Championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers to signing lucrative endorsement deals, Irving’s financial success extends beyond the basketball court. This article explores Kyrie Irving’s career, controversies, business ventures, and the financial milestones that contributed to his net worth.
Early Life and Path to the NBA
Born on March 23, 1992, in Melbourne, Australia, Kyrie Andrew Irving is the son of American expatriates Drederick and Elizabeth Irving. His father played professional basketball in Australia, which influenced Kyrie’s early interest in the sport. Tragically, his mother passed away when he was just four years old, leading to his aunts playing a significant role in his upbringing. The family returned to the United States, settling in West Orange, New Jersey, where Kyrie spent his formative years.
From a young age, Irving was determined to reach the NBA, often training at Boston University due to his father’s connections with the institution. He attended St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where his exceptional skills on the court earned him national recognition. His performance secured him a spot on the Junior National Select team and a scholarship to Duke University. At Duke, Irving’s freshman season started strong but was cut short by a ligament injury. Despite the setback, his potential was undeniable, and he declared for the NBA draft in 2011.
NBA Career: From Cleveland to Dallas
Kyrie Irving was the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He made an immediate impact, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award and earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Despite an early setback in his second season—breaking his hand during practice—Irving quickly bounced back, demonstrating his scoring ability with a 41-point game against the New York Knicks.
Irving’s career reached a high point in the 2015-2016 season when he, alongside LeBron James, led the Cavaliers to their first NBA Championship. In the Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Irving’s clutch three-pointer in Game 7 sealed the historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit. His performance cemented his reputation as one of the league’s elite guards.
In 2017, Irving requested a trade and was sent to the Boston Celtics. His time in Boston was productive but marred by injuries, which sidelined him during crucial playoff runs. In 2019, he signed a four-year, $141 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets. However, his tenure with the Nets was turbulent, characterized by injuries and off-court controversies, including his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19. This decision led to him missing home games due to New York City’s vaccination mandate and reportedly cost him nearly $100 million in salary and endorsements.
In February 2023, Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he signed a three-year, $126 million deal. His debut for the Mavericks was marked by strong performances, signaling a fresh start in his career.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Kyrie Irving’s financial success is not limited to his NBA contracts. His endorsement deals have significantly bolstered his net worth, with the most notable being his partnership with Nike. In 2014, Irving signed a deal with Nike worth $11 million per year, making his signature shoe line one of the best-selling in the brand’s portfolio. However, in December 2022, Nike terminated the contract following a controversy surrounding a social media post by Irving that was perceived as antisemitic. The loss of this deal was a significant financial blow, but Irving’s other endorsements with brands like Pepsi and Skullcandy helped cushion the impact.
Irving’s ventures into media and entertainment have also been financially rewarding. His “Uncle Drew” character, originally created for Pepsi Max commercials, was so popular that it led to a full-length feature film in 2018, which grossed over $40 million. Additionally, Irving has made guest appearances on TV shows such as Kickin’ It and even lent his voice to an episode of Family Guy.
Career Earnings and Contracts
Throughout his NBA career, Kyrie Irving has secured substantial earnings from both salaries and endorsements. In 2014, he signed a five-year contract extension with the Cavaliers worth $94 million. His subsequent four-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 was valued at $141 million, averaging $35 million annually. By 2023, his new contract with the Dallas Mavericks further solidified his financial standing, ensuring a lucrative income through 2026.
Between June 2017 and June 2018, Irving earned $36 million, followed by $43 million from June 2018 to June 2019, and $40 million the following year. His cumulative career earnings from salary alone are estimated to exceed $230 million, with an additional $50 million-plus from endorsements.
Controversies and Financial Impact
Kyrie Irving’s career has not been without controversy. His refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 led to significant financial losses due to missed games and a subsequent decline in endorsement opportunities. Irving himself claimed that his stance cost him nearly $100 million in salary and endorsement revenue. The situation was further complicated in November 2022, when a social media post that was interpreted as antisemitic led to widespread backlash. The fallout resulted in Nike severing ties with Irving, terminating his $11 million per year endorsement deal.
Despite these setbacks, Irving’s financial foundation remains strong due to his NBA contracts and past endorsements. His ability to navigate controversies while maintaining a high level of performance on the court has helped preserve his financial health.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Kyrie Irving is a father to one daughter from a previous relationship. Off the court, he has been actively involved in philanthropy, particularly focusing on social justice causes and supporting marginalized communities. Irving donated $1.5 million to support WNBA players who opted out of the 2020 season due to health concerns or social justice reasons. He also bought a home for George Floyd’s family following Floyd’s tragic death in 2020.
Known for his spiritual beliefs and advocacy for Indigenous peoples’ rights, Irving has supported causes promoting equality and justice. His diverse interests, including a plant-based diet and his exploration of conspiracy theories, make him one of the more intriguing personalities in the NBA.
Legacy and Future Prospects
As of 2025, Kyrie Irving’s net worth stands at $90 million, a figure that reflects both his on-court achievements and his off-court business ventures. His move to the Dallas Mavericks represents a new chapter in his career, with the potential to further increase his earnings and legacy. While controversies have undoubtedly impacted his endorsements, Irving’s talent and influence in basketball remain undeniable.
Looking forward, Irving’s focus on philanthropy and potential business ventures beyond basketball could play a significant role in his financial and personal legacy. Whether through more endorsement deals, investments, or media projects, Kyrie Irving’s financial trajectory seems poised for continued growth.