Kyrie Irving Net Worth: Salary, Career, and Controversies

Kyrie Irving, an Australian-American basketball sensation, has made headlines for both his extraordinary skills on the court and his controversies off it. Known for his dazzling ball-handling and clutch performances, Irving has become one of the most recognizable figures in the NBA. As of 2025, Kyrie Irving’s net worth is estimated to be $90 million, with a base salary of $37 million. His wealth comes from lucrative NBA contracts, endorsement deals, and smart investments, despite financial setbacks due to injuries and controversies. In this article, we explore Kyrie Irving’s net worth, early life, NBA career, controversies, and financial endeavors.

Early Life and Background

Kyrie Andrew Irving was born on March 23, 1992, in Melbourne, Australia. His parents, Drederick and Elizabeth Irving, were American expatriates. Kyrie moved back to the United States with his family when he was two years old, settling in West Orange, New Jersey. Tragedy struck early in his life when his mother passed away from an illness when Kyrie was just four. Raised by his father and aunts, Irving’s passion for basketball was nurtured from a young age. His father, a former college basketball player at Boston University and a professional in Australia, played a significant role in his early training.

Irving’s skills were apparent during his high school years at St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he quickly rose to prominence. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the Junior National Select Team and later a scholarship to Duke University. However, his college career was cut short due to a ligament injury after just eight games, prompting him to declare for the 2011 NBA Draft.

NBA Career: From Cleveland to Dallas

Cleveland Cavaliers (2011–2017)

Kyrie Irving was the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He quickly made an impact, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award for his impressive debut season. His early years were marked by spectacular performances, including a 41-point game against the New York Knicks. However, injuries also became a recurring theme, with Irving suffering a broken hand and finger injuries that sidelined him multiple times.

Irving’s breakout came during the 2015-2016 season, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Cavaliers to their first NBA Championship. His iconic three-point shot in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors remains one of the most memorable moments in NBA history. During his time with the Cavaliers, Irving was selected for the NBA All-Star Game five times.

Boston Celtics (2017–2019)

In a surprising move, Irving requested a trade from the Cavaliers in 2017 and was subsequently traded to the Boston Celtics. His tenure in Boston was marked by stellar performances, including a career-high 50-point game. However, injuries once again hampered his ability to lead the Celtics deep into the playoffs. After a turbulent 2018-2019 season and a disappointing playoff exit, Irving decided to part ways with Boston.

Brooklyn Nets (2019–2023)

In 2019, Irving signed a four-year, $141 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets. His debut was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 50 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite injury setbacks, including a right shoulder injury that required surgery, Irving’s performances were consistently impressive. He averaged over 27 points per game during the 2020-2021 season.

However, off-court controversies began to overshadow his career. In 2021, Irving’s refusal to comply with New York City’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate led to his exclusion from home games. This decision reportedly cost him nearly $100 million in salary and potential contract extensions. Further controversy arose in 2022 when Nike terminated its endorsement deal with Irving, citing antisemitism allegations linked to a social media post.

Dallas Mavericks (2023–Present)

In February 2023, following ongoing disputes with the Nets, Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Partnering with Luka Dončić, he quickly made an impact, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities. His contract with the Mavericks includes a $37 million annual salary, reaffirming his status as one of the NBA’s highest-paid players.

Net Worth in 2025: $90 Million

Kyrie Irving’s net worth of $90 million is a result of his substantial NBA contracts, endorsements, and investments, despite losing potential earnings due to off-court controversies.

Key Sources of Income

  1. NBA Salary: Irving’s contracts have been a significant contributor to his wealth, including the $141 million deal with the Nets and his $37 million annual salary with the Mavericks.
  2. Endorsements: Before his fallout with Nike, Irving earned $11 million per year from endorsements. His signature shoe line with Nike was among the brand’s best-sellers.
  3. Investments: Irving has diversified his income through investments in real estate and technology startups.
  4. Film and Media: Irving’s portrayal of “Uncle Drew” in a Pepsi commercial led to a feature film that grossed over $40 million.

Controversies and Financial Impact

Irving’s refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in 2021 led to significant financial losses. His suspension from home games in New York reportedly cost him up to $15 million in salary. The Nike fallout in 2022 further dented his earnings, terminating an $11 million annual endorsement deal.

Additionally, his social media post perceived as antisemitic led to a five-game suspension and further strained his financial standing. These controversies have not only impacted Irving’s net worth but have also put future endorsement deals in jeopardy.

Early Investments and Real Estate

Kyrie Irving’s financial acumen extends to real estate investments. He owns a 6,800-square-foot mansion in Westlake, Ohio, which he purchased for $1.7 million during his time with the Cavaliers. He has also invested in luxury properties in New York and Dallas.

Beyond real estate, Irving has put money into tech startups focusing on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, showcasing a diversified investment portfolio.

Philanthropy and Social Activism

Irving’s philanthropic efforts are notable. He has donated over $1.5 million to WNBA players during the pandemic and has funded clean water projects in Pakistan. His contributions to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) reflect his commitment to social justice and education.

Personal Life and Family

Kyrie Irving has a daughter, Azurie Elizabeth Irving, named in honor of his late mother. Known for his spiritual beliefs and activism, Irving has embraced his Native American heritage and frequently advocates for social justice causes.

His personal life has remained relatively private, with his focus on his daughter and his community-oriented initiatives often taking center stage.

Conclusion

Kyrie Irving’s estimated net worth of $90 million in 2025 reflects both his immense talent and the financial consequences of his controversial decisions. From NBA championships to off-court activism, Irving’s career has been anything but ordinary. As he continues to redefine his legacy with the Dallas Mavericks, the world will be watching to see if his financial and career prospects continue to rebound.

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