KEY POINTS

  • Vanessa and Kobe Bryant married in 2001
  • Vanessa Bryant's estimated net worth is around $600 million, same as Kobe
  • The two had no prenup agreement

Vanessa Bryant’s net worth has become a hot topic recently. How much is she left with after Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing?

Vanessa Laine and Kobe Bryant met in a studio when they were 17 and 21 years old. Laine worked as a background dancer prior to meeting Bryant. The NBA star quickly fell in love and the two got engaged after six months. The couple married in 2001, a union which was initially opposed by the parents of the Los Angeles Lakers star due to their young age.

It was not always smooth sailing for the duo. In 2011, their marriage was rocked by reports of infidelity and Vanessa filed for divorce. Fortunately, the couple was able to save their marriage, reunite and call off the divorce.

Kobe Bryant’s estimated net worth before his tragic passing was around at least $600 million. Because the couple had no prenuptial agreement, Mrs. Bryant’s net worth is believed to be the same, which is around $600 million.

According to reports, the two believed there was no need for a prenup because Kobe loved her so much. The couple has had a loving marriage for 19 years.

In 2017, the Lakers retired both Bryant’s numbers (24 and 8) in 2017. He was slated to be inducted to the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame this year, together with Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. However, due to his untimely and unfortunate passing, he will be honored posthumously.

The Black Mamba amassed his wealth from his salary as a professional basketball player, his business ventures and sponsorship deals. Kobe represented brands such as Nike, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz and Hublot.

His massive net worth mirrored his accomplishments on the court. Among them are being a 5-time NBA champion and ranking 4th in the NBA all-time scoring list.

The 41-year-old was just starting a career outside basketball. He won an Academy Award for producing an animated short entitled, "Dear Basketball." He remains the only professional basketball player ever to achieve this feat. Bryant also just started releasing “The Wizenard Series: Training Camp,'' a young adult book series, last year.

Bryant died in a helicopter crash with her daughter Gigi in January 2020. The entire sporting universe grieves this loss, not just in the basketball circle. On the other hand, Vanessa Bryant has drawn praise for her character and strength in these tough times. The couple have three other daughters, Bianka, Capri and Natalia.

Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa Bryant
Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa Bryant speaks during the "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" service at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles on Feb. 24, 2020. AFP/FREDERIC J. BROWN