Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the most iconic names in basketball history. Even at 79 years old, the NBA legend remains active through public appearances, mentorship, writing, and social work. His dominance on the court, combined with his influence off it, has made him one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
From his unstoppable skyhook to his long list of achievements, Kareem’s legacy continues to inspire basketball fans around the world.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. |
| Known As | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar |
| Date of Birth | April 16, 1947 |
| Age (2026) | 79 years |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| College | UCLA (1966–1969) |
| Religion | Converted to Islam in 1971 |
Before entering the NBA, Kareem dominated college basketball at UCLA, winning three NCAA championships and multiple national honors.
NBA Career and Major Records
Kareem played 20 seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. His consistency, scoring ability, and longevity helped him build one of the greatest careers in league history.
| Career Detail | Record |
|---|---|
| NBA Seasons | 20 (1969–1989) |
| Teams | Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers |
| Total Points | 38,387 |
| All-Star Selections | 19 |
| NBA Championships | 6 |
| NBA MVP Awards | 6 (All-time record) |
| Finals MVP | 2 |
| All-NBA First Team | 10 times |
| Career Games | 1,560 |
| Career Minutes | 57,446 |
His signature move, the skyhook, remains one of the most effective shots ever used in basketball.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Net Worth in 2026
As of 2026, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s estimated net worth is around $25 million. His wealth comes from his NBA salary, endorsement deals, books, acting roles, and long-term investments.
Career Salary
Over his 20-year NBA career, Kareem earned approximately $24 million in salary. During the later stages of his career with the Lakers, he earned up to $650,000 per year, with about $8.5 million coming in his final four seasons.
Major Endorsement Deals
Kareem was one of the first NBA players to benefit from major brand partnerships. His key endorsement deals included:
- Adidas (first major NBA sneaker deal in 1971)
- Nike
- Coca-Cola
- Toyota
- Converse
- Spalding
- Kodak
These partnerships significantly increased his earnings during and after his playing career.
Also see: Alex Ferreira Net Worth 2026
Additional Income Sources
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Books & Writing | Multiple best-selling books and columns |
| Acting | Appearances in films including Airplane! |
| Coaching & Mentoring | NBA and player development roles |
| Investments | Real estate and stock market investments |
Post-retirement, these income streams have helped him maintain financial stability and long-term wealth.
Impact Beyond Basketball
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is also widely respected for his work outside sports. He has been a strong voice on social justice, education, and civil rights issues.
He has written several influential books and has contributed columns to major publications. In 2016, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Health Update
Kareem was diagnosed with chronic leukemia in 2021, but his treatment was successful. By 2025, he was declared cancer-free and continues to maintain stable health.
In 2026:
- He attended NBA All-Star Weekend as a special guest
- He continues mentoring young players
- He has announced a new memoir set for release later this year
- He remains active on social media and public discussions
| Latest Status | Update (2026) |
|---|---|
| Health | Stable and cancer-free |
| Public Appearances | NBA events and mentorship programs |
| New Project | Upcoming memoir release |
| Travel | Limited as per medical advice |
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s influence goes far beyond his statistics. His championships, MVP awards, and longevity defined an era, while his leadership and social contributions made him a global role model.
From dominating the court with his skyhook to shaping conversations beyond basketball, Kareem’s journey continues to inspire new generations. His name remains firmly among the greatest legends in NBA history, and his impact on the game and society is truly timeless.
