Patrick Ewing is a legendary basketball player known for his time with the New York Knicks in the NBA. Over his long and successful career, he became one of the highest-paid athletes of his era. Today, Ewing’s net worth is estimated to be around $75 million, thanks to his earnings from basketball, endorsements, and coaching roles. This topic explores his financial journey, from his NBA contracts to his business ventures.
Patrick Ewing’s NBA Salary and Career Earnings
NBA Contracts and Earnings
Ewing played in the NBA for 17 seasons (1985-2002), with most of his career spent with the New York Knicks. He was one of the first players to earn over $100 million in salary alone, setting a precedent for future stars. His highest single-season salary was $18.5 million in the 1997-98 season, making him one of the league’s top earners at the time.
Some of his major contracts included:
- 1985-1991: Rookie contract with the Knicks (worth around $6 million)
- 1991-1996: Signed a lucrative extension with the Knicks ($20 million total)
- 1997-1998: Earned $18.5 million, making him one of the highest-paid athletes
- 1999-2001: Played for the Seattle SuperSonics and Orlando Magic before retiring
Total Career Earnings
By the time he retired, Ewing had earned around $125 million in salary alone. Adjusted for inflation, that amount would be even higher today.
Endorsements and Sponsorship Deals
In addition to his NBA salary, Ewing made millions through endorsements. He was one of the first basketball players to have a signature shoe line, the Ewing Athletics brand, which gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The brand has since made a comeback, further contributing to his income.
Other major endorsements included:
- Adidas (before launching his own shoe brand)
- Coca-Cola
- Gatorade
- NBA merchandise deals
These sponsorships added millions to his net worth over the years.
Patrick Ewing’s Coaching Career and Salary
After retiring as a player, Ewing transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for teams like the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets. In 2017, he became the head coach of Georgetown University’s basketball team, his alma mater.
His salary as Georgetown’s head coach was estimated to be around $4 million per year, adding significantly to his wealth.
Business Ventures and Investments
Ewing has also been involved in various business ventures. His Ewing Athletics brand remains a source of income, and he has invested in real estate and other business opportunities over the years.
Some of his known investments include:
- Real estate properties in the U.S.
- Sports-related ventures
- Shoe and apparel sales from Ewing Athletics
Comparing Patrick Ewing’s Net Worth to Other NBA Legends
Ewing’s estimated net worth of $75 million is impressive, but it is lower than some of his peers from the same era. For example:
- Michael Jordan – Over $2 billion (thanks to his Nike deals and business empire)
- Shaquille O’Neal – Around $400 million (from endorsements and media appearances)
- Hakeem Olajuwon – Around $200 million (from basketball and business ventures)
While Ewing may not be the wealthiest former NBA star, his financial success remains substantial.
How Patrick Ewing Maintains His Wealth
Ewing has been smart with his money, avoiding financial pitfalls that many retired athletes face. He continues to earn income from:
- Coaching salaries
- Business investments
- Endorsements and brand partnerships
He has also maintained a relatively low-profile lifestyle, focusing on basketball and business rather than excessive spending.
Patrick Ewing’s net worth of $75 million is a result of his legendary basketball career, lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and smart business ventures. Though he may not be the richest NBA legend, he has built a solid financial foundation that continues to grow through his coaching career and business investments.