Arvydas Sabonis Net Worth | Celebrity Net Worth
What is Arvydas Sabonis’s Net Worth?
Arvydas Sabonis, a legendary former professional basketball player from Lithuania, possesses a net worth estimated at $18 million. Often regarded as one of the greatest European basketball players in history, Sabonis’s career spanned from 1981 to 2004. He showcased his talent in various leagues including the USSR Premier Basketball League, Liga ACB, and the NBA, earning six Euroscar European Player of the Year Awards. Additionally, Sabonis had an impressive tenure with the Soviet Union men’s national basketball team, where he helped secure gold medals at the 1982 World Championship, 1985 EuroBasket, and the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Career Earnings
Throughout his career in the NBA, Arvydas Sabonis accumulated over $47 million in salary.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 19, 1964, in Kaunas, Lithuania, which was then part of the Soviet Union, Arvydas began playing basketball at just 13 years old. By age 15, he was already part of the Soviet national junior team. He pursued higher education at the Lithuanian University of Agriculture.
European Club Career, 1981-1995
Sabonis started his professional basketball career in 1981 with the Lithuanian club Žalgiris, where he achieved remarkable success, winning three consecutive USSR Premier Basketball League titles and the 1986 FIBA Club World Cup. Additionally, he was honored with Euroscar European Player of the Year Awards in 1984, 1985, and 1988, as well as the Mister Europa European Player of the Year Award in 1985.
In 1989, after his time with Žalgiris, Sabonis joined the Spanish Liga ACB club Fórum Valladolid, playing there for three seasons until 1992. He then moved to Real Madrid, where he had some of the best years of his career, clinching Liga ACB titles in 1993 and 1994, along with the European League title in 1995. Sabonis was recognized as the Liga ACB MVP in both 1994 and 1995.
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Portland Trail Blazers
Although initially picked by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1985 NBA Draft, Sabonis was unable to play due to his age. The following year, the Portland Trail Blazers drafted him, but he was still unable to join the team due to restrictions imposed by the Soviet authorities. He finally debuted with the Blazers in 1995, after completing the 1994-95 European season. During his rookie season in the NBA, Sabonis averaged 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, contributing to the team’s playoff run.
Throughout his seven seasons with the Blazers until 2003, the team maintained a 21-year playoff streak, with Sabonis playing an essential role. Their most significant success came with appearances in the Western Conference Finals in 1999 and 2000. Notably, in the 1997-98 season, Sabonis achieved personal bests with averages of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists per game. After retiring from the NBA in 2001, he returned for one final season with the Blazers in 2002-03.
Return to Žalgiris
Following his NBA career in 2003, Sabonis rejoined Žalgiris, leading the team to an outstanding season that culminated in an appearance in the EuroLeague Top 16, along with earning EuroLeague Regular Season and Top 16 MVP honors.
(Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
National Team Career
In addition to his club successes, Sabonis had a stellar career with the Soviet Union men’s national basketball team. He began by representing the under-16 team and clinched a gold medal at the FIBA European Championship for Cadets in 1981. Sabonis was instrumental in leading the senior team to a gold medal at the 1982 FIBA World Championship, followed by a bronze medal at the 1983 EuroBasket. In 1985, he was named MVP of the EuroBasket, where the Soviet Union also won gold, and the following year, they secured silver at the 1986 World Championship. His international career culminated with a gold medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
After Lithuania gained independence, Sabonis joined the Lithuania men’s national basketball team and participated in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics, both of which resulted in bronze medals. He also contributed to Lithuania’s silver medal at the 1995 EuroBasket. Years after his playing career, he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame due to his impressive international achievements. Subsequently, he took on the role of president of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, sharing the silver medal won by Lithuania at the 2013 EuroBasket with the nation.
Personal Life
Arvydas Sabonis is married to model and actress Ingrida Mikelionytė, and together they have one daughter, Aušrinė, and three sons: Žygimantas, Tautvydas, and Domantas. All three of his sons are professional basketball players, with Domantas currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA.
All net worth figures are estimated based on information from public sources. Where available, we also take into account private tips and insights from the celebrities or their representatives. While we strive for accuracy, unless indicated otherwise, these figures are simply approximations. We welcome any corrections or feedback using the button below.
