Net Worth Ranker
What Is Gregg Popovich’s Net Worth?
Gregg Popovich, a prominent figure in American professional basketball, boasts a substantial net worth of $50 million. His financial success is attributed to his long-standing and highly successful career as a coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Gregg Popovich’s Career and Earnings
Gregg Popovich, affectionately known as “Coach Pop,” has etched his name in NBA history as one of the most tenured, handsomely compensated, and remarkably successful coaches. His career is punctuated by notable achievements and lucrative contracts.
Popovich’s coaching journey reached a significant milestone in July 2023 when he inked a monumental 5-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs, valued at $80 million. This agreement translated to an annual salary of $16 million, firmly establishing him as the highest-paid coach in the NBA. This achievement was particularly significant as it briefly followed Monty Williams’ record-breaking 6-year, $78.5 million deal (approximately $13 million annually), only for Popovich to reclaim the top spot within a month.
Prior to this landmark deal, from 2018 through the 2023 season, Popovich commanded an annual salary of $8 million as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. His long-term success and consistent performance warranted this substantial compensation, reflecting his value to the organization.
Gregg Popovich’s long tenure with the San Antonio Spurs has been marked by consistent success. He took the helm in 1996, before which the Spurs had never won a title. Since then, he has led the team to five NBA championships, joining an elite group of only five other coaches who have achieved this feat. In addition to his championship wins, Popovich holds the record for the most wins in NBA history and has served as a head coach for the longest duration of any coach across all major U.S. professional sports leagues.
Early Life and Background
Born on January 28, 1949, in East Chicago, Indiana, Gregg Popovich’s early life laid the foundation for his future success. Raised by a Croatian mother and a Serbian father, he was encouraged to pursue basketball from a young age. In 1960, he distinguished himself as a member of the Biddy Basketball All-Star team, which secured third place in the World Tournament.
Following his high school graduation, Popovich enrolled at the United States Air Force Academy. During his time there, he captained the school’s basketball team and emerged as the leading scorer. He graduated in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in Soviet Studies and subsequently underwent Air Force intelligence training. His academic background and military training equipped him with a unique skill set that would later serve him well in his coaching career.
Popovich served actively in the United States Air Force for five years, during which he toured Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union with the Armed Forces Basketball team. His performance on the US Armed Forces team earned him an invitation to the US Olympic Basketball Team trials in 1972. These experiences broadened his horizons and instilled in him a sense of discipline and leadership.
Coaching Career Milestones
Gregg Popovich’s coaching career commenced in 1973 as an assistant coach with the Armed Forces Basketball team. During this period, he pursued physical education at the University of Denver, ultimately earning his master’s degree. His commitment to education and continuous learning underscores his dedication to mastering the art of coaching.
In 1979, Popovich transitioned to college basketball and assumed the role of head coach for Pomona-Pitzer. Over the subsequent nine years, he honed his coaching skills at the school, culminating in their first-ever title. His time at Pomona-Pitzer was instrumental in shaping his coaching philosophy and approach.
During his tenure at Pomona-Pitzer, Popovich took a year-long sabbatical to learn under the tutelage of Larry Brown, the head coach of the University of Kansas. This experience provided him with invaluable insights and perspectives on coaching at the highest levels.
In 1988, Popovich joined the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach, reuniting with his former mentor, Larry Brown. He remained in this role until 1992 when the entire coaching staff was dismissed. Popovich then moved to the Golden State Warriors, where he continued to serve as an assistant coach. His experiences with different teams and coaches enriched his understanding of the game.
In 1994, Gregg Popovich returned to the Spurs, not as a coach, but as a General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations. This position afforded him the autonomy to sign and trade players, shaping the team’s roster and strategy. Notable moves during this period included the departure of Dennis Rodman and the arrival of Avery Johnson.
In 1996, Popovich made the pivotal decision to fire Bob Hill and appoint himself as head coach. After a slow start to his first season, the Spurs signed Tim Duncan and subsequently won their first title in 1999. This marked the beginning of a dynasty, as Popovich went on to secure four more titles with the Spurs. His leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in the team’s success.
Real Estate Investments
Gregg Popovich’s real estate portfolio includes several notable properties, reflecting his financial success and investment acumen.
In 2002, Popovich acquired a condo in San Francisco for $1.475 million. The Presidio Heights apartment, spanning 1,950 square feet, features a fireplace and expansive windows offering panoramic city views. In 2020, Popovich listed this property for sale at $2.675 million.
In 2005, Gregg and his wife purchased a custom-built home in the gated community of Vineyard Estates in San Antonio. The property, constructed in 1999, boasts 9,640 square feet of living space on 2.2 acres of land. Highlights include a vanishing-edge pool and a 600-square-foot wine cellar capable of storing over 3,000 bottles of wine. Popovich initially listed the property for $4.5 million but later reduced the price to $3.5 million after failing to find a buyer.
In 2007, Popovich and his wife invested $795,000 in 47 acres of raw land near Pownal, Vermont. At the time, the intended use of the land, which included only a barn, was unclear.
