Overview

Serge Ibaka is a Congolese-Spanish professional basketball player. Born in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, on September 18, 1989, he overcame a difficult childhood marked by war and personal loss to become a successful NBA player. Ibaka’s parents were both basketball players, instilling in him a love for the game from a young age. He moved to Europe at 17, playing in France and Spain before being drafted into the NBA by the Seattle SuperSonics (later the Oklahoma City Thunder) in 2008. Known for his shot-blocking ability, Ibaka earned the nickname ‘Serge Iblocka.’ He played for the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2009 to 2016, later joining the Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors (winning an NBA championship in 2019), Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Bayern Munich. He currently plays for Real Madrid. Ibaka is also a Spanish citizen and has represented Spain in international competitions, winning a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Off the court, Ibaka is involved in philanthropic work, serving as a UNICEF ambassador and supporting projects in the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

What Is Serge Ibaka’s Net Worth?

Serge Ibaka, a Congolese-Spanish professional basketball player, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $50 million as of 2025. This impressive figure is primarily attributed to his lucrative NBA contracts and endorsement deals throughout his career.

Serge Ibaka’s Career Earnings and Contracts

Ibaka’s career earnings in the NBA surpass $120 million. His financial success began with his initial contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In 2012, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Thunder worth $49 million, averaging $12.25 million per year. This contract solidified his position as a valuable asset to the team and a significant earner in the league.

In 2017, after being traded to the Toronto Raptors, Ibaka signed a three-year contract worth $65 million, translating to an average annual salary of approximately $21.67 million. This contract underscored his importance to the Raptors, particularly as a defensive anchor and a reliable scoring option. He played a crucial role in the Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship victory, further enhancing his market value.

Following his tenure with the Raptors, Ibaka signed a two-year, $19 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2020, earning an average of $9.5 million per year. Although this contract represented a slight decrease from his previous earnings, it provided him with the opportunity to compete for another championship alongside Kawhi Leonard, with whom he had previously won a title in Toronto.

In early 2022, Ibaka was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. Details regarding his contract with the Bucks are less publicly available, but his time there contributed to his overall career earnings. Later, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers and subsequently waived, impacting his earnings for that period. His career earnings also include income from various endorsement deals and sponsorships, though specific figures for these ventures are not publicly disclosed.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Serge Ibaka was born on September 18, 1989, in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Growing up in a basketball-oriented family, with both parents having played professionally, Ibaka began playing basketball at a young age. He started with the club Avenir du Rail, where he honed his skills. The exact financial circumstances of his early life are not publicly documented, but his involvement in basketball provided a focus during challenging times, including the loss of his mother and the imprisonment of his father during the Second Congo War. Financial hardship in early life likely motivated his drive to succeed in the sport.

Ibaka’s career progressed as he joined rival club Inter Club, where he played in the 2006 FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup. His performance there, particularly his rebounding prowess, garnered attention. The following year, he moved to France and played with a second-division team. Financial details of these early contracts are not available, but they marked significant steps in his professional development.

In Spain, Ibaka joined the club L’Hospitalet, further refining his skills. His participation in international showcases, including the Reebok Eurocamp in 2008, where he won the MVP award, significantly raised his profile among NBA scouts. This recognition led to him being drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics (later the Oklahoma City Thunder) in the 2008 NBA draft. Financial terms of his initial agreement with the Spanish club Manresa are not publicly known, but it provided a crucial platform for his NBA opportunity.

NBA Career: Oklahoma City Thunder and Beyond

In the summer of 2009, the Oklahoma City Thunder bought out Ibaka’s deal with Manresa and signed him to a two-year contract. During his first season with the Thunder, he played 73 games and averaged 6.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. The specific monetary value of this initial contract is not publicly disclosed, but it marked his entry into the NBA and the beginning of his significant earnings.

During the 2011 NBA lockout, Ibaka signed with Real Madrid with an option to return to the NBA after the lockout. While financial details of his contract with Real Madrid are not publicly available, it provided him with continued playing opportunities during the labor dispute.

In early 2012, Ibaka posted his first triple-double, showcasing his growing all-around game. After the season, he signed a four-year deal with the Thunder, worth $49 million, which averaged to $12.25 million per year. This contract was a major milestone in his career, reflecting his value as a key player for the Thunder.

In the 2012-13 season, Ibaka increased his scoring average to 13.2 points per game. In the 2013-14 season, Ibaka averaged career highs of 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. In early 2015, he recorded a career-high 22 rebounds in a victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Ibaka played his final season with the Thunder in 2015-16, before being traded to the Orlando Magic in June of 2016.

Later NBA Career: Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Clippers

Ibaka’s time with the Orlando Magic was relatively short, but financially significant. While specific contract details beyond the initial trade are not extensively publicized, it contributed to his ongoing NBA earnings. In early 2017, Ibaka was traded to the Toronto Raptors. His best season with the team was in 2018-19. Early in the season, he posted a new career high of 34 points in a victory over the Lakers. Ibaka went on to record six straight double-doubles.

Ibaka’s three-year, $65 million contract with the Raptors, signed in 2017, was a major financial highlight of his career. Earning an average of $21.67 million per year, this contract reflected his importance to the team. He helped lead the Raptors to the NBA Finals, where they defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games to clinch the championship.

Ibaka signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in late 2020, inking a two-year, $19 million deal, earning $9.5 million annually. His tenure with the Clippers, although shorter than his time with the Thunder or Raptors, continued to add to his overall earnings.

Endorsements and Other Ventures

While specific details on endorsement deals and sponsorships are not widely publicized, it is common for NBA players of Ibaka’s stature to have endorsement deals with sports apparel companies, beverage brands, and other products. These endorsements contribute to his income, though exact figures are not available.

Ibaka’s cooking series on YouTube, “How Hungry Are You,” showcases his culinary skills. While the direct financial gains from this venture may not be substantial, it enhances his public profile and could lead to further opportunities in the media or culinary fields.

Real Estate and Assets

Specific details about Serge Ibaka’s real estate holdings and other assets are not publicly available. Like many high-earning athletes, it is likely that he has invested in real estate and other assets to secure his financial future. However, without concrete information, it is impossible to provide details on these investments.

Charitable Contributions

Serge Ibaka has been involved in various charitable endeavors, particularly focused on supporting communities in the Republic of the Congo. These efforts, while not directly contributing to his net worth, reflect his commitment to giving back. Detailed financial information on these contributions is not publicly available.

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