Net Worth Ranker
What Is Nancy Lieberman’s Net Worth?
Nancy Lieberman, often called “Lady Magic,” has an estimated net worth of $3 million. This wealth is a result of her successful career as a professional basketball player, coach, broadcaster, and sports executive. Her journey from the playgrounds of New York City to the Basketball Hall of Fame is a testament to her dedication and business acumen.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in July 1958, Nancy Lieberman’s early life was marked by a passion for basketball. She honed her skills at Far Rockaway High School, where her talent quickly became apparent. Even before graduating high school, Lieberman’s abilities earned her a place on the USA’s national women’s basketball team, signaling the start of a remarkable career. She further developed her skills at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where she led the team to two national championships. During her time there, she received the prestigious Wade Trophy twice for being the best women’s basketball player in the nation, solidifying her status as a rising star.
Professional Playing Career
Lieberman’s professional playing career took off in the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL), where she played for the Dallas Diamonds. Her outstanding performance led to her being named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1981. When the WBL folded, Lieberman continued her career in the United States Basketball League (USBL), a men’s professional basketball league, becoming the first woman to play in a men’s professional league. In 1984, she won the WABA championship while averaging 27 points per game and earning the MVP award. The final game saw her score 19 points, further cementing her legacy. In 1997, at the age of 39, Nancy Lieberman was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the inaugural season of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). This milestone highlighted her enduring impact on the sport.
Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Lieberman transitioned into coaching, becoming the general manager and head coach of the Detroit Shock in the WNBA in 1998. This move allowed her to channel her passion and knowledge of the game into developing other players. In 2009, Lieberman broke barriers by becoming the coach of the Texas Legends in the NBA Development League (now the NBA G League), an affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. This achievement marked her as the first woman to coach a professional men’s basketball team, adding another significant milestone to her career. She coached the Texas Legends from 2009 to 2011. From 2015 to 2017, Nancy Lieberman served as an assistant coach for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, further solidifying her position in professional basketball.
Broadcasting and Sports Executive Roles
Beyond her contributions on the court and the sidelines, Nancy Lieberman has established herself as a prominent figure in sports broadcasting. She has provided expert commentary for ESPN, ABC, and NBC for both men’s and women’s basketball games. In 2015, Lieberman expanded her influence in the sport by joining the Sacramento Kings as an assistant coach and serving as the team’s assistant general manager. Currently, she serves as a broadcaster for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA, further leveraging her expertise and insights into the game. These roles have not only kept her connected to the sport but have also contributed to her overall financial success and net worth.
Awards, Honors and Legacy
Nancy Lieberman’s impact on basketball is reflected in her numerous awards and honors. She won the Honda Sports Award for basketball twice, in 1979 and 1980. In 1979, she also won the Honda-Broderick Cup for all sports. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2000, the Nancy Lieberman Award was created. In 2022, a statue of her was unveiled at Old Dominion University, marking the first statue of a former athlete at the university. She led Old Dominion University to back-to-back AIAW national championships in 1979 and 1980 and was a two-time winner of the Broderick Cup. She earned the WBL MVP honors with the Dallas Diamonds in 1981. Lieberman is a two-time inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame, once as a player and once as a member of the 1976 USA Basketball team. Nancy Lieberman has used her platform to advocate for women in sports, breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of female athletes. Her commitment to growing the game and promoting gender equality has solidified her status as a legend in the sport.
Nancy Lieberman Charities Financials
Nancy Lieberman is the President of Nancy Lieberman Charities. ProPublica provides financial data for the charity extracted from Form 990 filings with the IRS.
- In 2023, the charity had revenue of $1,301,739, expenses of $1,421,607, and a net income of -$119,868.
- The charity’s net assets were $2,055,599.
- Contributions made up >100% of the total revenue at $1,464,558.
- Investment income was $51,615, accounting for 4.0% of revenue.
- Other revenue was $57,453 or 4.4% of total revenue.
- The charity had total assets of $2,133,638 and total liabilities of $78,039.
