Anthony Mason was an American professional basketball player who had a net worth of $17 million at the time of his death in 2015. The former NBA power forward earned his wealth through a 13-year career playing for six different teams. His career earnings totaled over $45 million in salary alone, making him one of the well-compensated players of his era. This monetary worth represented the culmination of both his athletic performance and his financial acumen in managing resources.
Who Was Anthony Mason
Anthony George Douglas Mason was born on December 14, 1966, and played professional basketball until his death on February 28, 2015. He stood 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 250 pounds during his playing days.
Mason played college basketball at Tennessee State University before entering the 1988 NBA Draft. The Portland Trail Blazers selected him with the 53rd overall pick in the third round. After brief stints overseas in Turkey and Venezuela, Mason found his place in the NBA. He became known for his physical playing style and ability to guard multiple positions. His toughness on the court earned him respect across the league. This athlete wealth building began modestly but grew substantially through hard work.
During his 13-year NBA career, Mason played for the New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, and Milwaukee Bucks. He averaged 10.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game throughout his career. Mason’s versatility made him valuable to every team he joined, demonstrating his economic value as a player.
Anthony Mason Net Worth at Death
Most sources report Mason’s estimated net worth between $10 million and $17 million when he died. Celebrity Net Worth places his wealth at $17 million, while other financial analysts estimate his 2024 adjusted net worth between $10 and $13 million when accounting for inflation and investment growth. This figure represents his total assets minus any outstanding liabilities at the time of his passing.
The variation in figures comes from different calculation methods. Some sources include only his NBA salary earnings and known assets. Others factor in potential investments, real estate holdings, and post-retirement income. Mason’s financial portfolio likely included stocks, bonds, and real estate that appreciated over time. Understanding his financial standing requires examining both tangible and intangible holdings.
During his basketball career, he earned an estimated $29 million in salary, though other sources cite higher numbers. The different totals reflect whether analysts include bonuses, playoff payments, and endorsement deals in their calculations. This professional basketball wealth accumulated gradually throughout his playing years.
Career Earnings and Salary History
During his career, Anthony earned more than $45 million in salary alone. This impressive total came from contracts with multiple teams spanning over a decade. His NBA contracts varied significantly based on his performance and market value, representing his cumulative compensation as a professional athlete.
Mason’s highest-paid season came during the 2001-2002 campaign with the Milwaukee Bucks. He earned $3.7 million that year, representing his peak earning period. Earlier in his career, Mason’s peak salary reached $4.5 million during the 1994-95 season with the New York Knicks.
The discrepancy in these figures shows how different sources track salary history differently. Some count base salary only, while others include performance bonuses and incentives. What remains clear is that Mason’s earnings grew substantially as his reputation improved. His compensation package evolved to reflect his increasing value to teams.
His total earnings increased dramatically after winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1995. This recognition boosted his bargaining power in contract negotiations. Teams valued his ability to contribute immediately off the bench and defend multiple positions effectively, viewing him as a financial asset to their organizations.
Year-by-Year Contract Growth
Mason started his NBA journey earning modest wages as a late second-round pick. His initial contracts with the New Jersey Nets and Denver Nuggets paid minimum salaries. When he joined the New York Knicks in 1991, his financial situation began improving.
His breakthrough 1994-95 season led to a significant pay increase. Mason won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1995 and led the NBA in minutes played in the following two seasons. Teams recognized his durability and willingness to play heavy minutes. By the time he retired in 2003, Mason had earned more than $45 million in salary alone, setting him up for financial stability post-retirement.
The Charlotte Hornets paid Mason well during his tenure there from 1996 to 2000. His 1996-97 season stands out as statistically his best. He recorded career-high averages in minutes played, points, rebounds, and assists that season. This performance justified his substantial contract and increased his player wealth substantially.
Media Appearances and Additional Income
Mason supplemented his basketball net worth with entertainment work. He appeared in several movies, TV shows, and music videos, including “New York Undercover,” “Eddie,” “Celebrity,” “Best Kept Secret,” and “Root Down”.
These appearances provided extra income beyond his NBA salary. While not his primary revenue source, they added to his overall wealth. Mason’s personality and New York connection made him a natural fit for media opportunities, creating diversified income streams that extended beyond basketball.
How His Net Worth Was Calculated
Financial experts use several methods to determine reported figures for athlete wealth. They start with publicly available salary data from NBA records. These numbers provide the foundation for any net worth calculation, representing the gross monetary assets Mason accumulated.
Next, analysts estimate expenses including taxes, agent fees, and lifestyle costs. Professional athletes typically pay high tax rates on their earnings. Agent commissions usually take 3-4% of contracts. Living expenses for NBA players can be substantial given their public profiles. These represent the liabilities or outflows that reduce overall net worth.
Mason was known to have invested in various business ventures and had interests in real estate. These investments likely appreciated over time, adding to his wealth. However, specific details about his investment portfolio remain private. His asset portfolio likely included both liquid assets and long-term holdings.
Analysts also consider post-retirement income. Retirement allowed Mason to diversify his income streams through media roles, coaching, and public appearances. These activities provided ongoing revenue after his playing days ended, maintaining his financial status even without active play.
The final calculation involves estimating asset appreciation and accounting for inflation. Money earned in the 1990s has different purchasing power today. Adjusting for inflation and considering his investments’ growth, Anthony Mason’s net worth in 2024 can be estimated to fall between $10 and $13 million. This inflation-adjusted wealth provides a more accurate picture of his true economic standing.
Career Achievements That Built His Wealth
Mason’s financial success stemmed directly from his on-court accomplishments. He earned the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1995, which significantly increased his market value. This award recognized his impact coming off the bench for the New York Knicks, enhancing his professional athlete fortune.
In 1997, he was named to the All-NBA Third Team and the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. These honors proved his value as both an offensive and defensive player. Teams pay premium salaries for two-way contributors, viewing them as valuable assets worth significant financial investment.
He was selected to the 2001 NBA All-Star Game, the only All-Star selection of his career. Making the All-Star team typically triggers contract bonuses and improves negotiating leverage. Mason’s selection came while playing for the Miami Heat and represented the pinnacle of his player valuation.
Mason was a member of the 1993-94 New York Knicks team that reached the NBA Finals. Though they lost to the Houston Rockets in seven games, the playoff run enhanced Mason’s reputation. Players on Finals teams often see their value increase in subsequent contracts, experiencing growth in their sports wealth.
His durability also contributed to his earnings. Mason led the NBA in minutes played in 1995-96 with 3,457, setting a Knicks team record. He repeated as the league leader in minutes the following season. Teams value players who can handle heavy workloads consistently, treating them as durable financial resources.
Common Myths About His Wealth
Several misconceptions exist about Anthony Mason’s financial breakdown. One website claims his net worth reached $320 million, a figure that contradicts all reputable sources. This wildly inflated number appears to be either a calculation error or deliberate misinformation. Such exaggerated wealth estimates distort the reality of his actual financial worth.
The confusion partly stems from mixing up different people named Anthony Mason. A CBS journalist shares the same name as the NBA player. Some websites mistakenly combine information about both individuals, creating inaccurate financial profiles. This represents a misattribution of wealth between two distinct individuals.
Another myth suggests Mason earned significantly more than documented records show. While he certainly made good money, his total earnings of $45 million in salary represents accurate reporting. Adding endorsements and post-career income brings his career earnings higher, but not dramatically so. This represents his true accumulated wealth rather than inflated projections.
Some sources incorrectly state Mason’s net worth continued growing after his death. Anthony Mason’s net worth in 2024 is no longer growing, as he passed away in 2015 with an estimated wealth of $17 million. His estate may appreciate due to investments, but his personal net worth froze at death. The posthumous valuation of his estate differs from active wealth accumulation.
People sometimes confuse his career earnings with his net worth. Earning $45 million doesn’t mean keeping $45 million. Taxes, expenses, agent fees, and lifestyle costs reduce total earnings significantly. Most financial experts estimate athletes keep 40-50% of their gross earnings. This represents the difference between gross income and net assets.
Key Points About Anthony Mason Net Worth
1. Verified Wealth: Anthony Mason had a net worth of $17 million at the time of his death in 2015, with estimates varying between $10-17 million depending on calculation methods. This documented wealth represents his financial legacy.
2. Career Earnings: During his career Anthony earned more than $45 million in salary alone, accumulated over 13 seasons playing for six different NBA teams. This lifetime compensation built his overall asset base.
3. Peak Earning Year: His highest paid year was in 2001-2002 with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he earned $3.7 million, representing his maximum single-season salary and peak annual income.
4. Investment Strategy: Mason had a keen interest in investments, participating in various business ventures that included stocks and real estate, which helped preserve his wealth beyond his playing career. These investment holdings represented smart wealth preservation tactics.
5. Post-Career Income: Retirement allowed Mason to diversify his income streams through media roles, coaching, and public appearances, providing financial stability after leaving the NBA. These secondary revenue sources maintained his financial solvency in retirement.
