Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is known as one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. The 18-time All-Star built a Hall of Fame basketball career and a growing portfolio of business investments.
Bryant publicly announced his investment in BodyArmor in March 2014, with ESPN later reporting that he invested about $6 million for a 10% stake. The sports-drink brand marketed itself as a healthier alternative to Gatorade. At the time, BodyArmor had generated roughly $10 million in revenue over the preceding 12 months.
By 2018, Bryant was the fourth-largest investor in the brand, behind co-founder Mike Repole, Coca-Cola and Keurig Dr Pepper.
In 2021, Bryant's estate reportedly received $400 million when Coca-Cola purchased an 85% stake in BodyArmor.
Coca-Cola initially purchased a 15% stake in 2018. The company paid $5.6 billion for the outstanding 85% three years later. The sale was officially announced on November 1, 2021, at 8:24 a.m., commemorating Bryant's jersey numbers.
Kobe BryantHarrison Hill via Imagn Content Services, LLC
At the time, the BodyArmor purchase was Coca-Cola's largest acquisition. Previous major purchases included Glacéau for $4.1 billion in 2007, followed by Costa Coffee for $5.1 billion in 2018.
The NBA's fourth all-time leading scorer turned his $6 million BodyArmor investment into a $400 million payout. He earned an impressive 6,567% return in seven years.
In his 20-year career, Bryant earned $680 million from his NBA salary and endorsements, according to Forbes . From 1996 to 2016, he reportedly took in $323 million from his playing salary.
Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Southern California in January 2020.
Although Bryant did not live to see the acquisition, his investment reflected the ambition and foresight that defined his career.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
