Getty Image
The Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, created to honor the memories of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, has brought in millions since the famous father and dad passed away.
According to recently filed tax returns obtained by Sportico, the non-profit foundation had over $27 million in net assets by the end of 2022.
It reported nearly $13 million in contributions plus $7.3 million in royalties in 2022. Of that $13 million contribution, $10 million came from a single source.
During that same year, the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation spent only $481,953 on program expenses, which Sportico says “were reported as being put towards the construction or refurbishment of outdoor basketball courts in nine states around the country.”
That amount also included $14,400 for a basketball court-sized mural honoring Kobe and Gigi Bryant at a Philadelphia recreation center.
Meanwhile, $198,799 was spent on the salary of the foundation’s executive director Kat Conlon, $250,259 was spent on legal fees, and $193,854 went to accounting fees, for a total of $642,912. Conlon did not respond to Sportico’s emailed questions.
In 2021, the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation reported program spending of $423,851, which included a children’s basketball skills academy and the construction of three basketball courts in Anaheim and Philadelphia.
Vanessa Bryant, board president of the foundation, announced in September that it would partnering with six Nike-sponsored college basketball programs: Connecticut, USC, Kentucky, Oregon, Duke and LSU.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw01McMS9aU/?hl=en
“We are grateful for the amazing support of these prestigious universities (in no particular order) towards the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation – to further the legacies of Kobe and Gigi!” Vanessa Bryant wrote on Instagram. “So excited to see their players wearing Kobe and Gigi’s NIKE shoes this upcoming season!!!”
In October, Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA great Carmelo Anthony, modeled a hoodie from the foundation’s Desert Sand collection.
“As always, 100% of all net proceeds goes towards creating positive impact for athletes and boys & girls in sports,” the foundation wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for your continued support in furthering Kobe and Gianna’s legacy.”
According to the foundation’s website, “the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating positive impact for underserved athletes and boys & girls in sports.”
It lists Nike, Spectrum SportsNet, Spadling and Dick’s Sporting Goods as partners.
During his career, Kobe Bryant earned over $323 million from his NBA contracts alone.