Allen Iverson, the NBA legend who played for 14 years and earned over $150 million during his career, filed for bankruptcy in 2012. However, a Reebok deal revived his future.
Due to poor investments, luxurious spending, and legal troubles, he was left bankrupt. His decision came after he was unable to pay an $860,000 debt for jewelry in Georgia.
During divorce proceedings with his ex-wife, Tawanna, in February 2012, Iverson disclosed to a judge that his monthly income was $62,500, while his expenses totaled $360,000.
However, the turning point for the Philadelphia 76ers Legend came from an unlikely place, a deal he signed decades ago with Reebok.
Initial Deal Paid Off for Iverson
In 2001, Iverson secured a 10-year contract with the Seattle SuperSonics, valued at $50 million lifetime endorsement. The contract was valued at $32 m, which included royalties from his signature shoes.
Earlier, in the late 90s, he had also signed his first major endorsement deal with Reebok, which included the launch of his signature “Question” sneaker line.
It was not just any usual sponsorship, but it also guaranteed annual payments of $800,000.
He will also receive a $32 million trust fund, which Iverson will access upon turning 55 in 2030.
The deal was initially signed to provide long-term financial stability, and when Iverson faced bankruptcy, it became a lifeline.
As of 2025, he has recovered financially and is worth a couple of million dollars. He was also appointed Vice President of Basketball at Reebok, alongside Shaq O’Neal, the brand’s president.
The NBA legend also recently announced he is no longer drinking and has been sober for over six months, which is a significant relief for his fans, as he admitted it was his coping mechanism for all of the things he went through despite his blockbuster NBA career.
Iverson is currently promoting his Memoir, Misunderstood, and also his upcoming documentary, Allen Iv3rson, which will air on Amazon Prime.
He has also acknowledged his past financial mistakes and stated that he will not repeat them. “I made so many mistakes trusting people who you think suppose to love you. Mistakes happen. But after a while, you’ve got to stop making them happen twice,” said the NBA legend.
As previously mentioned, by 2030, he will also earn $32 million from Reebok, with an annual payment of $800,000 as part of his deal, which is an excellent sum if he chooses to spend wisely for the rest of his life.
He will also be able to support all his children: Tiaura, Allen II (“Deuce”), Isalah, Messiah, and Dream, without being in Debt.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In his NBA career, he played for four different teams: the Philadelphia 76ers, the Denver Nuggets, the Detroit Pistons, and the Memphis Grizzlies.
- He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
- Although he never won the NBA Championships, he was the 2001 NBA Most Valuable Player, an 11-time All-Star from 2000 to 2010, and a two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2001 and 2005.
