Lisa Leslie: Net Worth, Salary, Family, and Career Stats

As a retired professional basketball player, Lisa Leslie ranks among the top WNBA players in history. With three WNBA MVP awards, four Olympic gold medals, and two WNBA titles to her name she excelled in scoring, rebounding, and leadership to become a legendary WNBA player. In WNBA game history, Leslie achieved the honor of becoming the first athlete to perform a dunk.

Former Los Angeles Sparks player is now the head coach for the Triplets in the BIG3 professional basketball league. Moreover, she is also a studio analyst for Orlando Magic broadcasts on FanDuel Sports Network Florida

Lisa Leslie Early Life

Leslie grew up in Compton, California, to parents Christine Lauren Leslie and Walter Leslie. Lisa sure gets her height and passion for basketball from her family, as her mother towered over everyone with 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m), and her father played basketball professionally. To provide for her children, Christine established her truck-driving enterprise, meanwhile Walter departed from the family.

Lisa Leslie Personal Information

The birth of Lisa Leslie occurred on July 7, 1972, in Compton, California. The WNBA center player stands at 6’5″ and represents the professional basketball league. Let's dive into the history of the first woman dunker.

Lisa Leslie Personal Life

In 2005, she entered into a marriage with Michael Lockwood, while Leslie maintains her roles as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and TV personality, she sure balances home life with it in a beautiful manner. With a focus on supporting women and children through her charitable activities, she maintains influence in the media sector as a sports analyst and commentator. Through her Lisa Leslie Basketball & Leadership Academy, Leslie mentors young athletes while also establishing bases in entertainment and business. Lisa is also quite active on her social media platforms, such as her Instagram @lisaleslie, where she has 1867 posts,328K followers. The platform features her daily life antics and professional milestones combined with family updates.

Lisa Leslie Husband

Leslie exchanged wedding vows with Michael Lockwood on November 5, 2005. He earned his basketball experience at the United States Air Force Academy before becoming a UPS pilot. They welcomed their first child in 2007 during her one-year absence from pro basketball. Leslie reappeared in the WNBA during the 2008 season. Leslie gave birth to her second child in 2010. The names of her two children are Lauren and Michael Jr.

Lisa Leslie Kids

Lisa Leslie is a proud mother of two children- Lauren Jolie Lockwood and Michael Joseph Lockwood II. Their daughter was born in 2007, recently attended her senior prom, marking a big milestone as she gets ready to graduate from high school. Their son was born in 2010, has already shown his interest in sports, even working as a kid reporter for the BIG3 basketball league. Lisa often shares her family moments on her social media, reflecting how she balances motherhood and her legacy in basketball.

Lisa Leslie Parents

Lisa Leslie is the daughter of Christine Lauren Leslie and Walter Leslie. Her mother, Christine Lauren Leslie, with her trucking business, created financial stability to support her three children. Walter Leslie, her father, was a former basketball player. The family experienced separation after Walter abandoned them when Lisa’s mother was already four months pregnant. Lisa Leslie was brought up with her two sisters, Dionne, who is five years older, and Tiffany, who is eight years younger, and her brother Elgin.

Lisa Leslie Contract

Lisa Leslie signed quite a few contracts with the LA Sparks during her incredible run. She received a four-year contract in 2001, reportedly of around $85,000 a year. Details of her subsequent contracts are primarily under lock and key, but as one of the best in the league, we can say she was earning a lot. Apart from match day, the memo and other projects really paid off, bringing an estimated net worth of around $5 million.

Lisa Leslie Salary

According to the LA Times, Lisa Leslie received the maximum salary the WNBA offered, i.e., $91,000, in 2006. It was also reported that Leslie signed a 4 year deal with the Sparks at the league maximum of $85,000 per season, this was according to a 2002 report. Her reported WNBA salary from the LA Sparks was $72,188 in 2000.

Lisa Leslie Endorsement

Lisa Leslie’s endorsement deals include collaboration with brands such as DraftKings Sportsbook and Nintendo. Some of Lisa Leslie's endorsements are:

Dr. Scholl's: This isa footwear company, recognizing Lisa's strong public image and connection with consumers, has extended it's endorsement deal with her for multiple years.
Sears Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign: Lisa became a spokesperson for this campaign in her platform as a support in important social causes.
Nike: While their is less prominent details for specific long-term collaboration, her involvement suggests a recognition of her status in the world of basketball.
Fleer SkyBox Trading Cards: Lisa's image was featured on trading cards, a classic way for connecting fans.
Video Games: She, with NBA star Kevin Garnett, showed their likenesses to a new video game, demonstrating her crossover appeal to sports fans.
Aston Rose: Lisa co-founded this luxury real estate firm, showcasing her sharp business sense.
LootMogul: Lisa invested in and became a brand ambassador for the company, aiming to connect fans and athletes.
Allegra: She partnered with this allergy medication in 2013 to encourage outdoor activities.

Lisa Leslie Net Worth

Lisa Leslie became instrumental in women’s basketball while breaking many important records in the sport. Lisa Leslie reached a net worth of $5 million in 2024, according to Celebrity Net Worth, during her career playing basketball and her roles as a coach and sports broadcaster. She, along with former teammate Diana Taurasi, is also considered one of the 10 richest WNBA players. Net worth can be calculated with more than just salary; endorsements, investments, contracts, and more come into play. Hence, we have curated a list of all Lisa Leslie's endorsement deals.

Lisa Leslie Career

Leslie played for the Sparks for her whole WNBA career, where she received all three honors as MVP from the All-Star Game and regular season, and playoffs during 2001, which marked her achievement as the first WNBA player to do so in one season. She became the WNBA Championship MVP in 2002 after earning the title of all-time leading scorer for the league. According to WNBA data, let's have a quick look at Lisa Leslie's records and stats.

Lisa Leslie High School Career

Before the WNBA limelight, Lisa Leslie was a sensation at Morningside High School where she led her team to a state championship and earned the national player of the year award. She dominated the court, scoring an amazing 27.3 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 blocks per game in her senior year. Her incredible skill and energy were evident early on, setting the stage for her future stardom.

Lisa Leslie College Career

After her incredible achievements during her high school time, college recruiters were lining up, and it was clear that Lisa Leslie was a special talent destined for a greatness in the world of basketball. She attended the University of Southern California (USC) from 1990 to 1994, she dominated the court, leading the Women of Troy and four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.

Lisa Leslie Professional Career

Lisa Leslie started her career in 1997 when she was selected as the seventh pick in the inaugural WNBA draft. She spent her entire career with the Los Angeles Sparks until her retirement in 2009. Lisa Leslie retired from her WNBA career with 6,263 points and 3,307 rebounds over 363 games.

Lisa Leslie Awards and Achievements

She received seven All-Star nominations while being awarded All-Star Game MVP three times as well as becoming the WNBA MVP thrice, accumulating eight first-team All-WNBA selections, and winning the Defensive Player of the Year award twice. Furthermore, Leslie truly created history on July 30, 2002, at Staples Center, Los Angeles, when she became the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game. Her feat was achieved during the Los Angeles Sparks vs Miami Sol game.

Lisa Leslie Jersey

Lisa Leslie’s jersey, number 9, is iconic in WNBA history. As one of the league’s most influential players, Leslie’s contributions to the game led the Los Angeles Sparks to two WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002. Her dominant presence on the court, both offensively and defensively, helped shape the league’s growth. In recognition of her impact, the Sparks retired Leslie’s jersey number 9 in 2009, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest players in WNBA history.