Jimmer Fredette, the sharpshooting basketball legend who took college hoops by storm, didn’t just leave his mark on the court, he also built an impressive fortune along the way. From his NBA paydays to his lucrative overseas deals and smart business moves, Fredette’s financial journey is as fascinating as his basketball career.
Let’s break it all down, contract by contract, dollar by dollar, to see exactly how he amassed his $7 million fortune.
NBA Career Earnings: $8.6 Million in Salary
The Rookie Deal (2011-2014): $7 Million with the Sacramento Kings
Fredette entered the NBA as the 10th overall pick in the 2011 draft, selected by the Milwaukee Bucks but immediately traded to the Sacramento Kings. His rookie contract was a three-year, $7 million deal, structured as follows:
- 2011-12 season: $1.8 million
- 2012-13 season: $2.34 million
- 2013-14 season: $2.57 million (partial season before being waived)
Despite flashes of brilliance (like his 24-point game against the Knicks in 2013), Fredette struggled to secure consistent minutes in Sacramento. The Kings waived him in February 2014, paying him a $600,000 buyout to end his tenure early.
Short Stints with the Bulls, Pelicans, and Suns
After Sacramento, Fredette bounced around the league:
- Chicago Bulls (March 2014): Signed for the pro-rated veteran’s minimum of $239,279 for the remainder of the season.
- New Orleans Pelicans (2014-15): Earned $948,163 in a backup role.
- Phoenix Suns (2018-19): Made a brief NBA comeback, earning $198,580 in a 6-game stint.
By the time his NBA career wrapped up, Fredette had collected $8.6 million in total salary, which was not bad for a player who had never become a full-time starter.
China Payday: $4+ Million with the Shanghai Sharks
When NBA opportunities dried up, Jimmer Fredette made a brilliant financial move: he took his talents to China.
First Stint (2016-2019): $2.8 Million+
In 2016, Fredette signed with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). His initial one-year deal was worth $1 million, but his explosive scoring (including a 73-point game in 2017) convinced the Sharks to re-sign him for two more years at $1.8 million total.
Second Stint (2020-2021): Another $1.6 Million
After a brief detour in Greece (more on that later), Fredette returned to Shanghai in 2020 for another $1.6 million payday.
By the time he left China, he had earned at least $4.4 million, more than half of his entire NBA salary.
Greek League Bonus: Undisclosed but Lucrative
Between his Shanghai runs, Fredette played for Panathinaikos in Greece (2019–20 season). While his exact salary wasn’t made public, top EuroLeague players can earn $500,000 to $1 million per year. Given Fredette’s star power, he likely landed on the higher end.
Endorsements & Business Ventures: The Off-Court Hustle
Fredette didn’t just rely on basketball checks, he built additional income streams:
1. Chinese Endorsement Deals
Thanks to his CBA fame, Fredette signed sponsorship deals with Chinese sportswear brands:
- Rigorer (2017–2019)
- 361 Degrees (2020 onward)
While exact figures aren’t public, similar deals for CBA stars can range from $100,000 to $500,000 annually.
2. Venture Capital: Tandem Ventures
In 2021, Fredette became a partner at Tandem Ventures, a Utah-based investment firm. The company has raised $40 million for startups in tech, real estate, and health. While his personal stake isn’t disclosed, it’s a smart long-term wealth builder.
Lifestyle & Spending Habits
Fredette lives a comfortable but not extravagant life:
- Home: Resides in Littleton, Colorado, with his wife Whitney and their three kids.
- Cars: Drives a Tesla Model X (seen in social media posts).
- Philanthropy: Active in the Jimmer Fredette Foundation, supporting children’s education and health programs.
Unlike some athletes who blow through millions, Fredette has managed his money wisely, avoiding flashy splurges.
Final Net Worth Estimate: $7 Million in 2025
Adding up all his income streams:
- NBA salary: $8.6 million
- China & Greece earnings: $4.5 million+
- Endorsements: $1 million+
- Investments: Growing through Tandem Ventures
After taxes, agent fees, and expenses, Jimmer Fredette’s net worth sits at around $7 million in 2025 thanks to his on-court success and off-court hustle.
The Bottom Line
Fredette may not have been an NBA superstar, but he maximized every opportunity, turning himself into a millionaire through smart career moves. Whether draining threes in Shanghai or investing in startups, Fredette proves that talent + business savvy = long-term wealth.
It’s time to say goodbye to basketball. I have loved every second of my career through the good and the bad! Thank you all for the support throughout the years. Basketball has made me who I am today. Excited for what is next in my life with my family! pic.twitter.com/Rx4r8Y4yfG
— Jimmer Fredette (@jimmerfredette) April 23, 2025
On April 23, 2025, Fredette officially announced his retirement from basketball, at the age of 36. He shared the news in heartfelt social media posts on X (Twitter) and Instagram, reflecting on his 14-year professional career that spanned the NBA, China, Greece, and Olympic 3×3 basketball.
