Kobe Bryant's $6 Million BodyArmor Investment Soars to $800 Million, Citing Elon Musk's Influence

Former NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, known for his "Mamba Mentality" on the court, also demonstrated astute business acumen, notably with his investment in sports drink BodyArmor. Bryant's approach to entrepreneurship and learning was significantly influenced by tech mogul Elon Musk, a connection highlighted by Bryant's 2017 statement, "I'll buy into Elon." This remark, made at a trade show while promoting BodyArmor, underscored his belief in Musk's visionary leadership and intellectual drive.

The statement "> I’ll buy into Elon," was not a literal declaration of intent to purchase Tesla stock, but rather an affirmation of Bryant's profound respect for Musk's philosophy. During their conversation, Bryant inquired about Musk's learning methods, to which Musk reportedly emphasized the paramount importance of imagination. This concept resonated deeply with Bryant, who believed it was crucial for elevating ideas beyond mere study and conventional wisdom.

Bryant's investment journey post-NBA saw him acquire a 10% stake in BodyArmor for $6 million in 2014. This strategic move proved exceptionally lucrative when Coca-Cola acquired full control of the beverage company in 2021 for $5.6 billion. This acquisition valued BodyArmor at $8 billion, transforming Bryant's initial $6 million investment into an estimated $800 million return, marking one of the most successful athlete investments in history.

The mutual admiration between Bryant and Musk stemmed from their shared dedication to excellence and relentless work ethic. Bryant often praised Musk as "a genius by all accounts," particularly noting the extensive research and study Musk undertakes. This commitment to continuous learning and imaginative problem-solving, as advocated by Musk, seemingly guided Bryant's own ventures and contributed to his remarkable success in the business world.

Bryant's ability to translate his on-court discipline into successful business endeavors, coupled with inspiration from figures like Musk, solidified his legacy beyond basketball. His significant financial return from BodyArmor stands as a testament to his strategic vision and the power of investing in ideas and leadership. The tragic passing of Bryant in 2020 cut short a promising second career, leaving many to ponder the further innovations and collaborations that might have emerged from his inspired entrepreneurial spirit.