Vanessa Marie Bryant (née Urbieta Cornejo), born on May 5, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, is an American philanthropist, business executive, and former model. She is widely recognized as the widow of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and has played a significant role in preserving his legacy through various philanthropic and business endeavors.
Early Life and Background
Vanessa was born to Mexican immigrant Sofia Urbieta. Her parents divorced when she was three years old, and she later adopted the surname of her stepfather, Stephen Laine, becoming known as Vanessa Laine. She attended Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California, where she was a varsity cheerleader. Vanessa graduated with honors in 2000.
Meeting Kobe Bryant and Family Life
In November 1999, at the age of 17, Vanessa met Kobe Bryant while working as a background dancer on a music video set. Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to an engagement within six months. The couple married on April 18, 2001, in a private ceremony attended by approximately twelve guests.
Together, they had four daughters:
- Natalia Diamante Bryant (born January 2003)
- Gianna Maria-Onore “Gigi” Bryant (May 1, 2006 – January 26, 2020)
- Bianka Bella Bryant (born December 2016)
- Capri Kobe Bryant (born June 2019)
Tragically, on January 26, 2020, Kobe and their daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
Philanthropy and Business Ventures
Vanessa Bryant has been deeply involved in philanthropic activities, many of which she initiated with Kobe. In 2007, they founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation, aimed at providing scholarships to minority college students worldwide.
Following the deaths of Kobe and Gianna, Vanessa renamed the Mamba Sports Foundation to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation in honor of her daughter. The organization supports underserved child athletes. In May 2021, she launched the “Mambacita” clothing line in partnership with the female-owned brand Dannijo, with all proceeds benefiting the foundation.
Vanessa also serves as the President and CEO of Granity Studios, a multimedia content company founded by Kobe Bryant in 2013. The studio focuses on creating original content that combines sports and storytelling.
Legal Actions and Advocacy
In the aftermath of the helicopter crash, Vanessa filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles County for invasion of privacy and negligence after first responders shared unauthorized photos of the crash site. In August 2022, she was awarded $16 million in damages. The case was later settled in February 2023 for $28.85 million, which included the previous award and additional funds to settle potential claims from her daughters. Vanessa announced that she would donate the proceeds to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Vanessa Bryant‘s estimated net worth is approximately $600 million. A significant portion of this wealth comes from the inheritance of Kobe Bryant’s estate, valued at around $600 million at the time of his death. Vanessa has also accrued wealth through her business ventures and philanthropic activities.
Recent Activities and Legacy
Vanessa continues to honor the memories of Kobe and Gianna through various initiatives. In April 2025, she paid tribute to Kobe on what would have been their 24th wedding anniversary by sharing a heartfelt Instagram post and announcing the upcoming release of “Mamba & Mambacita Forever,” a book compiling over 100 murals commemorating Kobe and Gianna’s lives. The book is set to be released on August 19, just before Kobe Bryant Day on August 24.
Vanessa also remains active on social media, where she shares moments from her life and continues to engage with fans and supporters. Her resilience and dedication to her family’s legacy have made her a respected figure in both the philanthropic and business communities.
(FAQs) about Vanessa Bryant:
1. Who is Vanessa Bryant?
Vanessa Bryant is an American philanthropist, businesswoman, and the widow of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. She is known for her work in charity, especially through the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, and for her efforts to continue Kobe’s legacy.
2. What is Vanessa Bryant’s full name?
Her full name is Vanessa Marie Bryant (née Urbieta Cornejo). She previously went by Vanessa Laine, taking the surname of her stepfather before marrying Kobe Bryant.
3. When was Vanessa Bryant born?
Vanessa was born on May 5, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, USA.
4. How did Vanessa meet Kobe Bryant?
Vanessa met Kobe in 1999 when she was 17 years old. She was working as a background dancer on a music video set, and Kobe was pursuing a music career at the time. They got engaged six months later and married in 2001.
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5. How many children does Vanessa Bryant have?
Vanessa and Kobe had four daughters:
- Natalia Diamante Bryant (born 2003)
- Gianna Maria-Onore “Gigi” Bryant (2006–2020)
- Bianka Bella Bryant (born 2016)
- Capri Kobe Bryant (born 2019)
6. What happened to Kobe and Gianna Bryant?
Kobe and their daughter Gianna tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, in Calabasas, California. The accident claimed the lives of nine people in total.
7. What is Vanessa Bryant’s net worth?
As of 2025, Vanessa Bryant’s estimated net worth is around $600 million, largely from Kobe Bryant’s estate, investments, and her own business ventures.
8. What is the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation?
It is a non-profit organization created in honor of Kobe and Gianna Bryant. The foundation supports youth sports, focusing especially on underserved communities and female athletes.
9. Does Vanessa Bryant run any businesses?
Yes, Vanessa is the President and CEO of Granity Studios, a multimedia company founded by Kobe Bryant that creates sports-focused content. She’s also involved in the Mambacita clothing line, with proceeds going to charity.
10. Is Vanessa Bryant on social media?
Yes, Vanessa is active on Instagram (@vanessabryant), where she shares personal updates, tributes to Kobe and Gianna, and her philanthropic work.