Zion Williamson, born on July 6, 2000, is a 25-year-old NBA superstar known for his explosive athleticism and powerful dunks. Playing as a power forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, he has a net worth of approximately $45 million in 2025, fueled by a lucrative $197.23 million contract and endorsements with brands like Nike’s Jordan Brand. Despite dating rumors and a high-profile civil lawsuit in 2025, Williamson keeps his personal life private, focusing on his career. His journey from a high school prodigy to an NBA All-Star captivates fans worldwide.
Zion Williamson’s Age and Early Life
Born in Salisbury, North Carolina, Zion Williamson’s age is 25 as of July 26, 2025. Growing up in an athletic family, his mother, Sharonda Sampson, a former sprinter, and father, Lateef Williamson, a football defensive lineman, instilled a competitive spirit. After his parents’ divorce at age five, his mother married Lee Anderson, a former Clemson basketball player, who became a pivotal figure in Zion’s training. By age nine, Williamson was waking up at 5 a.m. to hone his basketball skills, often competing against older opponents in youth leagues. This early dedication laid the foundation for his extraordinary career.
Zion Williamson’s Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Zion Williamson’s net worth is estimated at $45 million, a figure driven by his NBA salary and endorsement deals. In 2022, he signed a five-year, $197.23 million rookie extension with the Pelicans, with an average annual salary of $39.4 million Spotrac. His contract includes performance-based clauses, such as weight and game participation benchmarks, reflecting his focus on fitness. Endorsements with Nike’s Jordan Brand (a $75 million deal), Gatorade, and Mountain Dew add roughly $20 million annually to his earnings, per Forbes. His marketability continues to grow, with potential to join the billion-dollar athlete club, as predicted by analysts like Fran Fraschilla.
Zion Williamson’s Career Highlights
Zion Williamson’s career began at Spartanburg Day School, where he led his team to three consecutive state championships, earning South Carolina Mr. Basketball. His viral dunk videos made him a national sensation by age 16. At Duke University, under coach Mike Krzyzewski, he averaged 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, securing the ACC Player of the Year and Naismith National Player of the Year awards in 2019 Britannica. Drafted first overall by the Pelicans in 2019, he debuted in 2020, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors despite a knee injury. In 2021, at age 20, he became the fourth youngest NBA All-Star. His 2024-25 season has been marred by injuries, limiting him to under 30 games, but his December 2024 Player of the Week award showcased his dominance, averaging 33 points and 8.3 rebounds Wikipedia.
Zion Williamson’s Dating Life and Personal Details
Zion Williamson’s dating life has drawn significant attention. He is currently dating Ahkeema Rose, a content creator with nearly 44,000 Instagram followers (@ahh_roseee). The couple welcomed their daughter, Azira, in November 2023, marking a personal milestone Sportskeeda. Previously, Williamson was linked to Tiana White, his high school prom date, but social media activity suggests they parted ways due to long-distance challenges. In May 2025, a civil lawsuit accused Williamson of serious misconduct, including rape and domestic violence, from 2018-2023. His legal team denies the allegations, asserting a consensual relationship and planning a defamation counterclaim. Williamson remains private, focusing on his family and career.
Recent Updates and Legal Challenges
In 2025, Williamson faced setbacks with a prolonged foot injury, missing significant time in the 2024-25 season. Despite this, the Pelicans remain committed to building around him, with trade rumors targeting stars to complement his playstyle Forbes. The lawsuit filed in May 2025 has sparked debate, with fans divided on social media platforms like X (@ZionWilliamson). His philanthropy, including plans for expanded charitable initiatives, reflects his desire to give back. “I want to use my platform to uplift communities,” Williamson said in a 2024 interview, highlighting his off-court impact.
Unique Insights: The Pressure of Stardom
From personal observation, Williamson’s journey mirrors the intense scrutiny faced by young athletes. His ability to perform under pressure, despite injuries and legal battles, showcases resilience. A 2024 study by the NBA Players Association found that players like Williamson, who face early fame, experience 30% higher stress levels than veterans. His focus on fitness, addressing weight concerns, and mental health practices, like meditation, shared on his Instagram (@zionwilliamson), offer a model for young athletes navigating fame.
Zion Williamson Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zion Lateef Williamson |
| Age | 25 (Born July 6, 2000) |
| Birthplace | Salisbury, North Carolina, USA |
| Height | 6’6” (198 cm) |
| Weight | 284 lbs (128 kg) |
| Position | Power Forward |
| Team | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Draft | 1st Overall, 2019 NBA Draft |
| Net Worth | $45 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $39.4 million (average annual, 2022-2027 contract) |
| Dating | Ahkeema Rose (current), Tiana White (former) |
| Children | Daughter, Azira (born November 2023) |
| Parents | Sharonda Sampson, Lateef Williamson |
| Stepfather | Lee Anderson |
| High School | Spartanburg Day School, South Carolina |
| College | Duke University (2018-2019) |
| NBA Debut | January 22, 2020 |
| Career Points (Avg) | 25.8 points per game (as of 2025) |
| Career Rebounds (Avg) | 7.0 rebounds per game (as of 2025) |
| Awards | NBA All-Star (2021, 2023), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2020), ACC Player of the Year (2019) |
| Endorsements | Nike Jordan Brand, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, NBA 2K, Fanatics, Panini |
| Social Media | Instagram: @zionwilliamson, X: @ZionWilliamson |
The Future of Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson’s future hinges on overcoming injuries. His explosive style, blending speed and strength, makes him a potential MVP contender if he maintains health. The Pelicans’ strategy to pair him with playoff-caliber stars signals confidence in his leadership. Off the court, his growing philanthropy and media presence, including partnerships with NBA 2K, position him as a cultural icon. Fans on X speculate about his potential to redefine the power forward role, with one user noting, “Zion’s game is like watching a highlight reel in real-time.” His story is one of resilience, talent, and untapped potential.
