Tiana Mangakahia, a former Syracuse University women’s basketball star and Australian professional athlete, left an indelible mark on the sport before her tragic passing on September 11, 2025, at the age of 30. Known for her exceptional playmaking skills and inspiring resilience, Mangakahia’s journey from Brisbane courts to international stardom captivated fans worldwide. This article explores her estimated net worth in 2025 and more.
Early Life and Rise to Basketball Stardom
Born on April 21, 1995, in Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia, Tiana Cynthia Mangakahia grew up in a competitive household with five brothers. Her Māori heritage, through her father Terei, and her mother Cynthia’s support shaped her fearless approach to basketball. Mangakahia’s talent shone early, leading her to debut in Australia’s South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) and Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) in 2011 with the Australian Institute of Sport.
After honing her skills at Lake Ginninderra Secondary College and Hutchinson Community College, Mangakahia transferred to Syracuse University in 2017. There, she became a standout guard, earning First-Team All-ACC honors twice (2018, 2019) and leading Division I with 7.3 assists per game in the 2020–21 season. Her Syracuse career culminated in a program-record 736 assists, cementing her as one of the Orange’s all-time greats.
Professional Career and Earnings
Mangakahia’s professional career included stints in the WNBA, WNBL, and international leagues. In 2021, she signed with the Phoenix Mercury as an undrafted free agent, earning a rookie salary of approximately $58,710. She later played overseas in Russia and France before returning to Australia to join the Sydney Flames in the WNBL and the Southern Districts Spartans in NBL1 North. Her 2022 NBL1 North MVP award highlighted her continued excellence.
Endorsements and sponsorships also contributed to her income. As a prominent athlete and breast cancer advocate, Mangakahia likely secured deals with sports brands and local Australian companies, though specific details are scarce. Her professional earnings, combined with endorsements, formed the bulk of her financial portfolio.
Tiana Mangakahia’s Net Worth in 2025
Estimating Tiana Mangakahia’s net worth in 2025 involves considering her professional contracts, endorsements, and other income sources. Based on available information, her net worth is estimated to have been between $100,000 and $500,000 at the time of her passing.
It’s important to note that these numbers are only estimates and not confirmed by any official financial sources.