McKenzie Forbes Bio: Net Worth, Salary and Professional Career

McKenzie Forbes is swiftly becoming one of the most intriguing young talents in the WNBA. With a game built on versatility, confidence, and polished fundamentals, Forbes brings a unique blend of composure and creativity to the hardwood. A smooth-scoring guard with a lethal shooting touch, she combines a high basketball IQ with excellent court awareness, allowing her to contribute as both a scorer and a facilitator. Her poise under pressure and ability to read defenses make her a valuable asset on any roster.

But Forbes is more than just a promising on-court talent, she represents a new generation of WNBA players who are equally committed to leadership, representation, and advocacy. Whether commanding attention through her calm demeanor during games or speaking up for causes off the court, she embodies the evolving role of the modern professional athlete.

Having already left her mark at the collegiate level, Forbes enters the WNBA with expectations to not only perform but inspire. As the league continues to grow and redefine itself, Forbes stands out as a player to watch, an athlete whose game and presence may shape the WNBA’s landscape for years to come.

McKenzie Forbes's Early Life

McKenzie Forbes’s journey to the WNBA is rooted in a childhood shaped by discipline, determination, and a strong support system. Raised up in Folsom, California, she was surrounded by a family that valued hard work and athletic excellence, most notably her father, Sterling Forbes, a former baseball player who helped instill a competitive spirit from a young age. While McKenzie didn’t face extreme financial hardship, the pressure of high expectations and navigating her own identity in a sports-centric household added emotional weight to her early years.

Basketball entered her life early, and it didn’t take long for her natural talent to shine. Her ability to read the game, combined with a calm yet assertive presence on the court, made her stand out in youth leagues. By the time she reached high school at Folsom High and later Harvard-Westlake in Los Angeles, Forbes was already gaining national attention.

Key mentors throughout her journey, including coaches and family, nurtured her raw skills and encouraged her growth both on and off the court. Drawing inspiration from WNBA stars like Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi, Forbes began to dream bigger, laying the groundwork for the focused and multifaceted player she would soon become.

McKenzie Forbes Personal Information

McKenzie Forbes, born on September 25, 2000, in Folsom, California, is a rising star in the WNBA known for her smooth shooting, high basketball IQ, and poised leadership on the court. Coming from a sports-oriented family, she was drawn to basketball early and quickly stood out in high school and collegiate programs. Her journey includes playing for Cal, Harvard, and USC, where she proved her versatility and commitment to excellence both athletically and academically. Off the court, Forbes is admired for her calm demeanor, advocacy work, and strong presence as a role model for young athletes. As she steps into her professional career, she carries with her a legacy of determination, intelligence, and heart.

McKenzie Forbes Personal Life

McKenzie Forbes grew up in Folsom, California, as the youngest of four siblings in a household deeply connected to basketball. Her father, Sterling Forbes Jr., a former Harlem Globetrotter and professional player, played a key role in her development often coaching her and challenging her to sharpen her skills from an early age. Her three older brothers, Marcus, Max, and Mason also fueled her competitive nature, pushing her to keep up and excel in sports. She has even credited Marcus as basically being her from Elementary school till the time he left for college in an interview with Just Women's Sports.

Beyond the court, McKenzie is known for her calm, thoughtful personality. She enjoys dancing, reading, and keeping her space organized, traits that reflect her composed and methodical mindset. She's passionate about giving back, having participated in literacy programs and food security initiatives in her community. She's part of the Sacramento Neighbor Program, which works for the well-being of the homeless.

Off the hardwood, Forbes also has ambitious goals for the future. Inspired by strong female leadership in basketball, she has expressed interest in one day becoming an NBA coach or general manager. With her blend of intelligence, drive, and discipline, Forbes is not only building a career as a player but also laying the foundation for long-term influence in the world of basketball.

McKenzie Forbes's Parents

McKenzie Forbes was raised in Folsom, California, as the youngest of four siblings in a deeply basketball-focused family. Her father, Sterling "Smooth" Forbes Jr., a former Texas State standout, a Harlem Globetrotter, and a professional player overseas was both her first coach and biggest champion. He taught her essential skills, shared countless court hours, and instilled discipline and showmanship from an early age. Her mother, Sasha Forbes, stepped in as an early coach too, balancing four kids’ schedules, driving them to practices, and fostering a love for the game without ever pushing, letting McKenzie choose her own path.

The family's basketball legacy stretches back to McKenzie’s grandfather, Sterling Forbes Sr., a Pepperdine All-American, drafted by the Lakers in the 60s but waived because of an injury who then finally became a Globetrotter. His passion carried through generations. McKenzie’s three older brothers, Marcus, Max, and Mason created a competitive backyard environment, ensuring she never got an easy ride and always had to work hard to keep pace.

Together, her parents provided unwavering support through encouragement, coaching, and emotional backing. Their steady guidance helped McKenzie develop resilience, leadership, and a strong identity on and off the court, shaping the player she has become today.

McKenzie Forbes Contract

McKenzie Forbes was selected 28th overall in the third round of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. Coming off a strong college career at USC, she signed a standard four-year rookie-scale contract shortly after the draft. Despite showing promise, she was waived by the Sparks in May 2024 before the regular season began. The move was largely due to roster limitations and a competitive training camp environment, which left little room for developmental players like Forbes.

After parting ways with the Sparks, Forbes kept her professional career alive by playing internationally, including stints in Australia and New Zealand, where she gained valuable experience and remained in top form. Her perseverance paid off when she earned a training camp contract with the Dallas Wings in early 2025. Though she impressed with her work ethic, she was again waived in May 2025 before the season started. Despite not yet securing a permanent WNBA roster spot, her contract and performance keep her in consideration for future opportunities.

McKenzie Forbes's Salary

McKenzie Forbes entered the WNBA as the 28th overall pick in the 2024 Draft, signing a standard rookie-scale contract with the Los Angeles Sparks. While she has yet to secure a long-term spot on a roster, her earnings follow the structured pay scale set by the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Despite being waived twice, first by the Sparks and later by the Dallas Wings, Forbes remains under the original contract, allowing her to pursue future opportunities in the WNBA or abroad. Forbes earned $64,154 during the short stint with the Sparks before being waved. In 2025, she’s received $65,438 during training camp with the Dallas Wings. Her salary reflects the realities of a developing player still carving out her place in professional basketball, with international stints and potential endorsements contributing to her overall income.

McKenzie Forbes' contract, a four-year rookie-scale deal signed in 2024, outlines a steady salary progression typical for third-round WNBA draft picks, reflecting both her potential and the competitive nature of securing a lasting roster spot. The California native is not currently signed to a WNBA roster for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. But she was set to earn $68,711 in 2026 and $78,527 in 2027. The listed salaries reflect the standard rookie-scale structure, not guaranteed amounts.

McKenzie Forbes Net Worth

As of 2025, McKenzie Forbes’ net worth is estimated around $300,000. This estimation is based primarily on her WNBA rookie-scale earnings, international playing stints, and emerging visibility in professional basketball. While her career is still in its early stages, she has earned approximately $276,830 in total salary under her rookie contract structure.

At present, McKenzie Forbes has not announced any major individual endorsements, however, she may benefit indirectly from league-wide sponsorship deals through the WNBA. Her growing exposure and professionalism suggests that personal endorsement opportunities could develop as her career progresses.

Forbes has not yet launched any known business ventures or participated in prominent media campaigns. Nonetheless, her poised public image and leadership qualities make her a strong candidate for future off-court roles and partnerships, particularly if she secures a full-time position on a WNBA roster.

Beyond basketball, Forbes is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting literacy programs and food security initiatives. Her community engagement reinforces a positive public image and enhances her brand appeal for potential sponsors, adding long-term value to her career beyond the court. Here is her salary breakdown:

McKenzie Forbes Career

McKenzie Forbes career began at the high school level, gaining national attention for her sharp shooting and high basketball IQ. After initially playing college ball at the University of California, Berkeley, she transferred to Harvard, where she further developed as a versatile guard and key playmaker. Forbes concluded her collegiate career at USC, where she stood out as one of the team's most reliable scorers and leaders.

Her consistent performance earned her a third-round selection (28th overall) in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Sparks. Though waived before the season began, she continued to pursue her professional aspirations by competing internationally, including stints in Australia and New Zealand. In 2025, she signed a training camp contract with the Dallas Wings, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to growth. While she was again waived ahead of the regular season, Forbes remains a promising talent with the work ethic and skillset to break through in future WNBA campaigns.

McKenzie Forbes High School Career

McKenzie Forbes attended Folsom High School in Folsom, California, where she stood out as a four-year varsity starter and built a reputation as one of the region's best players. Known for her slick ball-handling and reliable shooting, she led Folsom to multiple league titles and deep playoff runs, earning consistent praise for her leadership and skill. Her high school achievements earned national attention, including selection to the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game and winning the three-point contest in Atlanta. Forbes was also a three-time Sierra Foothill League MVP and capped her prep career with recognition as the Sacramento Bee Player of the Year and member of its All-Decade team.

McKenzie Forbes College Career

McKenzie Forbes’s college career was marked by determination and growth, as she transitioned through three notable programs while steadily elevating her game. She began her collegiate career at UC Berkeley during the 2018–19 season, earning Pac‑12 All‑Freshman Honorable Mention with averages of 5.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Following a redshirt cycle and a pandemic delay, she transferred to Harvard in 2021, where she thrived as a two-year starter and team captain. During her senior year at Harvard, Forbes averaged 13.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, earning All‑Ivy League honors and contributing key performances throughout postseason play. In 2023, she concluded her college career at USC, helping lead the Trojans to a Pac‑12 Tournament championship, earning All‑Pac‑12 recognition, and averaging 14.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, a fitting culmination to her collegiate rise.

McKenzie Forbes Professional Career

McKenzie Forbes was selected with the 28th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. Her entry into the league came after a standout college career at USC, where she was known for her scoring touch, leadership, and ability to stretch the floor. There was considerable anticipation around her potential to develop into a reliable contributor at the professional level.

Despite signing a rookie contract, Forbes was waived by the Sparks in May 2024 during training camp. Undeterred, she pursued opportunities overseas. She joined the Waverley Falcons in Australia’s NBL1 South, where she averaged 16.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Later that year, she played for Mainland Pouākai in New Zealand’s Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa league, leading the team with averages of 18.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. She even set a league record by scoring 39 points in a single game.

In 2025, Forbes signed a training camp contract with the Dallas Wings, reuniting with familiar coaching and front office staff as Curt Miller the Wings' EVP and GM was coaching the Sparks when Forbes was drafted. However, she was waived again in May 2025 before the season started. Her journey showcases a mix of determination and adaptability, with her international success serving as a strong resume for future WNBA opportunities.

McKenzie Forbes Awards and Achievements

Though McKenzie Forbes is early in her professional basketball journey, she has already collected a number of accolades from her high school and college career, as well as impressive international feats. Her performances overseas and her leadership roles at top collegiate programs underscore her growing reputation.