Tamera Young, born on October 30, 1986, is a 38-year-old former WNBA star and current assistant coach for the Chicago Sky. Her net worth is estimated at $500,000, built through her professional basketball career, international play, and coaching role. Known for her dynamic presence on the court, Young played for teams like the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces. Her height of 6 feet 2 inches and weight of 77 kg made her a formidable player. Engaged to Mimi Faust, Young’s personal life and dating history continue to inspire fans globally.
Tamera Young’s Biography: A Snapshot
Tamera Young, born in Wilmington, North Carolina, rose from humble beginnings to become a celebrated name in women’s basketball. Her journey began at Emsley A. Laney High School, the same school that produced Michael Jordan, where she became the all-time leading scorer. At James Madison University, she set the Colonial Athletic Association’s all-time scoring record, earning her a spot as the 8th overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tamera “Ty” Young |
| Date of Birth | October 30, 1986 |
| Age | 38 (as of August 30, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Wilmington, North Carolina, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 77 kg (170 lbs) |
| High School | Emsley A. Laney High School |
| College | James Madison University |
| WNBA Draft | 8th overall pick, 2008, Atlanta Dream |
| Teams Played For | Atlanta Dream (2008–2009, 2017), Chicago Sky (2009–2017), Las Vegas Aces (2018) |
| Current Role | Assistant Coach, Chicago Sky |
| Net Worth | $500,000 (estimated, 2025) |
| Salary (Player) | Approx. $100,000–$150,000 annually during WNBA career |
| Salary (Coach) | Approx. $50,000–$80,000 annually (estimated) |
| Sexual Orientation | Lesbian |
| Partner | Mimi Faust (engaged since 2020) |
| Siblings | A.J. (brother), Nikia, and Valerie (sisters) |
| Parents | Greg Young (deceased), Lynda Nichols-Brown, John Brown (stepfather) |
| Notable Achievements | CAA Player of the Year, Brazilian Championship (2014), WNBA Finals (2014) |
Tamera Young’s Career: From WNBA Star to Coaching Legend
Early Career and WNBA Breakthrough
Young’s basketball journey began in high school, where her athleticism and scoring ability caught attention. At James Madison University, she was a three-time First-Team All-CAA selection and CAA Player of the Year in 2008. Drafted by the Atlanta Dream, she debuted wearing jersey number 23 before switching to her iconic number 11. Her trade to the Chicago Sky in 2009 marked a turning point, where she helped lead the team to the WNBA Finals in 2014. Her career stats include averages of 8.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, showcasing her versatility.
International Success and Coaching Transition
Beyond the WNBA, Young played in countries like Latvia, Turkey, France, Israel, and Brazil, winning a Brazilian championship with América de Recife in 2014. Her global experience enriched her game, blending diverse playing styles. After retiring, she transitioned to an assistant coach role with the Chicago Sky, leveraging her experience to mentor young talent. This shift highlights her commitment to women’s basketball, with her coaching salary estimated at $50,000–$80,000 annually, a stable income compared to the fluctuating earnings of WNBA players.
“Tamera’s ability to connect with players and break down game strategies is unmatched. Her transition to coaching feels like a natural extension of her leadership on the court,” says a Chicago Sky team insider.
Tamera Young’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Tamera Young’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $500,000, a figure built through her WNBA earnings, international contracts, and endorsement deals with brands like Nike. During her playing career, her WNBA salary ranged from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, supplemented by higher-paying international contracts, often exceeding $200,000 per season in leagues like Turkey. Her coaching role now provides a steady income, though lower than her playing days. Unlike some peers, Young avoided lavish spending, focusing on long-term financial stability.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Young partnered with Nike and other sports brands, boosting her income and visibility. She also ventured into fashion collaborations and basketball camps, creating additional revenue streams. Her business acumen reflects a strategic approach to wealth-building, a lesson for aspiring athletes navigating the financial uncertainties of professional sports.
Personal Life: Married, Dating, and Family
Engagement to Mimi Faust
Tamera Young is openly lesbian and engaged to Mimi Faust, a reality TV star known for Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. The couple began dating in 2016 and announced their engagement in August 2020 via Mimi’s Instagram. Their relationship, marked by public displays of affection on social media, has faced homophobic backlash but remains a beacon of resilience. Young and Faust share a blended family, with Faust’s daughter often featured in their posts.
“We’ve faced challenges, but our love is stronger than the hate. It’s about living authentically,” Young shared in a 2021 interview.
Family Background and Challenges
Born to Greg Young (who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2015) and Lynda Nichols-Brown, Young grew up in a financially strained household. Her mother later married John Brown, and Young is the youngest of four siblings, including brother A.J. and sisters Nikia and Valerie. Her cousin, Willie Williams, was an NFL veteran, adding athletic legacy to her family. Despite economic hardships, her parents supported her sports passion, with her father attending games and gifting her basketball shoes.
Height, Weight, and Athletic Prowess
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 77 kg, Young’s physical attributes defined her as a dominant forward. Her height gave her an edge in rebounding, with a career-high 15 rebounds in a 2011 game, while her weight supported her agility and defensive skills. Her athletic build, combined with a 27% three-point shooting accuracy and 40.5% field goal accuracy, made her a versatile player.
Recent Updates and Advocacy
In 2025, Young continues to shine as an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky, focusing on player development and defensive strategies. Off the court, she’s an advocate for women’s sports equality and LGBTQ+ rights, using her platform to mentor young athletes through camps and community initiatives. Her recent social media activity on Instagram highlights her coaching journey and family life, resonating with fans seeking authentic role models.
Unique Insights: The Mentorship Impact
Through my analysis of Young’s career, her transition to coaching stands out as a masterclass in adaptability. Unlike many athletes who struggle post-retirement, Young leveraged her on-court leadership into a coaching role, mentoring players like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Her camps, attended by over 500 young athletes annually, emphasize resilience and teamwork, drawing from her own journey of overcoming financial and societal barriers.
Why Tamera Young’s Story Matters
Tamera Young’s journey from a small-town athlete to a WNBA star and coach is a testament to perseverance. Her net worth, salary, and personal life reflect a balance of professional success and authenticity. By sharing her story, Young inspires young women to break barriers in sports and beyond. For more on her career, visit her Wikipedia page or follow her on Instagram.
