Brief Introduction of Pat Connaughton
Patrick Bergin “Pat” Connaughton is a versatile American professional athlete renowned for his unique dual-sport prowess in both basketball and baseball. Currently a shooting guard for the Charlotte Hornets in the National Basketball Association (NBA), he is perhaps best known for his impactful tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played a crucial role as a key rotational player in their 2021 NBA Championship victory. Connaughton’s athletic journey is distinguished by the rare achievement of being drafted in two major American sports leagues. He was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of the 2014 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft and by the Brooklyn Nets in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft. Beyond the court, Connaughton has established himself as a successful entrepreneur, co-founding and leading the real estate development firm Three Leaf Partners. He is also a dedicated philanthropist, having created the Pat Connaughton Foundation to provide athletic opportunities and character development for young people.
Pat Connaughton Overview
| Full Name | Patrick Bergin Connaughton |
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1993 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 32 |
| Birthplace | Arlington, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player, Real Estate Developer, Philanthropist |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Parents: Leonard and Susan Connaughton. Information about siblings is not publicly available. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Engaged to Ryan Gareis, a professional soccer player. They are expecting their first child. |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $10 million and $15 million. |
Early Life and Education of Pat Connaughton
Patrick Bergin Connaughton was born on January 6, 1993, in Arlington, Massachusetts, to Leonard and Susan Connaughton. Athletics were a significant part of his family life; his father, Leonard, played college football at Framingham State College, and his uncle, Richard, played baseball at Springfield College. Growing up in a suburb of Boston, Connaughton was immersed in a rich sports culture and quickly developed into a standout multi-sport athlete. He attended St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts, where he excelled in football, baseball, and basketball. As a quarterback in football, he received attention from college programs. However, it was in basketball and baseball that his future prospects shone brightest.
On the basketball court, Connaughton was a dominant force, serving as a three-time team captain and becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,713 points. His senior year was particularly noteworthy, as he led his team to a state championship and was named the Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Basketball Player of the Year for 2011. On the baseball diamond, he was an equally formidable talent. A right-handed pitcher with a fastball that could reach the mid-90s, he posted an impressive 11–2 record with a 1.75 ERA and 160 strikeouts in his senior season. His exceptional ability in baseball led to him being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 2011 MLB Draft, but he honored his commitment to pursue a two-sport career at the collegiate level. He enrolled at the University of Notre Dame, where he would continue to balance the demands of playing both Division I basketball and baseball.
Pat Connaughton’s Career
Pat Connaughton’s career is a remarkable story of athletic duality and strategic decision-making, navigating professional opportunities in both baseball and basketball before carving out a highly successful path in the NBA.
Collegiate Stardom in Two Sports
At the University of Notre Dame, Connaughton continued to defy the norms of modern college athletics by competing at a high level in both basketball and baseball. As a pitcher for the Fighting Irish baseball team, he showcased a powerful arm and drew significant interest from professional scouts. He played collegiate summer baseball in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League for the Harwich Mariners in 2013. His performance was strong enough that the Baltimore Orioles selected him in the fourth round (121st overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft. Connaughton signed with the Orioles for a reported $428,100 bonus and made his professional baseball debut with the Low-A Aberdeen IronBirds, where his fastball was clocked at 96 miles per hour. However, he negotiated a unique contract that allowed him to return to Notre Dame for his senior basketball season.
On the basketball court, Connaughton was a cornerstone of the Fighting Irish program. A two-time team captain, he was known for his leadership, athleticism, and clutch play. In his senior season (2014-15), he was instrumental in leading Notre Dame to an ACC Tournament Championship and a deep run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. He finished his collegiate basketball career as one of only eight players in program history with over 1,400 points and 800 rebounds. Following his stellar senior year, he made the pivotal decision to focus on a professional basketball career.
The NBA Journey: From Draft Pick to Champion
Despite some projections that his future was brighter in baseball, Connaughton impressed NBA scouts at the draft combine with a staggering 44-inch vertical leap. He was selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the 41st overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. His draft rights were immediately traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. In Portland, Connaughton spent his first three seasons developing his game, showing flashes of the athleticism and shooting that would become his trademarks. He earned progressively more playing time, and in his final season with the Trail Blazers (2017-18), he scored a then-career-high 24 points in the season opener.
In August 2018, Connaughton signed as a free agent with the Milwaukee Bucks, a move that would define his career. In Milwaukee, he found the perfect role as a high-energy wing player off the bench. He became an integral part of a team built around Giannis Antetokounmpo, providing valuable floor spacing, defensive versatility, and highlight-reel dunks. His athleticism was on full display when he participated in the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest. The pinnacle of his career came during the 2020-21 season. Connaughton was a critical component of the Bucks’ championship run, averaging over 23 minutes per game in the playoffs. During the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, he averaged 9.2 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting a blistering 44.1% from three-point range, helping the Bucks secure their first title in 50 years.
Following the championship, Connaughton continued to be a reliable and important player for the Bucks, signing a three-year, $28.5 million contract extension in July 2022. In July 2025, after seven seasons in Milwaukee, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, beginning a new chapter in his NBA career.
Off-the-Court Success: Real Estate
Parallel to his basketball career, Pat Connaughton has built an impressive business empire. Inspired by his father, a general contractor, Connaughton invested his MLB signing bonus into real estate instead of luxury goods. This initial investment sparked a passion that led him to co-found Three Leaf Partners, a real estate development firm. The company, which he leads as CEO, focuses on mission-driven projects, including multi-family housing, mixed-use developments, and community centers in cities like Milwaukee, Portland, and South Bend. By early 2025, his firm had managed a portfolio valued at over $550 million, demonstrating a business acumen as sharp as his athletic talent. He often involves other professional athletes as investors, creating a unique synergy between his two worlds.
Pat Connaughton Personal Life & Family
Pat Connaughton maintains a life grounded in family and community, balancing the demands of his professional career with his personal relationships and philanthropic endeavors. He was born to Leonard and Susan Connaughton and grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts. While he is believed to be their only son, details about any siblings have not been made public. His family has Irish roots, with grandparents from County Galway, and he is a proud Irish citizen. Raised in an Irish Catholic family, these values have influenced his life and work.
In his personal life, Connaughton is engaged to professional soccer player Ryan Gareis, who plays for the Houston Dash in the NWSL. The couple announced their engagement in February 2024. Just a month prior, in January 2024, they had shared the news that they were expecting their first child, a son, later in the year. Connaughton often speaks about how becoming a father has provided a new perspective on his life and career, motivating him to be an example for his son.
Awards and Achievements of Pat Connaughton
- NBA Champion (2021)
- Offseason NBA Cares Community Assist Award (2022)
- Third-team All-ACC (2015)
- ACC All-Tournament First Team (2015)
- NCAA All-Region Team (2015)
- Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Basketball Player of the Year (2011)
- Selected in both the MLB Draft (2014, Baltimore Orioles) and NBA Draft (2015, Brooklyn Nets)
Pat Connaughton Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Pat Connaughton’s net worth is estimated to be between $10 million and $15 million. His wealth is derived from multiple income streams, showcasing his success both on and off the basketball court. His primary source of income has been his NBA salary. Over his career, he has signed several multi-million dollar contracts, including a three-year, $28.5 million extension with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022. His career earnings from the NBA alone total in the tens of millions of dollars.
Beyond his basketball salary, a significant portion of Connaughton’s net worth comes from his highly successful real estate development company, Three Leaf Partners. The firm has managed a portfolio worth hundreds of millions of dollars, with numerous residential and commercial projects. This venture has not only provided substantial income but has also significantly increased his overall asset value. Additionally, Connaughton earns income from various endorsements and sponsorships, although these figures are not publicly detailed. His combination of NBA earnings and savvy business investments has established a strong financial foundation for his future beyond professional sports.
Legacy and Influence
Pat Connaughton’s legacy is multifaceted, extending beyond his identity as an NBA champion to encompass his rare status as a two-sport professional athlete, a savvy businessman, and a dedicated philanthropist. He serves as a modern-day example that athletes can pursue diverse passions at the highest levels. His decision to play both baseball and basketball in college and be drafted in both the MLB and NBA is a testament to his unique athletic gifts and determination. On the court, he will be remembered in Milwaukee as a beloved, high-energy role player whose hustle and timely shooting were indispensable to the Bucks’ 2021 championship team.
Off the court, his influence is arguably even greater. Through his company, Three Leaf Partners, he is actively transforming communities by developing properties with a mission-driven approach, focusing on creating sustainable and positive local impact. Furthermore, his work with the Pat Connaughton Foundation is creating a lasting legacy by improving access to sports for underprivileged youth. The foundation’s “Connaughton Courts” initiative, which builds and refurbishes basketball courts, provides safe and inspiring places for children to play and learn life skills. By demonstrating excellence in sports, business, and community service, Connaughton has crafted a legacy that highlights the potential for athletes to be powerful forces for positive change.
Interesting Facts about Pat Connaughton
- He was a three-sport athlete in high school, also playing quarterback on the football team.
- He recorded an incredible 44-inch maximum vertical leap at the 2015 NBA Draft Combine, one of the highest ever recorded.
- The Baltimore Orioles, who drafted him in 2014, retained his baseball rights until 2020 but never attempted to recoup his $428,000 signing bonus even as he pursued his NBA career.
- He is a proud Irish citizen through his grandparents and has incorporated his heritage into his philanthropic work, hosting clinics in Ireland.
- He graduated from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business with a degree in management consulting.
- He competed in the 2020 NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend.
- His real estate development company, Three Leaf Partners, is named in honor of his Irish heritage and his alma mater, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Controversies
Pat Connaughton’s career has been largely free of major controversy. However, in December 2019, he issued a public apology after unknowingly reading an anti-police message in a paid video on the platform Cameo. The service allows fans to pay celebrities for personalized video messages. Connaughton stated he did not do his “due diligence” to understand the meaning behind the scripted message he was asked to read and that a person with “obvious bad intentions was behind this request.” He apologized for the video, which was subsequently removed. The incident was a minor one, and Connaughton’s swift apology was generally accepted, allowing him to move past it without lasting damage to his reputation.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@patconnaughton) – Follower count not specified.
- Twitter – Account presence not specified.
- YouTube – He has an official YouTube channel where he shares content about his life in the NBA, his real estate ventures, and his foundation work. Subscriber count not specified.
Final Words about Pat Connaughton
Pat Connaughton has constructed a career and life that consistently defy simple categorization. On the basketball court, he has evolved from a second-round draft pick into a respected veteran and NBA champion, valued for his athleticism, work ethic, and ability to contribute to winning. His journey from the Portland Trail Blazers to a pivotal role with the Milwaukee Bucks, and now to the Charlotte Hornets, illustrates his resilience and adaptability in the highly competitive landscape of the NBA. Yet, his identity is not confined to the hardwood. He is a pioneering athlete-entrepreneur, building a substantial real estate portfolio with a community-first ethos that sets a new standard for how players can leverage their platforms and earnings for long-term success and social good.
As he moves into the later stages of his athletic career and continues to expand his business and philanthropic work through the Pat Connaughton Foundation, his legacy is already secure. He is more than just a basketball player; he is a developer, a community leader, and soon-to-be a father. Pat Connaughton’s story is one of ambition, intelligence, and a relentless drive to maximize every opportunity, creating a blueprint for a meaningful and impactful life both during and after a professional sports career.
