A modest split-level home in West Philadelphia is now on the market, but this property is anything but ordinary. Steeped in tremendous sports history, the house at 1835 N. 72nd St. Philadelphia, PA, has ties to two Hall of Fame legends: boxing icon Muhammad Ali and the grandparents of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, where Kobe spent summers. Now listed by eXp Realty agent Nicole Klein, the home offers buyers a rare opportunity to own a piece of sports history.
A House with Legendary Roots
In 1970, heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali moved into the West Philly home with his second wife, Belinda, and their young children. At the time, Ali was rebuilding his career after being banned from boxing for refusing to serve in the Vietnam War. The house served as a transitional haven during a pivotal time in Ali’s life, as he trained for his triumphant return to the ring.
In 2016, Esquire Magazine published never-seen-before-photos of Ali’s house, which were taken in 1970. Not much has changed since that time. Nicole notes, “The kitchen is almost exactly the same as when Muhammad Ali owned it. A lot of it still feels like he was just there.”
Ali lived in the house for only about a year before relocating to Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
From Ali to Bryant
In 1973, the home was sold to John and Mildred Cox, Kobe Bryant’s maternal grandparents. At the time, there was no inkling that their grandson would become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The property remained in the Bryant family for decades, with Kobe and his siblings often spending summers there during his childhood, where Kobe grew up in nearby Wynnewood and also, Italy.
“All of (Kobe’s mother) Pam’s children spent a lot of time at the property. They swam in the pool. They had a lot of barbecues,” Nicole shared with the Philly Voice. It was a cornerstone for the Bryant family during the offseason when Kobe’s father, Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, played basketball in Italy.
The property still boasts many original features from its Ali days, including design elements popular in the 1970s. Bryant’s grandparents made only minor updates, such as adding a back porch, preserving much of the home’s historical charm.
A Historic Opportunity
Listed for $600,000, the 2,823-square-foot, three-bedroom home sits on nearly half an acre in a neighborhood that prides itself on its strong sense of community. While the property’s ties to two legendary athletes make it unique, Nicole emphasizes that the market will ultimately determine its value.
“Because of the history, if there are people who really want to be in the house, they’ll drive the price up,” she said. “But beyond its famous past, Overbrook itself is a big draw. Residents love the area for its strong civic association and close-knit community.”
An eXp Realty Connection
Adding another layer to the story is how the property found its way to Nicole. Pamela Bryant, Kobe’s mother, decided to sell the home after her mother, Mildred Cox, passed away. Pamela turned to her son-in-law, eXp Realty agent Michael Tabb, who is married to Kobe’s sister, Shaya. Naturally, as a trusted real estate professional in the family, Michael – who is located in Las Vegas – became involved in facilitating the sale.
Through eXp Realty’s referral program, Michael posted the need for a Philly area agent to handle the listing and Nicole was tagged by several agents to take the lead.
“The fact that two Hall of Fame athletes are tied to this one property is pretty unusual,” Nicole said. “And the way it came to me through eXp’s collaborative culture just adds to the uniqueness. eXp’s referral system helps connect people. Here it’s much easier to collaborate with agents in the Workplace.”
Michael shared a fun anecdote about Ali visiting the house again years later.
“Mildred told me that Ali did stop by the home a few years later, but only because his daughter needed to use the bathroom, and he was in the neighborhood. Pam’s mom was the only one home at the time when he knocked at the door to ask if his daughter could do so. Of course, she said yes. After they left, and Pam’s father returned home and he couldn’t believe that he missed the opportunity to meet Muhammad Ali in person.”
Preserving the Legacy
To honor the home’s rich history, Klein has ordered a copy of the 1971 Ebony magazine featuring Ali at the property. She plans to gift it to the future owner as a memento of the house’s extraordinary story.
Whether it’s a sports enthusiast, a history buff, or a family seeking a unique home in a welcoming community, the next chapter of this property’s story is ready to be written.
“This is more than just a house,” Klein reflected. “It’s a piece of history – a home where memories of two legends and one family are forever intertwined.”
