Charles Barkley is a retired American professional basketball player who is currently an analyst on Inside the NBA. During his 16-year NBA career, Barkley established himself as one of the most dominant power forwards of his era. However, Charles Barkley has an estimated net worth of around $70 million.
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Early Life and Education
Charles Wade Barkley was born on February 20, 1963, in Leeds, Alabama. He was the first of three children born to Charcey and Frank Barkley. His father left the family when Charles was young, so he was primarily raised by his mother and grandmother.
Barkley attended Leeds High School, where he stood out as a player on the basketball team. Despite only being 5’10” during his first year, he experienced a dramatic growth spurt and was 6’4″ by the time he graduated high school.
Barkley earned a scholarship to play college basketball at Auburn University. During his three seasons at Auburn, he averaged 14.8 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. His exceptional performance led the team to their first NCAA tournament appearance in school history during his junior season.
Charles Barkley Net Worth
Charles Barkley has accumulated an estimated net worth of $70 million over his career as a professional basketball player and broadcaster.
During his 16 seasons in the NBA, Barkley earned over $40 million in salary alone. His highest single-season salary was $9 million during his final season with the Houston Rockets in 1999-2000. Barkley’s lucrative broadcasting contracts with TNT since 2000 have added significantly to his wealth.
Barkley has made millions from savvy business investments and endorsements. He owns multiple restaurant ventures and has been the face of brands like Nike, T-Mobile, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The combination of his playing and broadcasting salaries, business dealings, and endorsements have allowed Barkley to build an impressive net worth after his playing days.
NBA Career Beginnings with the 76ers
Barkley entered the 1984 NBA Draft after finishing his junior year at Auburn. He was selected 5th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. In his rookie season, Barkley averaged 14 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team.
Over the next seven seasons with the 76ers, Barkley became one of the most dominant players in the game. He averaged 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game during the regular season.
Barkley’s tenacious rebounding and physical play earned him the nicknames “The Round Mound of Rebound” and “Sir Charles.” He led the 76ers to the playoffs six times and the NBA finals once in 1993. Barkley won the NBA MVP award that season, averaging 25.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game.
Later Career with the Suns and Rockets
After eight seasons in Philadelphia, Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1992. In his first season with the Suns, he led the team to the NBA Finals while averaging 25.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. Barkley spent four seasons in Phoenix before being traded to the Houston Rockets.
Though past his prime, Barkley provided veteran leadership and remained an All-Star caliber player. He never won an NBA championship during his career. After rupturing his left quadriceps tendon in 1999, Barkley retired at age 36.
Over his 16-year career, Barkley was an 11-time NBA All-Star and earned 11 All-NBA team selections. In 1996 and 1997, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. Barkley totaled 23,757 points, 12,546 rebounds, and 4,215 assists during his NBA career.
Television Broadcasting Career
After retiring from the NBA, Barkley began a second career as a basketball analyst and broadcaster. He provided commentary for Turner Network Television (TNT) during the NCAA Final Four and NBA playoffs throughout the 2000s. In 2011, TNT launched Inside the NBA, featuring Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal. It has since become one of the most popular NBA shows on television.
Barkley is known for his candid and controversial takes on today’s NBA. He has developed a reputation for his outspoken yet humorous criticism of players and coaches.
Though divisive at times, Barkley’s honesty and charisma have made him one of the most popular analysts around. His broadcasting career has significantly added to his net worth following retirement.
Sources of Income
Charles Barkley’s primary source of wealth came from his 16-year NBA playing career. Barkley earned over $40 million in salary during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets.
His top season was 1999-2000 with the Rockets when Barkley earned an annual salary of $9 million. Though he retired from playing in 2000, basketball continued to be Barkley’s main income source.
After retirement, Barkley began working as an NBA analyst and broadcaster for Turner Network Television. His work on Inside the NBA alongside Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal has made Barkley one of the most recognizable faces in basketball broadcasting. However, his annual broadcasting salary is $10 million.
Business Ventures and Endorsements
Barkley has amassed wealth through various business ventures and endorsements. In the late 1990s, he invested in several successful restaurants in cities like New York, Atlanta, Phoenix, and his hometown of Leeds. Barkley still owns two popular restaurants named after himself in Alabama.
Barkley has also appeared in numerous advertisements and commercials for companies like Nike, T-Mobile, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Throughout his career, he has signed several lucrative endorsement deals that added to his income.
Philanthropy
Charles Barkley has also established himself as a dedicated philanthropist throughout his career. He has donated millions of dollars to various charities and volunteered his time for important causes close to his heart.
Education is one area Barkley has been particularly passionate about giving back to. In 1994, he founded the Leeds Education Foundation, which provides scholarships for students from Barkley’s hometown of Leeds, Alabama, to attend college. Barkley has personally contributed over $2 million to the foundation over the years. He aims to help underprivileged students achieve social mobility through education.
Supporting injured war veterans has also been a priority for Barkley. He has made sizable donations to organizations like Wounded Warriors that provide services to veterans hurt in combat. During a 2012 fundraiser, Barkley gave $100,000 to Wounded Warriors, calling the work they do “remarkable.”
Personal Life
Barkley married Maureen Blumhardt in 1989. They have one daughter named Christiana, who was born in the same year. Barkley resides primarily in Arizona, where he owns a home in Paradise Valley.
Barkley’s outspoken personality and controversial opinions have occasionally caused conflict during his career. He drew criticism in 1993 for spitting on a young girl during a game after she allegedly yelled racial slurs at him.
As an analyst, he has made several gambling-related mistakes on television. However, Barkley remains one of the most beloved figures in basketball thanks to his charisma and light-hearted attitude.
FAQs on Charles Barkley Net Worth
What team did Charles Barkley play most of his career with?
Barkley played the majority of his 16-year NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers from 1984-1992. He was drafted by the Sixers and spent 8 seasons in Philadelphia, making 6 All-Star teams.
How much is Charles Barkley worth?
Charles Barkley has an estimated net worth of around $70 million. He earned over $40 million in NBA salary and has made millions more from broadcasting, endorsements, and business ventures after retirement.
Why is Charles Barkley so popular on TV?
Barkley is beloved for his candid, humorous opinions and analysis. Fans enjoy his honesty and willingness to criticize players. His chemistry and banter with co-hosts on Inside the NBA also contribute to his appeal.
What college did Charles Barkley play basketball for?
Barkley played college basketball at Auburn University from 1981-1984. He led Auburn to their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 1984 during his junior season. Barkley earned SEC Player of the Year honors that season as well.
Bottom Line
Charles Barkley built an impressive net worth of $70 million through a legendary NBA career and successful broadcasting career. His business ventures and endorsement deals added to his income.
Though controversial at times, Barkley is generally perceived as an entertaining and knowledgeable commentator on today’s NBA.
Benedict is an entertainment enthusiast and a passionate blogger. He loves to share his insights and opinions of the ever-evolving entertainment world. When he’s not writing, you can find Benedict immersing himself in the latest releases, following the latest industry events, and engaging with fellow entertainment enthusiasts online.
