Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley, a retired NBA player, is well-known for his larger-than-life personality. During his 16-year career, he earned a reputation as one of the best rebounders and scorers in the league.

After retiring in 2000, Barkley continued to build his fame and wealth through TV appearances, including commercials. Over two decades after his NBA career, he remains a popular figure, especially as a basketball analyst on Inside The NBA on TNT. 

Additionally, Barkley has worked as a sports commentator and even co-hosted a talk show for six months. Here’s a look at how Charles Barkley continues to build his success and wealth.

What Is Charles Barkley’s Net Worth?

As of January 2025, Charles Barkley’s net worth is estimated to be $80 million.

Charles Barkley has built his wealth through his basketball career, sports analyst earnings, TV projects, brand endorsements, and business ventures. During his NBA career, Barkley earned a total of $43.6 million in salary.

Despite being the 5th pick in the 1984 draft, he did not earn over $1 million for his first four seasons. His rookie season salary was $307,000, increasing to $437,500 in his second year, and ending his rookie contract with $822,500 annually.

In 1988, Barkley signed a five-year extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, making him the 4th highest-paid player in 1990-91, earning $3 million. After being traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1992, he signed a five-year, $18.9 million deal, though many considered him underpaid for his contributions.

His salary remained around $4.7 million before dropping after his 1996 trade to the Houston Rockets. In 1999, he signed a $9 million contract, the highest of his career, but a torn left quad ended his playing days.

Post-retirement, Barkley earns considerably more as a TV analyst than he ever did as a pro player. In 2020, he signed a 5-year, $30 million deal with TNT for "Inside the NBA," earning $6 million annually. In 2022, he extended his contract for 10 years at $100 million.

In June 2024, Charles Barkley announced plans to retire from television after the 2024-25 NBA season, as the NBA’s broadcast rights shifted. However, he reversed this decision in August, choosing to stay with TNT Sports under a new ten-year, $210 million contract according to The Athletic.

He also joined CNN in 2023, partnering with Gayle King on the show "King Charles," which launched in November, adding to his income, though the exact amount he earns is unknown.

Barkley’s endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Right Guard, McDonald's, and T-Mobile have greatly contributed to his wealth. He is estimated to have earned between $5 and $10 million from these deals as per The U.S. Sun.

However, Barkley is also known for his gambling habits, admitting to losses totaling around $10 million, including $2.5 million in just six hours at blackjack. Despite these losses, he has had significant wins, including $700,000 during a trip to Las Vegas. His net worth could have been higher if not for his gambling, but he has still managed to build considerable wealth through his various ventures.

What is Charles Barkley’s Claim to Fame?

Charles Barkley’s claim to fame is his legendary basketball career and his big personality. Here are the key moments that defined his success.

• College Career: Barkley played college basketball at Auburn University from 1981 to 1984. Despite being undersized for a center at 6'6", he became a dominant force, earning the nickname "The Round Mound of Rebound" due to his exceptional rebounding ability. He led Auburn to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1984 before declaring for the NBA Draft.
• Rise as a Star Player: Before the 1986-87 season, Moses Malone was traded, and Barkley emerged as the Sixers' leader, averaging 23 points and 14.6 rebounds per game. That season, he earned his first NBA All-Star selection and made the All-NBA Second Team for the second year in a row, establishing himself as one of the league’s top power forwards.
• MVP season: After eight seasons with the Sixers, Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1992. He made an instant impact, leading the Suns to the NBA Finals in his first season and winning the 1993 NBA MVP award. He averaged 25.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game that season.
• Dream Team: Barkley played in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, winning two gold medals with Team USA. In 1992, he was a key player on the legendary "Dream Team," the first U.S. Olympic squad with NBA players. He led the team in scoring as they dominated the competition, winning every game by large margins and securing gold in Barcelona.
• Inside the NBA: Since 2000, Charles Barkley has been a studio analyst for Turner Network Television (TNT). He appears on the network’s NBA coverage during pre-game and halftime shows, as well as special NBA events. Barkley is also part of the Inside the NBA crew, alongside Ernie Johnson Jr., Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal, where they recap and discuss NBA games and other league affairs. Known for his unfiltered opinions, humor, and charisma, Barkley quickly became a popular sports commentator. His work on TNT has earned him five Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Studio Analyst.
• Gambling Controversy: In 2008, the Wynn Las Vegas casino filed a lawsuit against him for a $400,000 debt from 2007. Barkley took responsibility for the delay in repayment and quickly paid the debt. Afterward, he announced on TNT that he planned to stop gambling for the next year or two, acknowledging that just because he could afford to lose money didn’t mean he should.
• DUI conviction: On December 31, 2008, Barkley was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, for running a stop sign. He failed a field sobriety test, and his blood-alcohol level was found to be 0.149, nearly double the legal limit. Barkley pleaded guilty to DUI charges and was sentenced to ten days in jail, which was later reduced to three days after he entered an alcohol treatment program. Following the incident, Barkley took a two-month break from his TNT duties. He returned to work on February 19, 2009, where he openly discussed the situation during the NBA pregame show.

What businesses does Charles Barkley own or is a part of?

Charles Barkley is a basketball legend, but his success goes beyond the game. Off the court, he has built a strong presence in business. Here is a look at his ventures.

• Redmont Vodka: In 2023, Charles Barkley became the majority owner of Redmont Vodka, a premium small-batch vodka based in Alabama. As a Leeds native, he takes pride in supporting his home state’s economy. During a launch event, Barkley expressed his excitement about bringing the business to his hometown. He actively promotes the brand, which has expanded through partnerships with venues like State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The distillery is the first legal one in Birmingham since Prohibition. Barkley made it clear that he wanted to have a real ownership stake in the business, not just lend his name to the product.
• Round Mound Media: In October 2024, Charles Barkley launched his production company, Round Mound Media. He partnered with EverWonder Studio, backed by Jeff Zucker’s RedBird IMI, to create original content like documentaries, live shows, and scripted programs. Round Mound Media already has 10 projects in the works, including a documentary about Barkley’s life.
• Cave Shakes: In 2018, Charles Barkley invested $250,000 in Cave Shakes, now called Space Shake, a vegan milkshake company featured on Shark Tank. The founders, Holly Heath and Billie Cavallaro pitched their gluten-free, dairy-free shakes, seeking $250,000 for 10% equity.
  While most sharks passed, Barkley offered $250,000 for 20%. The entrepreneurs countered with 14%, but Barkley stood firm. He admitted his decision was personal, as he struggled with weight after retiring and saw the product as a way to help others stay healthy. Although the brand has not become a huge success, it remains in business, serving health-conscious consumers.
• NeuroVice: In 2020, Charles Barkley invested in NeuroVice, a medtech startup focused on improving medical technology. The investment came after Sanders, inspired by Barkley's Shark Tank appearance, reached out to him. Barkley was impressed with NeuroVice's mission and its flagship product, PATI (Protector Against Tongue Injury), a device designed to prevent oral injuries during seizures.

What Brands Does Charles Barkley Endorse?

The 11-time NBA All-Star has partnered with several well-known brands throughout his career, mostly in the realm of sports and lifestyle products. Here’s a look at them.

• Nike: In 1992, Barkley signed with Nike, leading to the release of several popular sneakers, such as the Nike Air Force Max CB and the Air Max CB 34. These shoes continue to be in demand, with models like the Air Max CB2 '94 still selling well into 2025. He also starred in a memorable Nike commercial where he famously said, "I am not a role model," challenging the idea that athletes should be moral examples. Charles also made a smart move by accepting part of his Nike pay-in-stock options, a decision that, with advice from Michael Jordan, reportedly increased his earnings from $3 million to around $30 million.
• McDonald's: In 1995, Barkley appeared in a McDonald's commercial with NBA legends Larry Bird and Michael Jordan. The ad featured a fun competition between them while promoting the Big Mac. Barkley also appeared in several other McDonald's commercials, where he attempted to sing about different menu items.
• Right Guard: From 1994 to 1996, Barkley appeared in Right Guard deodorant commercials, bringing his humor and charisma to the ads. The campaign highlighted the product’s effectiveness, with the memorable slogan, "Anything less would be uncivilized!" In addition to this, Barkley was featured in print ads for Right Guard Sport Stick antiperspirant from 1991 to 1996. The ads promoted the product as a strong and reliable choice for active people who needed all-day protection from sweat.
• Charles Schwab, Inc.: In 2000, Barkley appeared in a commercial for Charles Schwab, promoting their financial services. The ad focused on retirement planning and emphasized that “the best time to retire is sooner than you think.”
• AT&T: In 2001, Barkley voiced an AT&T commercial for its 1-800-CALL-ATT service. The ad promoted easy long-distance calling, with Barkley’s familiar voice making it more engaging for viewers.
• Taco Bell: Charles Barkley appeared in Taco Bell's 2010 Super Bowl commercial where he rapped about the $5 Buck Box. As he sings, a man with dreadlocks, angel cheerleaders, and paparazzi follow him. The meal includes a Cheesy Gordita Crunch, Burrito Supreme, Crunchy Taco, Cinnamon Twists, and a drink.
• T-Mobile: In the 2008 Super Bowl, T-Mobile aired a commercial featuring Charles Barkley and Dwyane Wade, promoting the "Fave 5" feature. In the ad, Wade is excited to be in Barkley's "Fave 5," but things quickly become funny when Barkley calls Wade excessively, causing frustration. However, after his arrest on New Year's Eve in Scottsdale, AZ, on suspicion of drunk driving, T-Mobile halted its television commercials featuring Charles Barkley, despite the success of the ads. Once Barkley returned from his hiatus, T-Mobile resumed airing the commercials with him.
• Weight Watchers: In 2011, the TNT analyst became a spokesperson for Weight Watchers for their "Lose Like a Man" campaign. He appeared in funny ads, including one where he wore a dress to show that the program is for everyone, not just women. He shared his own weight loss story, encouraging men to take a healthier approach to life through the program.
• CDW: In December 2013, Barkley and actor Marshall Bell appeared in a commercial for CDW called "Borkley." The ad featured Barkley in a corporate setting, highlighting CDW's technology solutions for businesses. In June 2014, Barkley again starred in a funny commercial for CDW, where he worked with Marshall Bell. The ad promoted IT solutions using Microsoft Cloud and Intel, with Barkley humorously navigating a business meeting in an elevator.
• Subway: In 2021, Barkley lent his voice to a Subway commercial, using his familiar voice to promote the brand's sandwiches. Along with this, he has appeared in several other Subway ads, often alongside fellow athletes like Tony Romo, Stephen Curry, Simone Biles, and Patrick Mahomes. These commercials use humor and sports references to highlight Subway’s menu, with Barkley’s personality adding to the fun. 
• FanDuel Sportsbook: In 2022, Barkley partnered with FanDuel Sportsbook for a campaign called "Think Like a Player." The ads featured a deepfake version of Barkley from the 1990s, when he was at his peak, encouraging sports fans to think like a player when placing bets. The campaign was designed to engage basketball fans, especially during the NBA playoffs.
• Dick's Sporting Goods: In 2022, Barkley appeared in commercials for Dick's Sporting Goods, where he humorously promoted sports gear and apparel. The ads highlighted family activities around Father's Day, with the tagline “Every Season Starts at Dick's Sporting Goods.”
• Capital One: Charles Barkley has been a celebrity endorser for Capital One, starring in several commercials, especially during the NCAA March Madness tournaments. He frequently appears alongside Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson in these ads, promoting Capital One’s banking and Venture Card benefits. Notable ones include "Pick Me First" in 2015, where kids pick Barkley first for a basketball game, and "Chuck Blimp" in 2024, featuring him with Samuel L. Jackson and Spike Lee heading to the NCAA Final Four.

How does Charles Barkley spend his millions?

The 61-year-old NBA legend has spent millions on gambling, losing around $10 million overall, including $2.5 million in just six hours at blackjack. He has also invested in luxury cars but later reconsidered after Julius Erving advised him to opt for less expensive vehicles to save money in the long run. Let’s take a look at his assets.

Charles Barkley’s Real Estate Portfolio 

The renowned sports analyst has made a few significant real estate investments throughout his career. Let’s take a look at them.

• Scottsdale Mansion: Barkley has lived in Scottsdale since he was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1992. In 1998, he bought a 2.4-acre property for $2.2 million. The 8,600-square-foot home has three bedrooms, six bathrooms, an indoor basketball court, a home theater, and an infinity pool with desert views. Today, the property is valued between $6 million and $8 million.

He also owns properties in his hometown of Leeds, Alabama, and in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, though details about them are scarce.

Vehicles Owned By Charles Barkley Over The Years

Charles Barkley has owned several vehicles over the years. Here's a look at some of the notable cars he has owned:

• 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo: In the late '80s, Charles Barkley owned a Porsche 944 Turbo, following the fast-car trend like his peer Shaquille O'Neal. However, Barkley now considers it one of his worst buys. He had a frightening experience when the car hydroplaned at 117 mph in the rain, leading him to swear off fast cars for good. To make matters worse, he was once pulled over in Philadelphia, jokingly referring to it as "DWB" or “Driving While Black.”
• 2020 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label: Charles Barkley upgraded to a 2020 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label, a sleek black luxury SUV. This vehicle serves as his go-to ride for TNT sports shows, major sports events, galas, fashion shows, and his favorite golf outings.
• 2022 Audi A4: Charles Barkley drives a 2022 Audi A4, a stylish sedan he enjoys with his wife, Maureen Blumhardt, and their daughter, Christiana. This luxury car has become a family favorite, often used for their weekend drives together.

What Are Charles Barkley’s Charitable Contributions?

Charles Barkley has made significant contributions to various charitable causes over the years. He has always believed in the importance of giving back, saying, "I don't want to just stockpile money; I love being able to help people." Let's take a look at some of his efforts.

• The Charles Barkley Foundation: Founded in 1995, The Charles Barkley Foundation focuses on supporting educational initiatives, primarily through scholarship funds. The foundation reflects Barkley's commitment to transforming future generations through education and opportunities. 
• Donations to HBCUs: The former NBA star has been a strong supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with generous donations over the years. In 2016, he gave $1 million each to Alabama A&M University and Clark Atlanta University. The following year, he donated $1 million to Morehouse College. In 2020, Barkley contributed $1 million each to Miles College and Tuskegee University. Most recently, in 2022, he announced $1 million in donations to Bethune-Cookman University and Jackson State University. His support is aimed at helping these schools, especially in the wake of challenges such as the departure of prominent figures like Deion Sanders from coaching positions.
• St. Mary's Academy: In September 2024, Charles Barkley donated $1 million to St. Mary's Academy in New Orleans. The donation was inspired by a 60 Minutes story about the remarkable success of two students, Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson, who used trigonometry to solve the Pythagorean Theorem.
• Auburn University: As an alumnus, Barkley has been a consistent supporter of Auburn University. In 2024, he donated $1 million to the women's basketball program to support women's sports. This followed an earlier $1 million donation to the university's broader women's athletics program.
• African-American History Education: In 2018, Barkley donated $250,000 to the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi to start an African-American history program for high school students in Mississippi and Alabama. The initiative focuses on teaching students about important aspects of African-American history and culture.

What’s Next For Charles Barkley?

With the NBA's new broadcasting deals set to begin in the 2025–26 season, TNT will no longer air NBA games. However, Barkley will continue to be part of Inside the NBA, which will now be produced by TNT Sports and aired on ESPN and ABC during major events like the NBA Finals and Conference Finals. 
This partnership ensures that fans can still enjoy Barkley’s insights and chemistry with Ernie Johnson Jr., Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal. As the league’s TV landscape evolves, fans are excited to see what he does next.