Who is Charles Barkley?

60-year-old Charles Barkley is known by many as the candid jokester from ‘Inside the NBA’ on TNT. The Basketball Hall of Famer joined the broadcasting circuit in 2000, shortly after retiring from professional basketball. Before that, Barkley played in the NBA for 16 seasons, with 11 of them being All-Star seasons.

Charles Barkley’s Early Life

Charles Barkley was born on February 20, 1963, to Frank Barkley and Charcey Glenn. The two then had another son named Darryl Barkley. But Frank abandoned the family when Charles was young and his parents eventually divorced. The NBA legend was born and brought up in Leeds, Alabama. Shockingly, the future NBA superstar was in a life-threatening situation when he was born as he weighed just over six pounds.

Barkley had severe anemia, and his condition was serious when he was six weeks old. Fortunately, he recovered with the help of doctors. Interestingly, even his mother was astonished at how Barkley turned out to be an elite athlete despite being underweight during birth. Charles had a poor relationship with his father during his younger years. However, the two then bonded well later on until his father’s demise in December 2021. The 11x NBA All-Star once opened up about his father and their initial rocky relationship. His mother Charcey passed away in June 2015.

Charles Barkley graduated from Leeds High School in 1980 and was recruited by Auburn University to play college basketball. Barkley majored in business management and graduated in 1984, declaring for the NBA Draft.

Charles Barkley’s Wife and Children

In 1989, Charles married Maureen Blumhardt. The couple welcomed their daughter Christiana Barkley the same year. Interestingly, the Hall of Famer named his only child after the Christiana Mall in Delaware. In 2021, his daughter tied the knot with Ilya Hoffman in the presence of close friends and family. 2 years ago, Christiana and her husband welcomed their son Henry into the world. A year and a half later, Charles Barkley proudly shared the birth of his second grandchild, Charles Eliza, named in honor of the 1993 NBA MVP.

Charles Barkley’s Net Worth 2024 

NBA legend Charles Barkley currently has an estimated net worth of $70 million. Over 2 decades after his 16-year NBA career, Chuck continues to remain a hot property. Notably, the Philadelphia 76ers legend has found unprecedented success as a TV personality. Fans around the world love his antics as a basketball analyst for Inside The NBA on TNT. Barkley signed a five-year $30 million deal with TNT in 2020. Then in 2022, he reportedly signed a massive ten-year $100 million contract to continue his work for the network.

Last year, the 60-year-old also signed with CNN for an undisclosed amount. The new contract increased his net worth and set him up in a partnership with acclaimed journalist, Gayle King. Their new show ‘King Charles’ started streaming in November, 2023 and has been received with mixed reviews.

Charles Barkley’s Career

Charles Barkley’s start to his basketball career was not what he had in mind. He was 5’10” and overweight as a junior and did not make the varsity team. Interestingly, Barkley had a shocking growth spurt in the summer and stood at 6’4″. As his basketball skills aligned with his physical prowess, Barkley became a starter on the varsity team as a senior. However, he was still not considered a college prospect. But things changed when he dominated one of the highly-rated college prospects in the state. Soon, Auburn University came calling.

The once six-pound infant who was in a life-threatening situation struggled with weight gain during his college career. However, Barkley established himself as one of the best college players in the country. During his time with Auburn University, Barkley also earned a lot of accolades for his performances. Then he declared for the NBA Draft in 1984.

The Philadelphia 76ers selected Barkley as the 5th overall pick in the draft. He hit the ground running and earned a spot on the All-Rookie First Team. In the next few years, he continued his ascension and established himself as one of the best players in the league. He made his first All-Star appearance in 1987 and won the All-Star MVP award in 1991. However, team success was hard to come by. The power forward was tired of losing and requested a trade. The Sixers traded him to the Phoenix Suns in 1992.

During his first season with the Suns, Barkley clinched the NBA MVP award while averaging 25.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Notably, Chuck won the MVP race against Michael Jordan who was in his prime. Unfortunately for Barkley, his luck against close friend Jordan ran out in the 1993 NBA Finals. The Chicago Bulls clinched their third straight title by beating the Suns 4-2.

Over the next few seasons, Barkley and the Suns did not make the Conference Finals. In the twilight of his career, he moved to the Houston Rockets to team up with legends like Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, and Scottie Pippen for a shot at the title. Barkley even took pay cuts to accommodate other stars. However, the aging Rockets did not reach find success. Barkley would rupture his left quadricep tendon during his last season. But after 5 months of recovery, the 1993 NBA MVP would return to action and play his last NBA minutes on April 19, 2000. Charles Barkley played a total of 1,073 regular season games.

During his 16-season NBA career, Charles Barkley made the playoffs 13/16 times. His career playoff high came in 1994 when he dropped 56 points and 14 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors during a win in Round 1. Barkley would play a total of 123 post-season games.

Charles Barkley’s NBA Contracts

Despite coming into the league as the 5th pick in 1984, Charles Barkley did not earn over a million dollars for the first 4 seasons of his career. His 1st season saw him valued at slightly over $300,000. Year 2 witnessed a small jump to $437,500 and then $600,000 the next season. Barkley’s rookie contract ended with a $822,500 annual salary. In 1988-89 Sir Charles signed a 5-year extension with the Sixers, the first year of which saw his salary nearly double to $1.5 million.

During the 89-90 and 90-91 seasons, Barkley would be one of the highest paid athletes in the league raking in $3.0 million and $2.9 million over the two seasons respectively. Chuck was the 4th highest paid player during the 1990-91 NBA season. He earned $3.2 million the following season; his last year in Philadelphia.  After being traded to Phoenix before the 92-93 season, Charles Barkley took home just under $2.5 million that season. Barkley would win the 1993 NBA MVP with the 31st highest salary that year.

He then signed a 5-year $18.9 million extension in Phoenix. Over the next two years, his Suns contract steadily increased to $3.25 million then $4 million in 1995 and $4.7 in 1996. Still, given his impact on the team, Barkley was severely underpaid. In 96-97, Charles Barkley was traded to Houston where his salary would stagnate around $4.7 million. By the 97-98 season, Sir Charles had lost a step or two but his salary plummeted to $2.25 million, an abysmal 147th in the league. The following season, Barkley earned just $1 million due to the lockout.

Entering the turn of the century, Barkley would sign the highest paying contract of his career, a 1-year $9 million deal to stay in Houston. Unfortunately, a torn left quad would force him to hang up his boots at the end of the season. Charles Barkley earned an estimated $43,608,000 during his NBA career.

Charles Barkley’s Partnerships and Endorsements 

Some of Charles Barkley’s endorsement deals with major brands are Nike, Coca-Cola, Right Guard, McDonald’s, and T-Mobile. The 1991 All-Star MVP has also made several investments over the years including real estate and private equity. Barkley’s Redmont Vodka recently collaborated with the NBA team Atlanta Hawks in order to make the spirit a part of the State Farm Arena menu.

Charles Barkley’s Investments

Charles Barkley is a well-known angel investor and producer. He reportedly invested in NeuroVice which is a fledgling startup. The company specializes in medical device technology that improves patient experience. 10 years ago, Barkley also founded the Redmont Distilling Company, which owns the Redmont Vodka. In 2023, the spirit is reported to have crossed $1 million in revenue.

Charles Barkley’s Records

One of only four players to record more than 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists in a career

#4 on Team USA Olympic single game scoring leaders list

Holds the Olympic field goal record of 81.6%

Charles Barkley’s Awards and Achievements

• NBA MVP 1993
• 11x NBA All-Star (1987, 1997)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1991)
• Two-time Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. men’s basketball team (1992, 1996)
• 5x All-NBA First Team (1988, 1991, 1993)
• 5x All-NBA Second Team (1986, 1987, 1992, 1994, 1995)
• All-NBA Third Team (1996)
• NBA rebounding leader (1988)
• NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Team
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985)
• No.34 retired by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor
• Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (2006)

Charles Barkley’s Charity and Foundation

Charles Barkley believes in giving back to the community. Over the years, he has made some major donations to help society in one way or another. The 76ers legend started The Charles Barkley Foundation in the mid-90s and has been contributing through the non-profit organization ever since.

Notably, Barkley has made massive donations to several HBCUs. He donated $1 million to Spelman College in 2022. Also, he donated $1 million each to Miles College and Tuskegee University in 2020 and he pledged $1 million each to Alabama A&M University and Clark Atlanta University in 2016. Barkley has also vowed $5 million in his will to ensure that his alma mater remains a diverse environment.

Furthermore, Barkley announced a relief fund to provide financial assistance to hospital staff in need during the coronavirus pandemic. He has also supported charities like Ante Up For Africa, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, ENOUGH Project, Hillsides, LIVESTRONG, Not On Our Watch, Stand Up To Cancer, United Service Organization, etc.

Charles Barkley’s Shoe Deal

From his days at Auburn to his days with the Sixers, Charles Barkley was a Converse man. He dominated at Auburn University in a pair of Converse All Star Pros. Despite being the SEC MVP during his college days, the road to a signature shoe line would be long for him. It wasn’t until 1992, when he moved to the Phoenix Suns, that Barkley would sign with Nike and begin working on his own shoe.

In 1993, the Air Max Force CB would hit the market, opening the floodgates for drops like the Air Max CB 34, the Nike Air Super CB and more, going on to have seven shoes with Nike by the end of his contract. Even the contract Charles Barkley signed with Nike has an interesting tale. As the 1993 NBA MVP put it, he was being courted by Nike when one of its biggest stars, Michael Jordan, gave the forward some valuable advice.

Michael Jordan advised Charles Barkley to convert a part of his $2 million contract into Nike stock. With the stock price at just over $2 in 1992, Barkley agreed to Jordan and ended up making 10x the value of his initial contract.

Charles Barkley’s House

Charles Barkley currently resides in his house in Scottsdale, Arizona. The property reportedly cost him around $2.2 million. Barkley bought the luxury mansion when he was playing for the Phoenix Suns. The estate spans over 8,600 square feet with three bedrooms and six bathrooms with many lavish amenities.

Charles Barkley’s Rings

Despite being in constant playoff contention, Charles Barkley only played in the NBA Finals once during his 16-season career. It was during his MVP season and he faced off against the man he had beaten for the regular season trophy – Michael Jordan. Unfortunately for Barkley, his sole trip to the promised land would be cut short as Jordan and the Bulls closed out the series in 6 games to complete their first three-peat. As a result, Charles Barkley has 0 rings.

Charles Barkley’s Car Collection

Charles Barkley has an impressive car collection. Some of the most notable cars in the NBA legend’s garage include the 2011 Lincoln Navigator, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Bentley Continental Sports, Audi A4, and the 2020 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label.

Charles Barkley’s Social Media Accounts

Charles Barkley is not active on any public social media accounts.