At the time of his death, Bill Walton's net worth in 2024 was $20 million. The basketball legend with a colorful personality will never be forgotten, and although he played in an era of the NBA where players didn't make nearly as much as superstars do now, Walton still did well for himself financially. In this article, we are going to remember Walton's life and impact on the game of basketball by looking back at his career to see how he came to his wealth.
Bill Walton's net worth in 2024 (estimate): $20 million
Bill Walton's net worth in 2024 was estimated to be around $20 million. This is according to sources including celebritynetworth.com and therichest.com.
Walton was born in La Mesa, California, and although he went on to become one of the most important figures in the history of basketball, it was evident from an early age that he wasn't your average jock. As a child, Walton had an interest in music, art, and literature.
Eventually, Walton went on to start a prolific basketball career. After a major growth spurt that didn't end until he reached 6-foot-11, Walton led his high school team to 49 straight wins and two championships. In a senior season where he averaged 29 points and 25 rebounds per game, Walton set an all-time record of 78.3 percent shooting from the field that still stands today.
Bill Walton's basketball career
Bill Walton went on to play his college basketball for UCLA. At that time the Bruins were starting a dynasty led by coach John Wooden. In 1970, freshmen were not allowed to play on the varsity, but Walton's next three seasons were among the best in college basketball history.
Walton won two championships while averaging 20.3 points and 15.7 rebounds per game over a career that makes him one of the best collegiate players ever. His run with the Bruins included a National College Player of the Year nod in each of his three seasons and an incredible 73-game winning streak.
Walton's accolades in college led to the Portland Trail Blazers drafting him first overall in 1974. Lower body injuries that started up in high school started to plague him at the professional level. His first two seasons were limited by foot injuries, but the center did break out in year three.
After averaging 18.6 points per game, Walton finished second in MVP voting. The following year, he earned that award and was named the best player in the league after averaging 18.9 points per game en route to winning the NBA Finals. Walton was a dominant interior presence who could score inside at an extremely efficient level, grab rebounds against the best bigs in the league, and protect the paint at an All-Defensive level.
Unfortunately, Walton ended up becoming one of the biggest what-if cases in NBA history. He missed the entire 1978-79 season after being named MVP, as well as two of the next three seasons after that. Walton ended up spending time with the San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers before ending his career with the Boston Celtics where he won a Sixth Man of the Year award and another championship.
All in all, Walton ended his career with two championships, two All-Star appearances, an MVP, two All-Defensive first-team nods, and a season where he led the league in both rebounds and blocks. His peak was among the best in the history of the NBA, but injuries robbed fans of what could have been one of the best careers ever.
Still, Walton was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1993, and he became known for much more than just basketball. Walton was a hippy in a basketball community that didn't have many characters like him. He was known for his long hair, tie dye shirts, and funny sayings.
Bill Walton post-retirement
After his retirement from basketball in 1988, Walton furthered his legend as a broadcaster. He was a unique individual, and he didn't change up his vibe when calling basketball games.
While he did have great basketball insight, Walton was known for going on tangents and rambling on about non-basketball related things. Fans loved him for it, though, and they respected him for never changing up who he was.
Walton ended up broadcasting for CBS, NBC, the Los Angeles Clippers, and ESPN. The legendary player earned about $3 million during his playing career before adding to his net worth during a long and successful broadcasting career.
Walton ended up passing away after a battle with cancer on May 27, 2024. While he is gone, the basketball community will never forget him. Walton leaves behind four sons, one of which (Luke) became a two-time NBA champion himself.
Bill Walton's legacy will be remembered forever, and his impact on basketball afforded him to leave generational wealth to his family after his passing.
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