When we hear the name ‘Bill Walton’, we think of the NBA (National Basketball Association) champion, a broadcaster, and a millionaire. This man who declared ‘there is no crying in basketball’ has an astounding net worth. Let’s take a deep dive into Bill Walton net worth and explore the fascinating life of this all-rounder personality!
Renowned for his exceptional skills on the court, Bill Walton has made a profound impact on the sports world. The journey from becoming an NBA champion to turning into a legendary commentator is remarkable.
Beyond the iconic voice and thoughtful commentary lies a groundbreaking career that not only landed him a championship but also a huge financial success.
This iconic player tragically passed away on May 27, 2024, after a prolonged battle with cancer. At the time of his death, Bill Walton’s net worth was estimated to be $20 million.
Although he was the player of an era where the earnings of the NBA were drastically lower than current standards, Walton managed to build a whopping wealth during his lifetime.
In this blog post, we will delve deeper into Bill Walton net worth, his early life, his ventures beyond the court, and more that gave him a lot of money and success.
Let’s uncover the secrets of this renowned personality!
Bill Walton: Bio, Career, Personal Life, Health, and Early Days
| Birth Name | William Theodore Walton III |
| Nick Name | The Mountain Man |
| Born | November 5, 1952 |
| Death | May 27, 2024 |
| Nationality | San Diego, California, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 11½ inches |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Occupation | Basketball player, sports commentator, author, and actor. |
| Spouse | Lori Kay Matsuoka (1991–2024), Susan Kay Guth (February 24, 1979 – 1989) |
| Children | 4 sons ( Luke Walton, Nathan Walton, Adam Walton, Chris Walton) |
| Parents | William Theodore Walton and Gloria Anne Walton. |
Early Life
Bill Walton was born in Le Mesa, California on 5th November 1952. He grew up in Colorado Avenue with his siblings Andy, Bruce, and Cathy. Walton’s father’s name was William Theodore “Ted” Walton Jr and his mother was Gloria Anne. His father was a social worker and music teacher and his mother was a librarian.
Walton graduated from Helix High School in 1970.
He attended his elementary school at Blessed Sacrament. During this time, the coach named ‘Rocky Graciano’ introduced him to the basketball game. This early introduction to the game sparked a passion in his life.
Personal Life
Walton met Susan Kay Guth (first wife) at UCLA. They both got married in 1979. Bill Walton’s sons Luke Walton, Nathan Walton, Adam Walton, and Chris Walton followed in his footsteps and played basketball. Bill Walton’s wife and he mutually decided to part ways in 1989. He married again in 1991 to Lori Kay Matsuoka. At the time of his death, they both were residing in his hometown, San Diego.
Walton’s older brother Bruce played a key role in introducing him to the basketball game. Walton used to play alongside his brother during his high school years.
Walton’s brilliance in basketball earned him a scholarship to UCLA. He played and polished his skills under the guidance of coach John Wooden. His basketball career took a peak during the match of the NCAA Championship against Memphis State. In this match, Walton scored a remarkable 44 points which set a record that is still considered high today.
Bill Walton was a brilliant basketball player and sportscaster on TV. He used to play basketball matches at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), Boston Celtics, the National Basketball Association for San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers, and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Walton was a huge fan of the ‘Grateful Dead’ since his high school years. He had attended over 850 concerts of ‘Grateful Dead’ in his lifetime. He also traveled with them and also enlisted in the ‘Grateful Dead Hall of Honor’.
Walton has written liner notes in albums ‘Dave’s Picks Volume 5’ and ‘Dave’s Picks Volume 48. In a documentary featuring ‘Grateful Dead songs’, Walton also narrated ‘Fire on the Mountains which aired in October 2020 on ESPN.
All the members of Grateful Dead paid tribute to Walton after his death.
Career
Basketball Career
Under coach John Wooden, Bill Walton led UCLA to two national championships. He won the award ‘Player of the Year’ three times in a row. He had incredible passing skills and a defensive presence.
However, multiple injuries impacted his career which forced him out of several games. Walton’s NBA championship made him win his first MVP (most valued player) and Finals MVP after battling back from the injuries. Walton spent his 13 years of life playing for the NBA.
Bill Walton dedicated four years playing for the Portland Trail Blazers (1974 to 1978).
Later, Walton Celtics gave him a new role altogether which contributed to another championship win in 1986. This earned him the ‘Sixth Man of the Year’ award. However, chronic pain forced him to retire in 1987.
Broadcasting Career
The broadcasting career of Bill Walton was not only captivating but also very unexpected for many.
After taking retirement from games, he took another step in his career path as a sportscaster. This very career showcased his expertise in basketball and also the quirky side of his personality. The combination of insightful analysis and different tangents captured the attention of several networks in California. He worked for several broadcasters like ESPN, CBS, NBC, and ABC.
He was a vital part of the NBA Final broadcast crew several times, the 1996 Atlanta, and 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics. His insightful breakdowns and passion for the game gained critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
Walton’s humor, knowledge, and willingness to break away from the pre-defined script showed his truly rare voice in sports broadcasting.
Acting/TV Career
Walton was also seen showcasing his acting skills in Hollywood movies like ‘Little Nicky’ and ‘Airplane’. He made cameo appearances in movies like ‘Celtic Pride’, ‘88 and 1’, ‘Semi-Pro’, and ‘Forget Paris’. He was also seen as the ‘Sven the Wise’ in commercials of Capital One Visigoth SportsNet in 2011.
Walton also appeared in the motion picture ‘Ghostbusters’ in 1984. He also voiced a few video games like ‘NBA ShootOut 2004’ and ‘NBA 2K5’.
He also made his first appearance on the third season of ‘Shark Tank’, a reality TV show on 20, January 2012 to pitch for a ‘Clean Bottle’ that can be opened from both ends, making cleaning easy.
Bill Walton was also seen in a music video song called ‘Swish Swish’ by Katy Perry featuring Nicki Minaj.
He also played as a contestant in the TV show ‘Wheel of Fortune’. He was also seen in several TV shows like ‘The American Sportsman’, ‘The Sentinel’, ‘Pacific Blue’, ‘Inside Schwartz’, ‘One On One’, etc.
Awards
He won the Sports Emmy Award in 1991 and was recognized as one of the top 50 sportscasters of all time by the ASA (American Sportscaster Association). He also won CoSIDA Dick Enberg Award in 2018. Walton became renowned for his tie-dye shirts love which contributed more to his image of a one-of-a-kind broadcaster.
Walton was inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984 (inaugural class), and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 (inaugural class).
Health
Throughout his early professional career, Walton battled feet and ankle injuries which limited his playtime and potential. Despite injuries, he managed to rise in his career in the 1980s. Bill Walton’s Boston Celtics win earned him the ‘Sixth Man of the Year award’.
Due to chronic back pain and injuries, Walton took retirement from basketball in 1987. He also spoke about managing the pain for years. There were many reports of treatments and surgeries for mitigating his pain.
Unfortunately, a prolonged battle with colorectal cancer led to the demise of Bill Walton in May 2024 at the age of 71.
Bill Walton’s Famous Quotes
Walton was renowned for his insightful analysis and for going off-tangent commentary. The following is the list of his famous quotes that showcased his knowledge and unique voice.
For Teamwork
For Life and Philosophy
For Basketball
For Broadcasting
Bill Walton Net Worth at a Glance
Bill Walton’s net worth is $20 million in 2024.
Bill Walton’s Trail Blazers career gave him a remarkable elevation in his life. After winning the MVP award and five seasons with Portland, Bill Walton joined the San Diego Clippers as a free agent in 1979.
In his entire career, Walton made at least $2.6 million during the San Diego Clippers. After joining the Boston Celtics, his earnings decreased to $425000 for each season. In his broadcasting career, he made a whopping $5 million annually while working with ESPN, CBS, NBC, etc.
Investments and Ventures
Walton owns a diverse investment portfolio, food sectors, and real estate. He was serving as a community partner of Cleantech San Diego and SDSI board chairman.
Talking about his real estate investments, he owns a spacious house on the northern edge of Balboa Park in San Diego worth $5 million.
He also has made a significant amount of money through endorsements like many athletes. He has worked with many renowned brands like Nike and Spalding. Plus, he has made appearances in TV shows and movies which again diversified his sources of income.
Despite his enormous wealth, Walton believed in giving back to the community. He was involved in several charitable initiatives and organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bill Walton’s Net Worth
How did Bill Walton’s injuries affect his net worth?
Walton’s chronic injuries, multiple surgeries, and treatments impacted his earning potential significantly as he missed a lot of playing time throughout his career.
How did Bill Walton make his money?
He made money through his basketball career, broadcasting, investment, and ventures.
What is Bill Walton’s net worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Bill Walton’s net worth is $20 million.
Did Bill Walton’s broadcasting add to his wealth?
Yes, working for major networks like ESPN, ABC, NBC, and CBS contributed to Walton’s wealth as broadcasters make huge money, especially renowned ones like him.
Is money Bill Walton’s biggest legacy?
Not at all. Bill Walton will always be remembered for his amazing basketball career, NBA championship, and one-of-a-kind broadcasting style.
Wrapping Up
Walton’s life is a blend of brilliance in basketball, outrageous yet insightful commentary, and a die-hard love for tie-dye shirts.
Despite several injuries, Bill Walton left an imperishable mark on basketball history. He was considered one of the most prominent players ever at both professional and collegiate levels. His brilliance on the basketball court and outspoken personality continue to inspire countless players and give vital lessons to fans.
Bill Walton’s net worth reflects his successful career. From being a basketball player to becoming a one-of-a-kind sportscaster, Walton continuously leveraged his knowledge and skills to build his fortune.
His impact on the game with his unique playing style will always be remembered!
