Bill Russell’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2024. He amassed significant wealth from his basketball career as a player and a coach and was the first NBA star to earn a salary of $100,000 in 1965. The Boston Celtics legend also earned money from his TV appearances, brand partnerships, and books.

Looking back at how he started playing basketball in high school, it is not surprising to see he rose to become a basketball icon in the National Basketball Association. Read on as we explore Bill Russell’s net worth, earnings, and sources of income. 

What Is Bill Russell’s Net Worth as of 2024?

Before his demise, Bill Russell was estimated to be worth $10 million. There are no explicit details on who inherited his estate. However, he was survived by his three children, Karen, William Jr., and Jacob. Survivors also include his fourth wife named, Jeannine. They are the likely inheritors of his estate.

Bill Russell made the bulk of his net worth from his basketball career, both as a player and coach. Bill Russell’s net worth is only a fraction of what basketball players earn today. Back in the 50s and 60s, when Bill plied his trade, professional basketball players weren’t earning much. However, it’s presumed that Bill Russell earned approximately $15 million over 13 seasons in the NBA from the mid-50s through the late 60s.

Bill Russell’s Rookie Contract was Worth $24,000

Bill Russell ranks among the highest-paid NBA players of his time. The popular basketball player experienced a notable shift in wages between 1959 and 1969.  His rookie deal with the Celtic was worth about $24,000, which sums up to $239,207 in 2021.

Unlike his teammates, that had to work part-time to maintain their standard of living, Bill didn’t have to, as he had enough income to meet his needs. When Wilt Chamberlain emerged as the first NBA star to earn $100,000 in salary in 1965, Bill requested an annual salary of $100,001. This roughly estimates $600,000 when adjusted for inflation

The professional basketball player first played for the United State basketball team at the Summer Olympics of 1956 in Melbourne. This was before he got the NBA draft. Bill Russell played as a center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association for 13 years (1956 – 1969). The award winner has several achievements under his belt. He led his team to win eight championships straight.

He Earned an Annual Salary of $25,000 in His First Coaching Job

Following Red Auberbach’s retirement as a Celtic coach, Bill Russell became the head coach in 1966. What’s more, he became the first black head coach in the history of the NBA. As a coach, he was paid an annual salary of $25,000 in addition to his salary as a player.

While Bill is recognized as the first NBA coach to earn that amount, it’s unclear if his annual salary of $100,001 was included in his total earnings. The trailblazer bagged a shoe deal with Bristol Manufacturing Corporation in 1966. Bill Russell was both a player and coach for two rings at Celtic (1968 and 1969).

However, his stint as a coach wasn’t quite successful, as Celtics lost their winning streak to the Philadephia 76ers. The Celtics had a come-back victory when they had a face-off with the 76ers during the Eastern Division Finals. Furthermore, they regained their championship streak as the Celtics beat the Lakers in the NBA finals. This was Bill’s 10th championship win.

The former basketball player had a breaking point in his coaching career upon hearing about the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr and Robert F. Kennedy. The Vietnam war and his troubled marriage with his wife, Rosie, made him lose interest in basketball.

This made him gain excess weight, miss compulsory NBA coach meetings, and lack enthusiasm for basketball games. But thanks to his doggedness, Bill Russell dealt with his shortcomings in the long run and led his team to the NBA Finals. They defeated the Los Angeles Lakers there, and Bill earned his 11th championship. Soon enough, he ended his coaching career with the Celtics while planning to delve into the media.

Based on reports, Bill Russell’s highest salary seems to be $100,001. There’s no information about a salary increase in the course of his career.

Bill Russell Sold His Retirement Story for $10,000 at the End of His Coaching Career

Bill Russell had a brief coaching stint at the Seattle Supersonics (1973–1977) and Sacramento Kings (1987–1988). Though the celebrity coach led the Supersonics into the playoffs for the first time in the history of the franchise, his defensive and team-oriented approach didn’t sit well with the team.

Hence, he left the team in 1977 with a 162–166 record. His coaching stint with Sacramento Kings was shortlived, leaving the team with a 341–290 record. During his coaching tenure, he also served as the general manager for both teams. The renowned coach sold his retirement story to Sports Illustrated for $10,000.

Summary of Bill Russell’s Salary from Basketball

• Rookie Contract with the Celtics is $24,000
• Salary from the Celtics $100,001
• Earnings from the sale of his retirement story $10,000
• Annual salary as a coach $25,000

Bill Russell also had Endorsement Deals with the Likes of Wheaties Cereal

At the time of his death, Bill Russell was speculated to have a net worth of $10 million. While he earned a sizable amount from his basketball career, he garnered much from brand partnerships and business ventures. In the 1960s, he was featured in several TV commercials for Wheaties Cereal. This shot him to prominence.

In 2007, he appeared in a TV commercial for AT&T Wireless alongside NBA legends Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Bill Russell also starred in a Fort Locker ad with Russell Westbrook. Additionally, the brand ambassador narrated an advertisement for Under Armour alongside Stephen Curry. Through these brand partnerships and collaborations, Bill Russell managed to build relevance among his fans and earn additional income for himself.

Besides working as a coach, TV host, and actor, Bill has some books to his name, including Second Wind. He wrote the book in 1979. The former basketball center also delved into acting, playing the role of Judge Roger Ferguson in the Miami Vice episode “The Fix”.

In 1985, Don Chaney, former Celtic teammate and head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, asked Bill to train Benoit Benjamin, the third overall NBA draft. Bill wasn’t paid for this job. There are no details about how much he earned from his books, TV shows, acting, and coaching career with Sacramento Kings and Supersonics.

Bill Russell Became Bankrupt After Retiring from Basketball

Bill Russell had financial trouble in the course of his career. Upon retiring from coaching, he had plans to spend his retirement in Liberia. This made him invest $250,000 in a rubber plantation in the country. Unfortunately, this wasn’t lucrative and put him in financial trouble.

Bill Russell also lost money when he borrowed a $90,000 government loan to purchase an outlet for his Boston restaurant. Additionally, he owed $34,430 in tax money, making the Internal Revenue Service take possession of his house.

Within the 1970s and mid-1980s, Bill Russell dipped his toes in TV shows. In 1971, he became a vegetarian and a basketball commentator on ABC, presenting the Game of the week show. He also worked as a color commentator for CBS and TBC.  In 1979, Bill Russell hosted Saturday Night Live, where he was featured in many sports-related sketches.

He Listed His Washington Home for Sale in 2021

The most decorated player in the NBA owned several houses in the United States. In 2021, Bill listed his Washington home for sale at $2.6 million. He had lived in the 4,250-square-foot home for about 50 years. He mentioned in an interview that he’s leaving behind valuable relics, including his trophy case and autographed ball, for the next owner. There’s no information if the house has been sold, who bought it, or when it was purchased.

Bill Russell’s Assets and Properties

Bill Russell’s Net Worth Growth

FAQs

What Is Bill Russell Net Worth’s Net Worth?

Before his demise, Bill Russell was estimated to be worth $10 million. He amassed significant wealth from his basketball career as a player and a coach and was the first NBA star to earn a salary of $100,000 in 1965. The Boston Celtics legend also earned money from his TV appearances, brand partnerships, and books.