Charles Barkley Biography Charles Wade Barkley born February 20, 1963 is a former American professional basketball player and current television analyst for TNT and CBS Sports. Known by nicknames such as “Sir Charles,” “the Bread Truck,” and “the Round Mound of Rebound,” Barkley played 16 seasons in the NBA. Despite being shorter than most power forwards, he utilized his strength and aggressive play to become one of the league’s top rebounders and scorers. Over his career, Barkley was an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and the 1993 NBA MVP. He was also named to both the NBA’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams. Barkley attended Auburn University, where he earned All-American honors. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as a junior in the 1984 NBA Draft, selected fifth overall.
Charles Barkley Biography
Charles Barkley, known for his relentless and undersized style of play, outperformed and outclassed opponents who often stood more than six inches taller than him. His larger-than-life personality made him one of the most charismatic figures in the NBA, while his aggressive, hard-nosed approach to the game cemented his legacy as one of the league’s greatest rebounders, pound-for-pound and inch-for-inch. Despite being listed at 6’6″ and 250 lbs, Barkley was closer to 6’4″, making him the shortest player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding. In the 1986-87 season, he averaged an impressive 14.6 rebounds per game. Barkley was known for his ability to control defensive rebounds and then sprint the length of the court to finish with a powerful attack at the rim.
Charles Barkley Biography Details
| Born |
February 20, 1963 (age 61)
Leeds, Alabama, U.S. |
| Listed height |
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight |
252 lb (114 kg) |
| High school |
Leeds (Leeds, Alabama) |
| College |
Auburn (1981–1984) |
| NBA draft |
1984: 1st round, 5th overall pick |
| Playing career |
1984–2000 |
| Position |
Power forward / small forward |
| Number |
34, 32, 4 |
| Category |
Football Biographies |
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About Charles Barkley
Charles Wade Barkley is an American former professional basketball player who is a television analyst on TNT and CBS Sports. Nicknamed “Sir Charles”, “the Bread Truck”, and “the Round Mound of Rebound”, Barkley played 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association.
- Born: 20 February 1963 (age 61 years), Leeds, Alabama, United States
- Spouse: Maureen Blumhardt (m. 1989)
- Teammates: Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird ·
- Height: 98 m
- Dates joined: 1996 (Houston Rockets), 1992 (Phoenix Suns), 1984 (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Children: Christiana Barkley
- Hall of fame induction: 2006
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Early Life
Born and raised in Leeds, Alabama, Charles Barkley was the first black baby born at the town’s segregated, all-white hospital and was part of the first group of black students at his elementary school. His parents divorced when he was young after his father left the family, which included his younger brother, Darryl. His mother remarried and had another son, John Glenn. Barkley’s stepfather tragically died in an accident when Charles was 11.
He attended Leeds High School, where he initially struggled to make the varsity basketball team, standing at 5 ft 10 in and weighing 220 pounds as a junior. However, during the summer, he grew to 6 ft 4 in and earned a starting position as a senior. He averaged 19.1 points and 17.9 rebounds per game, leading his team to the state semi-finals.
Endorsements
Throughout his career, Barkley has had high-profile endorsement deals with companies like Capital One, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Nike, Right Guard, and T-Mobile. His endorsement earnings are believed to range between $5 million to $10 million, both during and after his playing career. Despite being a well-known figure in advertising, Barkley has openly rejected the notion of being a role model, encouraging young people to look up to their parents instead.
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Investments
Barkley has made significant investments, including a grant to Spelman College and an undisclosed investment in NeuroVice, a company specializing in medical device technology aimed at improving patient experiences.
Other Sources of Income
While there is limited public information on other income sources, it is likely that Barkley has a diverse portfolio, including stocks and shares, which likely generate additional income.
Charles Barkley’s Home
Barkley owns a luxurious estate in Scottsdale, Arizona, valued at approximately $2.2 million. He purchased the property while playing for the Phoenix Suns. The mansion features amenities like a mini golf course and a private swimming pool, perfect for Arizona’s hot climate. It also boasts 12 bathrooms and around 10 rooms.
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Charles Barkley’s Cars
As a car enthusiast, Barkley owns several luxury vehicles, including a Lincoln Navigator and a Bentley, among others.
Charitable Contributions
Barkley has shown generosity in his charitable work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when he launched a relief fund to support hospital staff. He is also a strong advocate for education, having donated $1 million each to Alabama A&M University and Clark Atlanta University. His philanthropic efforts demonstrate his commitment to supporting causes that benefit communities in need.
Charles Barkley Net Worth
Charles Barkley has an estimated net worth of $80 million in 2025, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The bulk of his fortune comes from his former basketball career and his many big-name brand endorsements, and he continues to add dollars to his name as a TV sports analyst.
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Charles Barkley’s Salary
Barkley currently earns $10 million per year as a television commentator on Inside the NBA, with three years remaining on his contract. In addition to his salary, he has other investments that provide him with a substantial income. Barkley is also known for his love of gambling, with reports suggesting that he once lost $2.5 million in a short period playing blackjack.
