Wilt Chamberlain's Net Worth
Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most iconic figures in basketball history, had a net worth of $10 million when he passed away. Standing at 7'1", Chamberlain was a force to be reckoned with on the court, playing for teams such as the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. He holds numerous NBA records, including being the only player to score more than 100 points in a single game and averaging over 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in a season.
Despite some setbacks at the NBA Finals, Chamberlain's career was decorated with two championships, four MVP awards, Rookie of the Year, 13 All-Star selections, and ten All-NBA selections. In 1978, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Post-basketball, Wilt explored volleyball, acting, and even authored several books.
Early Years
Born on August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wilton Norman Chamberlain overcame early struggles, including a near-death experience with pneumonia, to become a basketball legend. Initially more interested in track and field, he took up basketball during high school, where he already stood at 6'11" and earned the nickname "The Big Dipper." His extraordinary high school performances led him to the University of Kansas, where he played under coach Phogg Allen. Although he excelled, he left college prematurely due to frustrations with the new coach and a desire to play professionally.
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Career
Wilt's professional journey began in 1958 with the Harlem Globetrotters for $50,000. He soon joined the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959 for $30,000—a team that later became the San Francisco Warriors. In 1965, he moved to the Philadelphia 76ers, winning his first NBA championship. By 1968, he was with the Los Angeles Lakers, securing another championship in 1972. Chamberlain earned hundreds of thousands per season, culminating his career with the San Diego Conquistadors before retiring in 1974.
Earnings
Wilt became the NBA's highest earner soon after joining the league, being the first player to make at least $100,000 per year. His time with the Lakers saw him earn over $1.5 million. His financial success allowed him to enjoy a lavish lifestyle, including purchasing a $750,000 Le Mans-style car and owning a Ferrari and a Bentley. Despite these earnings, Chamberlain later felt underpaid considering the multi-million-dollar salaries that became common in the NBA.
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Business Ventures
Post-retirement, Chamberlain found success in various business ventures, notably in the stock market and real estate. He also owned a popular nightclub in Harlem.
Brand Endorsements
Wilt supplemented his NBA income with numerous endorsements, working with TWA, American Express, Volkswagen, Drexel Burnham, Le Tigre Clothing, and Foot Locker, both during and after his basketball career.
Entertainment Career
In the mid-70s, Chamberlain ventured into Hollywood, establishing a production company named Go For It. His most notable role was as a villain in "Conan the Destroyer."
Passing
Wilt struggled with heart issues, which surfaced significantly in the early 90s, requiring hospitalization and medication for an irregular heartbeat. By the late 90s, his condition worsened, leading to a 50-pound weight loss. After dental surgery complications, Chamberlain passed away from congestive heart failure in 1999 at the age of 63 in Bel-Air. He was immediately commemorated by the sports community.
Real Estate
In the 1970s, Wilt spotted a 2.5-acre plot in the Bel-Air mountains, which was an abandoned missile silo. He purchased the land for $150,000 and hired architect David Tenneson Rich to construct a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired mansion named "Ursa Major." The 9,395-square-foot home includes six bedrooms, a pool, a sauna, extensive parking, and panoramic views of the Stone Canyon Reservoir and the city.
Here's a video tour of the mansion:
