Dennis Rodman Net Worth

Dennis Rodman has an estimated net worth of $500,000. The former NBA star built his wealth through a 14-year professional basketball career, endorsement deals, book sales, television appearances, professional wrestling, film roles and other entertainment ventures.

Rodman became one of the most recognizable basketball players of the 1990s. Known as “The Worm,” he was an exceptional rebounder and defender despite standing just 6 feet 7 inches tall. He won five NBA championships, including two with the Detroit Pistons and three with the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

Despite earning nearly $27 million in NBA salary alone, Rodman’s financial situation deteriorated significantly after his playing career. In 2012, his lawyers told a court that the former basketball star was essentially broke while facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid child support.

Rodman’s unusual personality also helped him build a career outside basketball. He became a professional wrestler, actor, reality television personality and author. His colorful appearance, controversial behavior and high-profile relationships turned him into a global celebrity.

Dennis Rodman Salary

Rodman earned approximately $27 million in NBA salary during his 14-year career.

His NBA earnings grew as he developed from a second-round draft pick into one of the league’s premier defensive players and rebounders. His rookie salary with the Detroit Pistons was approximately $160,000.

Rodman’s biggest NBA payday came during his time with the Chicago Bulls. He earned about $4.5 million during the 1996-97 season, his highest single-season salary.

Across three seasons with Chicago between 1995 and 1998, Rodman earned roughly $9 million.

Although those figures were substantial at the time, Rodman was never among the NBA’s highest-paid offensive stars. His value came primarily from his defense, rebounding, toughness and ability to defend multiple positions.

Rodman also earned money outside the NBA through endorsement deals, books, television appearances, wrestling and celebrity appearances.

Early Life

Dennis Keith Rodman was born on May 13, 1961, in Trenton, New Jersey. He was raised primarily in Dallas, Texas, by his mother, Shirley, who worked several jobs to support the family.

Rodman was extremely small for a future professional basketball player during his teenage years. He stood approximately 5 feet 6 inches when he graduated from South Oak Cliff High School and initially failed to make the school’s basketball team.

After high school, Rodman worked as an overnight janitor at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. He later experienced a dramatic growth spurt and eventually reached 6 feet 7 inches.

He enrolled at Cooke County College but left after one semester because of academic difficulties. He later attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he became a dominant basketball player.

Rodman averaged more than 25 points and 15 rebounds per game and earned three NAIA All-American selections. His performances eventually attracted the attention of NBA scouts.

NBA Career

The Detroit Pistons selected Rodman with the 27th overall pick in the second round of the 1986 NBA Draft.

He quickly established himself as one of the NBA’s best defensive players. Rodman became a key member of Detroit’s “Bad Boys” teams alongside Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars and Bill Laimbeer.

The Pistons won consecutive NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. Rodman also won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice.

His ability to guard players across multiple positions and dominate the offensive and defensive glass made him one of the league’s most valuable role players.

Rodman was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 1993. He continued to dominate the boards but became increasingly known for his unconventional behavior.

His career reached its most celebrated stage when he joined the Chicago Bulls in 1995.

Playing alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Rodman helped Chicago win three consecutive NBA championships from 1996 to 1998.

He led the NBA in rebounding for seven consecutive seasons, an extraordinary achievement considering his relatively modest scoring numbers.

Over his NBA career, Rodman played in 911 regular-season games and averaged 7.3 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. He was selected to seven All-Defensive First Teams and made two All-Star appearances.

He finished his career with five NBA championships.

Rodman was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.

Financial Problems

Despite earning nearly $27 million in NBA salary, Rodman later experienced serious financial difficulties.

In March 2012, Rodman appeared in a Detroit court over allegations that he owed approximately $860,376 in child support to an ex-wife.

His lawyers argued that the former NBA star was unable to pay the outstanding amount because he was essentially broke.

The financial problems were particularly notable because Rodman had earned millions during his basketball career and additional money from endorsements, books, television and appearances.

He also lost significant income through fines and suspensions during his playing days.

One of the most expensive incidents occurred in 1997 when Rodman kicked a referee in the groin. He was fined $200,000 and suspended for 11 games. The suspension and lost salary reportedly cost him approximately $1 million.

Professional Wrestling Career

Rodman’s fame extended beyond basketball when he entered professional wrestling.

Between 1997 and 1999, he competed for World Championship Wrestling. He teamed with wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan and appeared at major events including “Bash at the Beach” and “Road Wild.”

Rodman later returned to wrestling and appeared on “Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling” in 2008.

His wrestling career added another source of income while further establishing his reputation as one of the most unconventional sports celebrities in America.

Film and Television Career

Rodman also pursued acting and television after becoming an NBA superstar.

He made his film debut in “Double Team,” starring alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme and Mickey Rourke. He later appeared in “Simon Sez” and “Cutaway.”

Rodman also starred in the MTV reality show “The Rodman World Tour.”

His celebrity status made him a frequent guest on television programs. He appeared on “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Celebrity Mole” and other entertainment productions.

He also participated in “Celebrity Big Brother” and “Celebrity Apprentice.”

Books and Other Ventures

Rodman turned his unusual personality into a commercial brand through several books.

His 1996 autobiography, “Bad as I Wanna Be,” became closely associated with his provocative public image. He later published “I Should Be Dead by Now” in 2005.

In 2013, he released the children’s book “Dennis the Wild Bull.”

Rodman also earned money from international appearances and promotional deals. His unusual friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un generated significant international attention.

Beginning in 2013, Rodman made several trips to North Korea as part of what he described as basketball diplomacy.

Personal Life

Rodman has been married several times.

He was previously married to Annie Bakes, with whom he had a daughter, Alexis, born in 1988.

In November 1998, Rodman married actress and model Carmen Electra. The marriage lasted only a few months before the couple separated.

Rodman later married Michelle Moyer in 2003. They had two children, Dennis Jr. and Trinity. Their relationship ended in divorce, which was finalized in 2012.

His children also pursued careers in sports. Dennis Jr. played college basketball, while Trinity became a professional soccer player.

Legal and Addiction Issues

Rodman’s post-NBA years were also marked by several legal and personal difficulties.

He was arrested for drunk driving in 1999 and again in 2004. He entered rehabilitation in 2008 and later appeared on “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.”

Rodman returned to rehabilitation in 2014 following another alcohol-related episode.

In January 2018, he was arrested for driving under the influence in Newport Beach, California. He later received probation after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges.

In 2019, he faced a misdemeanor battery charge following an alleged incident at a Florida bar.

Real Estate

Rodman has owned several properties during his lifetime.

In 1996, he purchased a two-story home on Seashore Drive in Newport Beach, California, for approximately $825,000. He later listed the property for sale, and it eventually sold for about $3.8 million.

He also owned a residence in the Saddle Hill Ranch community in Orange County, California. That property was eventually sold for approximately $1.1 million.

Also Read: Carmen Electra Net Worth