Bill Russell net worth (and 5 things you might not know about the basketball legend)

A new Netflix original documentary series traces the life and career of a true NBA superstar and celebrated civil rights activist. Bill Russell: Legend honors the legacy of the basketball all-timer and features the last interview with the icon before his death in July 2022.

The two-episode documentary will be a must-watch for fans of Russell, the Boston Celtics, or basketball in general. It’s amazing to see everything he was able to accomplish in his life and career, and Legend will put all of his great work in sports and beyond on display.

Looking to get to know the famed athlete, coach, and activist before or after watching both episodes of Legend? Here’s Russell’s estimated net worth and five additional facts you might not know about his records, height, activism, and more!

What is Bill Russell’s estimated net worth?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Russell had an estimated net worth of about $10 million by 2022, when the basketball star passed away. The athlete made the bulk of his fortune from his sports career, becoming one of the highest earning basketball players at the time.

Russell was said to have made a $100,001 salary to top Wilt Chamberlain’s own $100K salary. When Russell later became a coach, he made an additional $25K, though it’s been disputed whether the coach salary was on top of his player salary.

How tall was Bill Russell?

Basketball players are often known for their extraordinary height, and Bill Russell was no different. The basketball legend stood at a towering height of 6 feet 10 inches, which places the athlete at nearly 7 feet tall. While he was impressively tall, Russell was far from the tallest athlete of all time, with other athletes exceeding 7 and 8 feet tall.

Where is Bill Russell from?

Bill Russell was born Feb. 12, 1934 in West Monroe, Louisiana. When he was eight years old, he and his family moved to Oakland, California, where his family spent time living in public housing projects due to poverty. Russell attended McClymonds High School in Oakland, which was where he was ultimately recruited to play college basketball.

Where did Bill Russell go to college?

Hal DeJulio, a recruited for the University of San Francisco caught a high school basketball game of Russell’s and offered him a scholarship to USF. Taking the moment as his opportunity to leave behind the poverty and racism of his childhood, Russell accepted the scholarship and went on to have a successful college basketball career.

How many rings does Bill Russell have?

Russell leads the list of NBA players who have won the most championships with 11 titles under his belt during his 13 years as a player. The legend earned these championship wins with the Boston Celtics in the years 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, and 1969. These championship wins and many more accomplishments have deservedly made Russell one of the best and most awarded NBA players of all time. His legacy sure precedes him!

Bill Russell activism

On and off the basketball court, Russell made sure to use his platform for good, becoming a key voice for the civil rights movement. Considering the time of his fame, standing up against racism and visiting Jackson, Mississippi after the assassination of Medgar Evers put his life at risk. There are so many ways that Russell helped make the world a better place and left a lasting impact.

Bill Russell: Legend will also cover the basketball star’s extensive work as an activist. Take a look at the documentary series’ synopsis, which previews his activism accomplishments:

"Off the court Russell was a force in the fight for human rights — marching with Martin Luther King Jr., leading boycotts in the NBA over racist practices and speaking out against segregation — efforts which earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom."

Learn more about the iconic athlete’s life and accomplishments when Bill Russell: Legend begins streaming on Netflix on Wednesday, Feb. 8.