As of 2025, Dennis Rodman has an estimated net worth of $500,000, a modest sum for a man who once stood among the highest-paid athletes in the NBA. Known as “The Worm,” Rodman is as famous for his fierce rebounding and defensive prowess as he is for his eccentric off-court behavior, high-profile relationships, and international diplomacy efforts.
Early Life: From Airport Janitor to Basketball Stardom
Dennis Keith Rodman was born on May 13, 1961, in Trenton, New Jersey, making him 63 years old in 2025. Raised primarily by his mother, Shirley, in Dallas, Texas, Rodman grew up without his father, Philander, who left the family and later fathered over 40 children. Rodman’s upbringing was humble—he worked as an overnight janitor at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport before a late growth spurt helped him pivot to basketball.
Rodman didn’t play high school basketball until late in his teenage years. After a brief stint at Cooke County College, he transferred to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he became a standout player and caught the attention of NBA scouts.
NBA Career: Five-Time Champion and Rebounding Machine
Dennis Rodman was drafted in 1986 as the 27th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons, becoming a key part of the infamous “Bad Boys” era. With the Pistons, he won two NBA championships and built a reputation as the league’s best defender and rebounder. His relentless energy and defensive grit earned him two NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards and seven straight All-Defensive First Team selections.
After leaving Detroit, Rodman played for the San Antonio Spurs, but his most iconic years came with the Chicago Bulls. Alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, he helped the Bulls win three consecutive championships from 1996 to 1998. Known for leading the NBA in rebounds for seven consecutive seasons, Rodman wasn’t a scorer—he averaged just 7.3 points and 13.1 rebounds per game—but his impact on the court was undeniable.
He later had short stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks before officially retiring in 2000. In total, Rodman earned $27 million in salary during his 14-year NBA career, equivalent to about $43 million today when adjusted for inflation. His peak salary came during the 1996–97 season, when he earned $9 million, making him the 10th highest-paid player in the league at the time.
Financial Issues and Decline
Despite his impressive earnings, Rodman’s net worth has dwindled to around $500,000. His lavish lifestyle, legal troubles, fines, and multiple suspensions cost him millions. One infamous incident in 1997, when he kicked a referee, led to an $11-game suspension and a $200,000 fine, costing him nearly $1 million in total.
In 2012, Rodman appeared in court claiming he was broke and owed over $860,000 in unpaid child support. He faced mounting legal bills, ongoing personal struggles, and battles with alcohol addiction that further drained his finances.
Wrestling, Acting, and Media Fame
After basketball, Rodman turned to professional wrestling, joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW) between 1997 and 1999. He teamed up with Hulk Hogan, participated in several “Bash at the Beach” events, and later faced off against Randy Savage. In 2008, he won the reality series Celebrity Championship Wrestling.
Rodman also explored acting, starring in action films like Double Team (1997) and Simon Sez (1999). Though his film career was critically panned—earning three Golden Raspberry Awards—it reinforced his reputation as a pop culture oddball. He later made appearances in 3rd Rock from the Sun, Celebrity Big Brother UK, and Celebrity Apprentice.
International Diplomacy and Political Persona
In an unexpected twist, Rodman became a quasi-diplomat to North Korea, befriending Kim Jong-un and making several controversial trips beginning in 2013. He played a role in facilitating a 2018 summit between Donald Trump and Kim in Singapore. Rodman’s appearances in North Korea were often sponsored by PotCoin, a cryptocurrency company, and he was frequently seen wearing branded gear.
Personal Life and Family
Rodman’s personal life has often made headlines. He married Annie Bakes in the early 1990s, and they had a daughter, Alexis, born in 1988. He famously married Carmen Electra in 1998, though the union lasted just four months. In 2003, he married Michelle Moyer, and they had two children—Dennis Jr. (DJ) and Trinity. The couple’s on-and-off relationship officially ended in divorce in 2012.
Rodman’s children have carried on his athletic legacy. DJ played college basketball for Washington State and later transferred to USC, while Trinity Rodman has become a professional soccer star for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL and is widely regarded as one of the top young talents in American women’s soccer.
Real Estate and Property Sales
Rodman made several real estate investments during his NBA years. He bought a Newport Beach home for $825,000 in 1996, which later sold for $3.8 million. He also owned property in Orange County, California, but sold it shortly after purchase. These deals added temporary boosts to his finances, though much of his wealth was later depleted.
Rodman Today: Public Appearances and Endorsements
In recent years, Rodman has made public appearances at events, signed memorabilia, and occasionally appeared on television. He endorsed Kanye West’s presidential campaign in 2020 and has remained active on social media. While not the multimillionaire he once was, Rodman continues to draw crowds and media attention wherever he goes.