Before exploring Don Cherry’s net worth, it’s important to understand his career journey. Born in 1934 in Kingston, Ontario, Cherry started as a professional ice hockey player but gained worldwide fame as a coach and later as a commentator on Hockey Night in Canada. His bold opinions, controversial takes, and unique fashion sense made him one of the most recognizable figures in Canadian sports media.
Although his time as an NHL player was short-lived, he made a lasting mark as a coach with the Boston Bruins in the 1970s. However, the real financial success came during his decades-long stint as a broadcaster.
Don Cherry Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Don Cherry’s net worth is estimated to be around $14 million. His wealth comes from multiple income sources, including his coaching career, broadcasting contracts, endorsement deals, and even merchandising.
Quick Financial Overview
| Category | Estimated Value/Income Source |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | $14 Million |
| Annual Salary (Peak) | $800,000 – $1 Million (during CBC contract) |
| Coaching Salary | $100,000 – $150,000 annually (1970s era) |
| Media/TV Appearances | Millions over the years |
| Endorsements | Sports brands, commercials, merchandise sales |
| Real Estate Holdings | Family home in Ontario (exact value unknown) |
How Did Don Cherry Make His Money?
1. Hockey Career Earnings
Though Don Cherry’s playing career didn’t bring him major fortune, it gave him a start in professional sports. He mostly played in the minor leagues before briefly making it to the NHL. Player salaries were modest at the time, so this was not the main source of his wealth.
2. Coaching Career
Don Cherry’s financial journey took a positive turn when he became the head coach of the Boston Bruins (1974–1979). While coaching salaries in that era were not as massive as today’s figures, he earned a respectable living, which laid the foundation for his future stability.
3. Broadcasting & Media Deals
The biggest chunk of Don Cherry’s net worth comes from his long-running role on Coach’s Corner with CBC. For decades, Cherry was one of the highest-paid personalities in Canadian sports broadcasting. His salary reportedly reached close to $1 million per year at its peak.
This role not only brought him financial success but also cemented his place as a cultural icon in Canada.
4. Endorsements and Merchandising
Cherry’s flamboyant image and popularity helped him secure various endorsement deals. He also sold merchandise such as DVDs, books, and hockey-related memorabilia, which added to his net worth.
5. Real Estate and Investments
Although less publicized, Cherry invested in real estate and managed his wealth conservatively. Unlike many celebrities, he maintained a relatively modest lifestyle, focusing more on family and hockey than luxury spending.
Don Cherry’s Lifestyle and Spending
Unlike many wealthy celebrities, Cherry is not known for living an extravagant lifestyle. Yes, his iconic suits are custom-made and expensive, but beyond that, he has always lived relatively simply.
Most of his money has gone into family, philanthropy, and supporting hockey initiatives across Canada.
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Controversies and Career Setbacks
One cannot discuss Don Cherry’s net worth without mentioning the controversies that surrounded him. In 2019, his remarks on immigration led to his dismissal from CBC’s Coach’s Corner. While this ended his long-term broadcasting income, by then he had already built a strong financial foundation.
Though losing a steady paycheck reduced his earnings, Cherry’s past contracts, endorsements, and investments ensured that his wealth remained intact.
Don Cherry’s Net Worth Compared to Other Broadcasters
When compared to modern-day broadcasters, Cherry’s $14 million fortune is significant but not at the very top. For example:
| Personality | Estimated Net Worth | Notable Career Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Don Cherry | $14 Million | CBC’s Coach’s Corner |
| Ron MacLean | $3 Million | Hockey Night in Canada host |
| Bob Costas | $50 Million | American sportscaster legend |
| Joe Buck | $35 Million | NFL & MLB broadcaster |
Legacy Beyond Net Worth
While Don Cherry’s net worth is impressive, his true legacy lies in the impact he left on Canadian sports culture. From his bold opinions to his charity work, Cherry has influenced generations of hockey fans. His presence on television made hockey more entertaining, and his charitable efforts for veterans and youth sports show a deeper side to his personality.
Conclusion
So, how rich is Don Cherry? With an estimated net worth of $14 million in 2025, Cherry stands as one of Canada’s most successful hockey figures off the ice. His wealth is the result of a combination of coaching, broadcasting contracts, endorsements, and merchandising.
More than the money, however, Don Cherry will always be remembered as a cultural icon, whose contributions to hockey go far beyond his financial success.
