Key Takeaways
- Dick Button’s estimated net worth of $5-10 million at his passing in January 2025 was built through his diverse career as an Olympic champion, longtime TV commentator, and business entrepreneur.
- His most significant financial success came from his 40+ year broadcasting career and his production company Candid Productions, which created televised figure skating events.
- Beyond his financial achievements, Button’s lasting impact on figure skating included pioneering the first triple jump, winning two Olympic gold medals, and revolutionizing sports commentary with his candid analytical style.
Dick Button, the legendary American figure skater and sports commentator, left an incredible mark on the world of figure skating.
With a career that spanned decades, Button’s influence extended from his record-breaking performances on the ice to his candid and insightful analysis as a commentator.
His contributions to the sport earned him numerous accolades, financial success, and a prominent place in figure skating history.
Dick Button’s Net Worth At The Time Of His Passing
At the time of his passing in January 2025, Dick Button’s estimated net worth was around $5 million to $10 million.
His wealth was amassed through various ventures, including his career as an Olympic athlete, television commentator, producer, and author.
Some of his sources of income are discussed below:
Competitive Figure Skating Career
Button was a two-time Olympic gold medalist (1948, 1952) and a five-time consecutive world champion (1948–1952).
His pioneering performances, including the first-ever triple jump in competition, revolutionized the sport.
While figure skating prizes in his era were not as lucrative as today, his dominance in the sport established his early financial foundation.
Television Broadcasting And Commentary
Button’s most enduring financial success came from his long career as a television commentator.
He began broadcasting in 1960 for CBS and later became the face of figure skating commentary for ABC Sports.
His detailed and often unfiltered analysis made him a household name in sports broadcasting.
His Emmy-winning career as a commentator spanned over 40 years, providing him with lucrative contracts and a steady income.
Business Ventures And Production Company
In addition to his broadcasting career, Button founded Candid Productions, a company that produced numerous made-for-TV figure skating events, including the World Professional Figure Skating Championships.
These ventures contributed significantly to his net worth as figure skating gained more viewership and commercial appeal in the late 20th century.
Endorsements And Public Appearances
As one of the most recognized figures in skating, Button leveraged his fame for endorsement deals, public speaking engagements, and television appearances.
His expertise and reputation made him a sought-after personality in figure skating-related events.
Legal And Academic Background
Button earned a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1956 and was admitted to the bar in Washington, D.C.
While he did not actively practice law, his legal education contributed to his business acumen, allowing him to make strategic financial decisions throughout his career.
Button’s Legacy Beyond Wealth
While his net worth was substantial, Dick Button’s real legacy lies in his contributions to figure skating.
He redefined the sport with his technical innovations, educated generations of fans through his commentary, and shaped the business of professional figure skating with his productions.
His influence will continue to be felt in the sport for years to come.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Dick Button made his first TV skating appearance at Rockefeller Center’s rink on the show “We the People” in April 1952. Later, in October 1954, he appeared alongside four other Olympic champions on “I’ve Got A Secret.”
- His marriage to skating coach Slavka Kohout in 1975 ended in divorce. Button lived in North Salem, New York.
- In 1976, he became one of the first inductees of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame when it was established that year.
