NBA Hall-of-Famer & Civil Rights Activist; Former President of the NBA's Players Association

Cincinnati, OH, USA
Live Event: $20,000 - $30,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Oscar Robertson Biography

Oscar Robertson's journey into the realm of professional basketball began in 1960 when the Cincinnati Royals drafted him in the NBA draft. His rookie season was memorable as he was named NBA Rookie of the Year and elected to the All-NBA First Team. Robertson went on to accomplish a significant feat in the history of the NBA by becoming the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season during the 1961-62 NBA season. His record of 41 triple-doubles in a season was also a significant milestone. In the 1963-64 season, he was recognized as the NBA MVP.

Robertson's influence extended beyond the court as he was involved in a landmark antitrust suit, Robertson v. National Basketball Association, leading to considerable changes in the league's free agency and draft systems. As a testament to his leadership, he served as president of the NBA's Players Association. His contributions to the game were acknowledged when his jersey numbers were retired by both the Kansas City Kings and the Milwaukee Bucks. A nine-foot bronze statue of Robertson stands tall at the University of Cincinnati, commemorating his influence in the world of basketball.

Robertson's accolades did not stop after his retirement. He was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 and again into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on April 28, 1980. He has been recognized as one of the league's all-time greatest players by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. The Player of the Year Award by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association was renamed the Oscar Robertson Trophy in 1998, and in 2022, the NBA renamed its Western Conference championship trophy in his honor.

Born in 1938, Robertson grew up dirt-poor in a segregated housing project in Indianapolis. In the projects, he not only learned basketball but also gained firsthand experience with racial discrimination and economic inequality. He was drawn to basketball instead of baseball, which was more popular in the neighborhood, because it was “a poor kids’ game.” He learned how to shoot by tossing tennis balls and rags bound with rubber bands into a peach basket behind his family’s home. After his retirement, Robertson worked to improve the living conditions of African-Americans in his hometown of Indianapolis by helping to build affordable housing. He remained a harsh critic of social policies that adversely affect minorities, particularly African-Americans.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/18/2025.

Oscar Robertson Videos

OSCAR ROBERTSON | 75 Stories

OSCAR ROBERTSON | 75 Stories

So much of Oscar Robertson’s game was crammed into the first third of the NBA’s marvelous 75 seasons being celebrated in 2021-22, it’s no...

Oscar Robertson receives Lifetime Achievement Award | ESPN

Oscar Robertson receives Lifetime Achievement Award | ESPN

Oscar Robertson receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from the NBA during the 2018 NBA Awards. Watch his speech and press conference. ✔...

Oscar Robertson on How He Changed the NBA

Oscar Robertson on How He Changed the NBA

How Oscar Robertson changed the NBA forever, and how that's affected the league globally.

  • How do I book Oscar Robertson to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Oscar Robertson

    Speaking fees for Oscar Robertson, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Oscar Robertson are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Oscar Robertson, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Oscar Robertson speak about?

    Oscar Robertson is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Athlete, Basketball, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Business, Civil Rights, Diversity & Inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Hall of Fame, Social Activism, Social Justice, Sports
  • Where does Oscar Robertson travel from?

    Oscar Robertson generally travels from Cincinnati, OH, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Oscar Robertson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Oscar Robertson for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Oscar Robertson generally travels from Cincinnati, OH, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Tommie Smith, Yara Shahidi, Renee Montgomery, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Stephen A. Smith. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Oscar Robertson for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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